Our repair technicians are sometimes asked how to repair an iPhone charger. The answer to this question is more complex than one might realize as, typically, chargers can’t easily be fixed, and it’s generally better to replace them. That being said, if you’re wondering how to repair your iPhone charger, there are several steps you can take to get any issues resolved. Read on to explore these in more detail.
Determine Whether the Charger is Actually Broken
Perhaps you didn’t plug the charger’s prongs all the way into the outlet. This can sometimes happen when you plug your charger into a surge protector, such as when the outlets on either side are being used by other cables and prevent the charger from going all the way down. Or, maybe you aren’t getting a full charge as quickly as you normally do. If this is the case, check to see whether the charger you’re using is the correct one – those of a lower wattage tend to charge a phone more slowly, especially if you have a big battery to fill!
Is Your Device the Problem?
iPhones are extremely complex devices with hundreds of tiny, intricate components housed within their sleek and beautiful frames. We’ve serviced every type of iPhone many times over the years, taking care of everything from cracked screens to software issues and battery replacements. Components can and will fail from time to time, especially with heavy use. If you’ve tried multiple bricks and your phone still won’t charge, bring it into a Mobile Klinik location so that we may perform diagnostics on its internals. If something’s not quite right inside, we’ll be happy to repair it.
Is the Lightning Cable Faulty or Broken?
Sometimes, the lightning cable used to charge your iPhone may be what is faulty rather than the charging brick itself. The good news is that this cable has a standard USB-A or USB-C connection on the end that plugs into the charger, and the entire cable can be removed and quickly replaced with another one. Try pairing the lightning cable with another charger that is compatible with your phone to determine whether it is working correctly. If it isn’t charging, then the wiring inside the cable may be frayed or bent.
Is There Moisture in the Charging Port?
iPhones are incredibly powerful and intelligent devices, so much so that Apple has engineered protective measures into the software to keep you safe. Specifically, these manage how the hardware – components such as the charging port, battery, camera, and otherwise – interact with the operating system and respond to user requests.
Moisture detection is one such precaution built into modern-day iPhones. If moisture is detected, your iPhone will alert you whenever you plug a cable into the port, refusing to charge until it is completely dry. This protects you as well as your device and any accessories you intend on plugging into it. If moisture is detected, you need to let the phone air dry, though you could also very gently attempt to dry the port with the device off. This should only be done using the edge of a microfibre cloth or another material that won’t harm the connection. Do not use a hair dryer as it may introduce excessive heat and/or air pressure that could damage the port or the device’s internals.
What About Damage to the Charging Port?
In some cases, your charging brick or cable may not be at fault, as we’ve noted above with moisture. We’ve worked on plenty of iPhone repairs and know the ins and outs of the included lightning port on these devices. This port is also used on some iPads, though most newer models have switched over to USB-C. The charging port on your phone, regardless of what type it is, can accumulate everything from not only moisture to also lint, grime, dirt, sand, dust, and microscopic debris.
Some of these particulates, such as grains of sand, can be a nightmare to deal with and tend to cause considerable damage, or they may become so deeply engrained into the charging port that they may not function correctly. An example of this is plugging a lightning cable into the phone to charge it while sand or dirt is present in the port, which then gets ground into small nooks and crannies in and around the connector.
Do Not Open the Charging Brick!
If the charging brick itself isn’t working correctly, never attempt to open and service it yourself. Repairing this is extremely dangerous, as it requires the ability to use a soldering iron and precision-manage tiny, highly sensitive electrical components. Even our repair teams tend to not work on charging bricks, instead recommending replacement units. Apple tends to swap out faulty chargers with new ones as well. The same thing applies to faulty lightning cables; repairs should only be handled by a certified professional, though usually these aren’t worth carrying out and a replacement is simply easier. After all, we’re talking about accessories that, when working together correctly, supply an electrical current to your device. Don’t take risks!
The Electrical Tape Approach
If you’re not eager to get your charger or lightning cable replaced, fear not. There is a workaround that is completely safe and easy without having to open anything up. For lightning cables in particular, many long-time Apple device users have a piece of electrical tape handy. While it’s not the optimal solution and certainly not a permanent fix, it can buy you some time.
So, how does electrical tape help? Well, the cable’s outer sheathing tends to fray as time goes on, especially when under heavy use, which can eventually bend the wiring and compromise its functionality. Wrapping the affected area in electrical tape can help to prevent further damage a little more effectively, but the fraying will continue with repeated use. The benefit of this trick is that the wiring can be kept as stabilized as possible for longer, but there are no guarantees that it will resolve the issue. It’s better to simply have the cable replaced if it doesn’t work correctly for peace of mind.
Is the Charger Less than a Year Old? Apple Will Replace it for Free!
If the iPhone charger is an official Apple product that came with your device when you first purchased it, you might be in luck. There is a one-year manufacturer’s warranty for official Apple accessories, and a free replacement is likely possible if you’ve had your charger for less than 12 months. Stop in at your nearest Apple store or contact their exceptional support team, and they’ll be happy to help.
If your iPhone charger or lightning cable is more than a year old, moving onto the next step is your best bet.
Turn to the Professionals for Recommendations, Accessories, and/or iPhone Repairs
Alternatively, why not stop by and visit our technicians at Mobile Klinik for a helping hand? While it likely won’t be possible to repair your faulty charging brick or cable, we can recommend what to do next if either has problems. We also sell a wide range of affordable yet reliable, high-quality accessories, including chargers and cables. If something is wrong with your iPhone or iPad itself, of course, that’s where we really shine with quick and efficient repair services. For the most common issues, we can usually complete a repair in less than an hour, and all workmanship and parts come with a lifetime guarantee.
Have a question about iPhone accessories? Or perhaps your device could benefit from an inspection, handled with care by our dedicated technicians. Find your nearest Mobile Klinik location today for iPhone repairs you can always count on and more!