How to Tell if Dead iPhone is Charging: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Michael Collins

Sometimes our iPhones give us a mini heart attack when they suddenly turn off and won’t turn back on. But don’t panic just yet! There’s a simple way to tell if your seemingly dead iPhone is charging. All you need is your trusty charging cable and a little bit of patience.

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Tell if Dead iPhone is Charging

Before you throw your hands up in despair, let’s walk through the steps you can take to check if your iPhone is just playing dead or if it’s actually charging.

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to a power source

Plug your iPhone into a wall charger or a computer using a USB cable.

Sometimes the problem is as simple as a drained battery. If your iPhone has completely run out of juice, it won’t turn on immediately after you plug it in. It needs a little time to get enough power to boot up. So, patience is key!

Step 2: Wait for the charging icon to appear

Give your iPhone a few minutes, and look for the charging icon on the screen.

After plugging in your iPhone, if the battery has been completely drained, you might not see any signs of life for a short while. Normally, a charging icon or a low battery indicator should appear on the screen within a few minutes. This signifies that the phone is indeed charging.

Step 3: Perform a hard reset if necessary

If there’s still no sign of life, try performing a hard reset by pressing and holding the power and home button (or volume down button on iPhone 7 and newer) for about 10 seconds.

Sometimes your iPhone’s software might crash, making the screen unresponsive. A hard reset can restart the phone’s system without erasing your data. If the phone is charging, it should boot up normally after this reset.

Step 4: Check for physical or water damage

Inspect your iPhone for any visible signs of physical damage or water damage.

If your iPhone still isn’t showing signs of charging, it’s worth checking for any physical damage to the phone or the charging port. Water damage in particular can cause charging issues and might need professional repair.

Step 5: Try a different charging cable or adapter

Switch out your charging cable or adapter to rule out the possibility of a faulty accessory.

Sometimes the issue isn’t with the iPhone itself, but with the charging accessories. Trying a different cable or adapter can help you identify whether you need a new charger.

After completing these steps, your iPhone should either show signs of charging or you’ll have a better idea of what the issue might be. If none of these steps work, it might be time to visit an Apple Store or a certified repair shop.

Tips to Ensure Your Dead iPhone is Charging

  • Always use original or MFi-certified charging accessories to avoid damaging your iPhone.
  • If you’re using a computer to charge your iPhone, make sure the computer is turned on and not in sleep mode.
  • Clean the iPhone’s charging port with a soft, dry brush to remove any dust or debris that might be preventing a proper connection.
  • Avoid charging your iPhone in extreme temperatures as it can affect the battery’s performance.
  • If your iPhone starts charging, let it charge uninterrupted until it has enough power to turn on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to charge my iPhone overnight?

Yes, it’s okay to charge your iPhone overnight. Modern iPhones are designed to stop charging once the battery reaches 100%, so there’s no risk of overcharging.

Can a completely dead iPhone battery be recharged?

In most cases, yes. However, if the battery has been dead for an extended period, it might affect the battery’s ability to hold a charge in the future.

Why won’t my iPhone charge even with a new battery?

If your iPhone won’t charge with a new battery, there could be an issue with the charging port or the logic board. It’s best to seek professional help in this case.

How long should I wait for my dead iPhone to show signs of charging?

You should wait at least 15-30 minutes. If there’s no sign of charging after that, move on to the next steps.

What does it mean if my iPhone gets hot while charging?

If your iPhone gets excessively hot while charging, it could be a sign of a faulty battery or other hardware issues. Stop charging immediately and consult with a technician.

Summary

  1. Connect your iPhone to a power source.
  2. Wait for the charging icon to appear.
  3. Perform a hard reset if necessary.
  4. Check for physical or water damage.
  5. Try a different charging cable or adapter.

Conclusion

There you have it, a simple guide on how to tell if a dead iPhone is charging. It’s quite a common issue, but often it’s nothing more than a drained battery or a minor glitch. The key is not to jump to conclusions but to systematically troubleshoot the problem. Remember that patience is your best friend in these situations, as a completely drained battery can take a while to show signs of life. But if all else fails, seeking professional help is your next best step. After all, we rely on our iPhones daily, and it’s crucial to get them back up and running as soon as possible. So next time your iPhone decides to play possum, keep calm and follow these steps. You’ll be back to scrolling through your favorite apps in no time!