How to fix iPhone not charging from laptop or PC

Phones and tablets can be charged from a wall outlet and from desktop computers as well as laptops. In fact, most devices that need to be charged can be charged by connecting them to a laptop or PC. In the case of a laptop, you don’t even have to turn it on. You can keep it off and still charge your device from it. Charging is mostly a simple process however, sometimes a device doesn’t charge. If you’re trying to charge an iPhone, and it won’t work, try the following.

Basic checks

Before you try any of the fixes, run the following checks first;

1. The data cable that you’re using is not damaged. Ideally, you should be using an original cable but third-party manufacturers will work just as well so long as they are not damaged.
2. Your iPhone’s connecting port is not damaged and is clean. Lint can build up in the connecting port since many people tend to keep their phones in their pockets. Make sure that the port is clean and that there are no visible/obvious signs of damage to it.
3. Connect it to a wall outlet to make sure that it charges. If it does not, it is possible the problem lies with either the iPhone, the wall adapter, or the charging cable you’re using.
4. Connect it to at least one other computer to see if it charges from it or not.

If everything checks out, try the following fixes.

Change port/Charging port

All laptops have at least one charging port. It’s a simple USB port that can supply power to a connected device. All USB ports can supply power however, the charging port supplies more power and allows devices to charge quickly (if supported), and to charge even if a laptop is turned off.

The charging port is indicated by a lightning symbol next to it though it may be missing in some cases. Check your laptop’s manual to determine which port is the charging port and make sure you’re using it to charge your iPhone. If you are already using the correct port, try using a different one with the laptop turned on.

Lastly, restart your laptop, and then try the charging port. On some systems, if a device tries to consume too much energy from a USB port, the port itself is disabled to keep the system safe. The quickest way to enable it again is to restart your system.

Authorize charging accessory

iOS has a feature where, if a device has not be unlocked for over an hour, any accessory connected to it via the connecting port will have to be authorized before it can be used. Check if you’ve forgotten to authorize charging on your iPhone.

For good measure, disconnect the iPhone, unlock it, and then connect it again.

Uninstall and re-install iPhone

Connect your iPhone to your PC or laptop. Open Device Manager and expand Portable Devices. Look for your iPhone under this group. Right-click it, and select Uninstall Device from the context menu. Disconnect your device, and then connect it again. Make sure it is unlocked, and it should start charging.

Check for disabled USB ports

If everything above fails, and you’ve already verified that the iPhone charges when connected to a different computer, check to see if USB ports have been disabled on the system. You can do this from Device Manager. Right-click each port, and make sure that none of them need to be enabled. If a port does need to be enabled, enable it and see if the iPhone starts charging.

Hardware failure

It is possible that your laptop’s ports are the problem. If other devices aren’t charging from it, have a professional look at it.

Read Full Bio

Fatima Wahab

Fatima has been writing for AddictiveTips for six years. She began as a junior writer and has been working as the Editor in Chief since 2014. Fatima gets an adrenaline rush from figuring out how technology works, and how to manipulate it. A well-designed app, something that solves a common everyday problem and looks

Latest from Author

How to Take a Screenshot on Windows Best FPS Counter Software for Windows