Here are five simple tips to try when your device won't charge.
Tip #1: Use the Original Charger
It may seem like a no-brainer to use your old charger on your new device because the plug fits, but it’s a common reason why you may have an issue with charging or battery life.
Chargers are designed to meet specific voltage and amperage specs for each device. The wrong charger could mean a slow charge, less than full charge or not charging at all. Always use the original charger for the device or a Verizon approved charger.
Keep in mind some manufacturer's devices won't even charge or power on if you’re not using the charger designed for their device after your battery dies completely. Some devices take at least 15 minutes before showing that they’re charging.
Tip #2: Use a Wall Outlet
If you're having charging issues always plug your device into a wall outlet and not a USB port or a car charger.
Car chargers and USB chargers are nice temporary solutions but often do not provide enough power to properly charge your device.
If the battery is extremely low or depleted, connect it to the wall charger and allow enough time for the device to charge. The display may remain blank for up to 15 minutes before a low battery image appears.
Tip #3: Test Your Charger
Your charger might be the issue. To find out if it's working, use a different USB cable and adapter that's compatible with your device. If your device charges, then it's not an issue with your device.
Tip #4: Restart Your Device
Turning your device off and back on again (sometimes called a soft reset) is one of the first steps in troubleshooting a device. Like restarting a computer, restarting your device can fix a lot of issues. Try powering your device off and back on to see if it resolves the issue.
Many apps run in the background causing battery life to be impacted such as syncing apps, Location services, RSS feeds, and music. Tuning the device off and on will allow the phone to restart without those apps running in the background.
Tip #5: Clean the Charging Port
Charging ports often get clogged in our pockets and bags, here's a tip to help:
With the port well lit, look for any material, like lint that could be preventing the plug from being seated properly in the port. If anything is visible, use ONLY a clean, dry toothbrush to remove all foreign material within the port. If necessary, visit a Verizon store for help cleaning out your charging port.
If you have to hold the charger connector in place or "wiggle it" to get the device to charge, but the charger works on a similar device. Your device likely has physical damage or corrosion.
When trying to indentify if your device has a damaged charging port, check for the following:
- Is the port missing or out of place?
- Is the charging port bent or damaged?
- Are any charging port pins damaged?
When checking for Liquid Damage, look for the following:
- Is there any corrosion, such as a green or white fuzzy substance in the port?
- Is there moisture under the display screen or camera lens?
- Has the device been exposed to contact with a significant amount of liquid?
If so, there may be liquid damage to the device that's preventing it from charging correctly. You can also check the Liquid Damage Indicator on the device to see if it may have liquid damage. Examples of where to look for the indicator are available at http://www.verizonwireless.com/support/how-to-identify-device-damage/.
If you find the device is damaged, then you do NOT want to have it replaced under warranty, as you can be charged a Damaged Device Fee.
Whether your device is under warranty or not, check to see if you have equipment insurance for device replacement on My Verizon.
For additional help, visit verizonwireless.com/support/troubleshooting
