How do I fix an iPhone 13 that will not charge after trying new cables and outlets?
Answer
When an iPhone 13 stops charging overnight, inspect and clean the Lightning port, try a known-good Apple or MFi cable and power adapter, then force-restart the phone while connected to power. If it still shows no charging icon, the port, battery, or board likely needs Apple or authorized service.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Metal tools or liquids in the Lightning port can cause permanent damage.
- Ignore popup sites that claim they can unlock charging for a fee.
Follow these steps
Inspect and gently clean the Lightning port
With the iPhone off or unplugged, look into the Lightning port with a light. Remove lint with a wooden or plastic toothpick and a soft dry brush—do not use liquids or metal pins. Retry charging.
You should see: The cable seats firmly and the charging icon appears, or the port still looks clear with no charge.
Test a known-good cable and adapter
Try a different Apple or MFi-certified Lightning cable and a working USB power adapter on a wall outlet (not only a computer USB port). Leave it connected for at least one minute.
You should see: Charging starts with the trusted accessories, or every combination still fails.
Force-restart while on power
Connect the charger, then force-restart the iPhone 13: quickly press and release volume up, quickly press and release volume down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. Keep the cable connected.
You should see: The phone reboots and either shows charging or still will not take power.
Check for accessory or battery messages
Look for alerts such as “This accessory may not be supported” or battery health warnings in Settings > Battery. Update iOS only if the phone has enough charge to finish an update safely, or charge via a computer as a temporary test.
You should see: You know whether iOS reports an accessory fault or the phone simply never draws charge.
Seek hardware service if it still will not charge
If cleaning, accessories, and a force restart all fail, contact Apple Support or an authorized provider for port, battery, or logic-board diagnostics. Avoid opening the phone yourself if it is under warranty or AppleCare.
You should see: You have a service path for likely hardware repair.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Whether a charging icon or cable accessory message appears, any debris in the Lightning port, and whether the phone gets warm or shows battery warnings.
Before you change anything: Avoid metal tools deep in the Lightning port. Try one known-good cable and brick combination you trust. Note the battery percentage and any on-screen charging messages. Do not pay for unofficial “battery unlock” software from popups.