Android Phone Not Charging? Try These Fixes

Common causes

• A damaged or unsupported cable or power adapter
• A cable that isn’t securely connected
• Dust or lint in the charging port
• A Pixel phone that’s too hot, which may reduce charging speeds
• A screen problem that hides the battery icon

Step-by-Step Solutions

Work through these steps in order and try charging again after each one.

1. 1

   Step 1: Restart your phone

   A restart is the first step Android Help suggests.

   Hold down your phone’s power button for 5-7 seconds. This usually restarts a phone.

2. 2

   Step 2: Check the cable and power adapter

   A faulty or unsupported charging accessory can stop your phone from charging.

   Check that the cable is securely connected to the power adapter and to your phone.

   Try to charge another device with your power adapter and cable. Then try to charge your phone with another cable or power adapter.

   If you get a “Check charging accessory” notification, your cable or USB power adapter may be damaged or not supported by your phone. This can make your phone charge very slowly or not at all. Charge your phone with a compatible cable and charger.

3. 3

   Step 3: Check the charging port

   Android Help suggests making sure nothing is in the port, like dust or lint.

   Check that there’s nothing in the charging port of your phone, like dust or lint.

4. 4

   Step 4: Remove the case on a Pixel

   On Pixel phones, Google says a case can interfere with the charging plug or a wireless charger.

   Google’s Pixel help recommends removing your phone case so it doesn’t interfere with your charging plug or wireless charger. For the best charging performance on a Pixel, Google recommends a wired charging plug.

   If you use a wireless charger with a Pixel phone, Google says to use the correct approved wireless charger for your Pixel.

5. 5

   Step 5: Check whether your phone is charging

   What your phone shows after you plug it in tells you what to do next.

   Plug in your phone with a working cable, charger and outlet, then wait one minute.

   • A battery icon means your phone is powered off and charging. You can restart it right away.
   • A red light means the battery is fully discharged.
   • A flashing red light means there isn’t enough power to turn on. Charge your phone for at least 30 minutes before restarting.
   • No battery icon or red light means the problem could be with your screen.

   Good to know

   Battery icons and lights can vary by phone. For your phone’s details, contact your device manufacturer.

6. 6

   Step 6: Check if the screen is the problem

   If you don’t see a battery icon or red light when you plug in your phone, the issue could be with your screen.

   Press and hold the Power button for about 35 seconds to reboot your phone, then wait about 2 minutes.

   Make your phone ring. You can call it from another phone or use the Find Hub app. If it rings but the screen is still blank, contact your local authorized repair center.

   Good to know

   A low brightness setting may make the screen difficult to read. Check the screen closely for any displayed imagery.

7. 7

   Step 7: Let your Pixel cool down

   On Pixel phones, Google says a phone that’s too hot may reduce charging speeds.

   This step is Google’s guidance for Pixel phones. Google’s Pixel help says to charge your Pixel in a cool spot where it won’t get too hot, and to keep it out of direct sunlight and away from excessive heat, like inside a hot vehicle.

   According to Google, using features or apps that use a lot of resources while you charge your Pixel can make it overheat.

   If your Pixel is too hot, Google says to disconnect it from its power source, move it to a cooler place and not use it until it has cooled down.

8. 8

   Step 8: Turn off Charging optimization on a Pixel

   On a Pixel phone that stops charging at a certain percentage or charges slowly until it’s full, try turning off Charging optimization.

   On your Pixel phone, open the Settings app, tap Battery, then Battery health, then Charging optimization. Turn off Charging optimization, then try to charge again.

   Good to know

   For the best charging speeds on a Pixel, Google recommends a Google 30 W USB-C power adapter or another programmable power supply (PPS) adapter rated for 30 W or more, or other USB power delivery (PD) adapters rated for 15 W or more. Actual charging speeds may vary by Pixel phone.

Frequently Asked Questions