Phone chargers aren’t made to last forever. At some point, you’ll soon start experiencing problems with phone chargers that will test your patience.
From not charging, on-and-off connection, compatibility issues, and more – all of it can happen. The good news is that most of these are easy to fix and can be prevented.
Take note that just because your charger isn’t charging doesn’t mean you’re going to toss it to the bin right away. It’s important to perform a little troubleshooting before you get a replacement. Read on below and see which of these problems are giving you a headache:
6 Common Problems with Phone Chargers
Almost every smartphone user has experienced at least one charger problem. The following are the most commonly reported issues together with possible fixes:
1. Using the wrong charger
Sometimes, there’s really nothing wrong with the charger itself. You’re just probably using the wrong one, which isn’t compatible with your phone.
You’ll notice your phone charging slowly and the charger will start to get very hot. This can be a sign that the charger you’re using doesn’t have the proper amperage that matches your phone.
You can test whether this is the case by using a standard charger or borrowing a different one. If your phone charges at its normal pace, this means that the charger you got isn’t compatible with your device.
How to fix:
The only way to fix an incompatible phone charger is to replace it. Technically, there’s nothing wrong or damaged on the charger. It’s just that there’s a mismatch.
To prevent mistakes, you can simply check the amperage from your previous charger. This is printed on the adapter, which is usually 5V/3A, 5v/2.4A, and so on. Make sure that the new charger you’re going to buy has the same voltage and ampere output.
2. Faulty cable
If the charger has the right amperage, the next thing you should check is the cable. Many times, old chargers tend to have damaged or faulty cables that need replacements.
Overall, faulty cables are normal in chargers after some time. The damage usually occurs on both ends where the connectors are located. Also, charger cables get damaged easily if it’s always folded and twisted.
Over time, the original cable of your charger will get worn out or frayed. Still, the adapter might be intact and can still be used.
One way to confirm cable damage on a phone charger is to use a multimeter set to resistance mode. Conduct a tip-to-tip test by touching each multimeter probe to each end of the cable.
The normal reading should be anywhere from 1 to 3 ohms. Anything higher than this is indicative of cable damage.
How to fix:
The best fix to a damaged phone charger cable is a replacement. This will save you from the hassle of dealing with wires and stuff.
However, if you’re keen to try, you can rewire the charger cable on your own. This isn’t the most practical for some since it takes more work than buying a new one.
3. Dirty charging ports
Before you conclude that your charger is faulty, you must check your phone’s charging port first. This can get filled with accumulated dirt that will cause slow charging. It may appear as if your phone charger has defects.
Take note that a phone charging port can get filled with lint from clothes as we repeatedly put it on and off our pockets. Dust is also a big factor as well as any dirt imaginable. For some, even food bits can get stuck in it.
To check, use a magnifying glass and a flashlight to peek into the charging port. If you can’t see the metal flaps inside, this means it’s covered with dirt.
How to fix:
The safest way to clean a dirty phone charging port is to use compressed air. Others swear by poking it with a toothpick, but this method can damage the metal connectors on the port.
If you’re worried that you might damage your phone, it’s best to let a professional clean it for you. You can go to the nearest service center for this.
4. Water-damaged charger
Did you drop your phone charger on the water? If so, water damage can cause it to malfunction or become fully damaged.
Full immersion can cause water to seep through the charger cable. When water gets past the protective layers of the cable, it can cause permanent damage.
On the other hand, chargers that got wet can be air-dried for 48 hours or more. It’s important to ensure that it’s fully dried before you try plugging it in. Also, I recommend plugging it without a phone connected in case a short circuit occurs.
How to fix:
If your phone charger only gets doused with water, it has better chances of drying up and not sustaining damage. However, if it fell on the pool and took minutes to retrieve, it might be irreparable already.
5. Defective phone battery
Is your phone not charging? There are two possible scenarios here: you have a faulty charger or your phone has a dead battery.
Dead batteries often leak fluids or bloat. Others will drain faster than usual or take hours to charge. In most cases, the phone will overheat and the battery will sustain further damage.
Overall, dead batteries can happen if your phone is already old and heavily used. Like phone chargers, phone batteries will soon reach their end of life.
How to fix:
To fix a dead battery, you need to get a replacement. Old phone models with removable batteries can be fixed at home. You just purchase the proper replacement and pop it in place. Just make sure that you got the right battery model that matches your smartphone.
However, newer smartphone models have built-in batteries that can’t be removed without special tools. In this case, you should visit a service center to have your phone battery replaced properly.
6. Mobile app problems
Mobile apps can also interfere with your phone’s charging. Running power-hungry apps at the same time while your phone is in charge mode will affect its charging pace.
Over time, your phone will charge slowly and become hot. The charger adapter will also overheat, which can lead to more damage if done habitually.
While it’s totally fine to use your phone while charging, you should limit the apps you’re running. Or better yet, just let your phone charge fully before you use it.
How to fix:
It’s important to examine the mobile apps you’re currently using. You should uninstall those you’re barely using since it wastes battery power.
Also, close all your apps while your phone is charging. This will make the charging process faster, so you can use your phone right away.
Final words
Problems with phone chargers are common and many are easy to fix. You can perform troubleshooting steps at home and perform basic fixes to address the problem.
If this didn’t work, it might be time to bring your charger to a service center. A replacement might be necessary if the charger is already beyond repair. For chargers older than two years, a replacement is already a reasonable solution.