Why Won't My Samsung or Android Phone Charge? Here's What To Do

What to do if your Samsung or Android phone won't charge? You don't have to rush to the repair center right away. Try the solutions listed below first.

When you own a Samsung smartphone, you expect certain things from it. You expect it to be fast and reliable, have a camera that’s up to the task in almost any situation, and of course charge quickly. However, what you don’t expect is for your phone not to charge at all!

This can be incredibly frustrating when it happens, but thankfully there are some simple fixes that will hopefully get your phone charging again. This article will discuss some of the most common reasons why your Samsung or Android phone won’t charge and general troubleshooting steps for solving this problem.

Read: Is your phone charging slow, or is your internet speed slow? Learn how to improve it.

What to do if your Samsung or Android Phone is not charging:

When it comes to issues related to charging, we don't have many options. In most cases, the good news is that one of the methods listed below should work. Let's look at potential solutions.

Quick Troubleshooting

• Check the cable and the charger – Always start with the basics. In this case, ensure the cable and the charger are not damaged. If possible, try another cable or use a wireless charger. Also, connect your phone to your computer and try charging it that way.
• Clean the charging port – the next stop is the charging port. Over time, our phones may build up dirt, dust, or debris within the charging port. Your job is to clean the charging port correctly. Take your time and do it slowly, making sure you remove all the dirt. Once the port is clean again, try charging your device.
• Force restart – A force restart is a savior in many situations, and it can be in this one as well. If there are software bugs, a force reboot will terminate them. Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously to force restart your phone. The phone will turn off and turn on again. Try changing it now.
• Change the outlet – If none of the previously listed options work, perhaps there is a problem with the outlet. Try another one and see if it is going to make a difference. (Lamp, computer, different charging dock)
• Turn off your phone – some users said that once they turned off their phone and connected it to a charger, it started to charge. The solution does not require a lot of your time, so give it a shot.
• Safe Mode – One of the third-party apps that could be causing the problem, and to see if that's the case, boot the phone into Safe Mode. If the phone is charging, one of the apps is the problem. You need to remove them one by one or go for a factory reset.

Is Your Android or Samsung Phone Still Won't Charge? Tips and Solutions to Try

Solution 1: Force Restart

Press and hold the Volume down and power buttons simultaneously for around 7-10 seconds to perform a force restart.

If there are software issues on the device, this process will resolve the issue and your Android phone will start charging. If the device remains unresponsive, then move to the following method:

Solution 2: All about Charging

Consider leaving the phone to charge for at least 10 minutes and then check to see if the charging sign is visible on your Android phone screen.

Questions to ask:

• Are you using the original charger that came with the phone? Using an unofficial charger can even cause damage to your phone. The original chargers are manufactured to have the correct voltage for your phone.
• Is power coming from the source? As silly as it sounds, this can often be overlooked. Ensure the charging source is switched on; this can be a wall switch, breaker or extension cord. Or, consider using a different outlet.
• Is the phone water damaged? If your phone is submerged in water or water got caught within it, you should first DRY the phone, not charge it.

Quick Tips

• Try charging your phone with another charger
• Try charging your phone via a computer, wall outlet, lamp or wireless charging station.
• Ensure that the cable is not damaged.
• Remove any phone case, MagSafe or battery-pack accessories.
• Ensure the charging port is not damaged.

Solution 3: Cleaning the Ports

Inspect the charging port of your Android phone. Debris and dust can accumulate over time and clog the port.

• You can blow it into the charging port to remove dust.

It is not recommended to insert any objects into the charging port. Do it at your own risk. Things you can use to inspect the charging port (Carefully):

• You can use a flashlight to have a better look.
• You can use a toothpick for cleaning.
• You can use the SIM card Ejector tool for cleaning as well.
• You can use a dry cotton swab to clean the port.

If you find it difficult to remove the remaining dust, consider taking your phone to a professional.

Solution 4: Boot into Safe Mode

There might be a culprit app causing this issue and this can be tested by turning the device into Safe Mode. To do this, follow the instructions below:

• Ensure your phone is Off
• Press and simultaneously hold the Power and Volume Down buttons to turn the device on.
• Once the Android logo appears on the screen, you can let go of the power button. Ensure you keep holding the Volume Down Button
• Safe Mode will now appear at the bottom left of the screen.

How to Exit Safe Mode (3 Ways):

1. Press and hold the Power button for at least 6 seconds, then tap Restart.
2. Press and hold the Power + Volume Down buttons for at least 5 seconds.
3. Swipe down from the top of the screen to access the Notification Panel, then tap on "Safe mode is on" To disable and restart.

If the phone is booted into this Mode, there is a problem with the third-party apps. Consider deleting all apps.

Solution 5: Software Update

Check if there is a Software update for your device. Head to Settings > Software Update > Download and install.

Solution 6: Charge using Samsung Wireless PowerShare

This lets you charge your device using another Qi-enabled device without a charger. You can also charge two devices simultaneously using just one charger. PowerShare supports all WPC Qi-certified Samsung devices.

How To use PowerShare :

• Access the notification panel by swiping down from the top of the screen.
• Tap "Wireless PowerShare"
• A blue flashing light will appear on the back of your device.
• Now, place the device with their backs facing one another.

Solution 7: Ensure the phone is not hot.

Ensure your phone isn't too hot. If your Android phone is hotter than usual, this might affect the phone and its ability to charge correctly. Avoid over-using the phone: playing a game for long periods, streaming a lot of video content and using high battery consumption apps.

• Let your phone cool down before you start charging. Leave it unplugged for 30 minutes.
• Leave it inside a cool place, far from the sun or extreme heat.

Solution 8: Replace your battery.

Consider replacing your phone's battery. If you have tried all of the above, and nothing seems to be working, it is time to take your phone to the phone center. If it's still under warranty, you may get a replacement for the phone or the charger.