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Fix iPhone Not Charging After iOS Update

Updated: February 13, 2026

If your iPhone is plugged in but not charging, don't panic. This is rarely a hardware failure. It is usually a software glitch caused by a recent update that "froze" the charging logic.

The Problem

You updated your iOS overnight, and now your iPhone refuses to charge. Sometimes it shows the lightning bolt but the percentage stays the same. Other times, it ignores the charger completely. This happens because the software that manages power flow has crashed.

The Short Answer

Force Restart your iPhone immediately. This cuts power to the software glitch and resets the charging logic board. Press Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Side Button until the Apple Logo appears.

Quick Fixes

Clean the Port: Use a wooden toothpick to gently remove pocket lint.
Swap Cables: 30% of charging issues are just bad cables.
Cool Down: If your iPhone is hot, it will stop charging at 80% to protect itself.

Step-by-Step Fixes

1. The Force Restart Method (Works 80% of the time)

CRITICAL TIMING You must press Volume Up (click) and Volume Down (click) very fast. Then HOLD the side button and DO NOT LET GO until you see the Apple Logo (approx 20 seconds).

This is not a normal restart. It forces the physical hardware to reset.

PRO TIP Use a wooden toothpick to clean the port. NEVER use metal objects like paperclips, as they can short-circuit the pins.

Press and quickly release Volume Up.
Press and quickly release Volume Down.
Press and HOLD the Side Button (Power).
Do not let go when you see "Slide to Power Off". Keep holding.
Release ONLY when you see the Apple Logo.

Once it reboots, plug it in. It should charge normally.

2. The Toothpick Trick

PRO TIP Shine a bright flashlight into the port. If you see lint packed at the bottom, that is your problem.

Flashlights reveal what eyes miss. Shine a light into your charging port. You will likely see packed lint at the bottom.

Turn off your iPhone.
Use a wooden toothpick (never metal).
Gently scrape the bottom of the port.
Blow into it to clear the dust.

3. DFU Restore (Last Resort)

IMPORTANT NOTE DATA WARNING: A DFU Restore will erase everything on your iPhone. Ensure you have a backup on iCloud or your computer before proceeding.

If it is a deep software corruption, you need a DFU restore. Connect to iTunes or Finder maximize recovery mode. This will wipe the device, so only do this if you have a backup.

If Nothing Worked

If you force restarted and cleaned the port, but it still won't charge, your charging IC (Tristar chip) might be damaged. This requires a microsoldering repair or a battery replacement at an Apple Store.

FAQ

Why did this happen after an update?
Updates rewrite system code. Sometimes the "handshake" code between the charger and the battery gets corrupted.

Can I charge wirelessly instead?
Yes. If the port is broken, wireless charging usually still works perfectly.

Did the update break my battery?
No. Software updates cannot physically break a battery, but they can making the reading inaccurate.