If your iPhone 7 has suddenly stopped charging or is charging very slowly—especially after an iOS update—you’re definitely not the only one. While it might look like a hardware problem at first glance, in many cases, the issue is actually software-related. The good news is: you can fix most charging issues yourself before needing to visit a technician.
Why Your iPhone 7 Won’t Charge (Or Charges Slowly)
- ⚡ Buggy iOS update disrupting charging detection
- 🔌 Faulty or incompatible power adapter or cable
- 🧼 Dirty or blocked charging port
- 🔧 Software glitch or background app crash
- 🔋 Fully drained battery needing longer time to wake
1. Try a Soft Reset First
If iOS is acting up, a soft reset may fix it:
- Press and hold the Power button until slide to power off appears
- Slide to turn off the device
- Wait 30 seconds, then hold the Power button again until the Apple logo shows
After restarting, plug the phone back in and see if it starts charging.
2. Force Restart Your iPhone 7
If the phone is unresponsive or stuck:
- Press and hold the Volume Down + Power button simultaneously
- Release both when the Apple logo appears
Now plug in the charger and watch for the charging indicator.
3. Inspect Your Charger, Cable, and Outlet
- Try another outlet, another USB port on your PC, or a different power adapter
- Avoid USB hubs and keyboard ports—use direct USB ports only
- Use Apple-certified Lightning cables
Don’t forget to check the charging port on your iPhone—debris buildup can block charging.
4. Clean the Charging Port Carefully
- Shine a flashlight into the Lightning port
- Gently remove dust or lint using a non-metallic brush, soft toothbrush, or anti-static brush
Never insert sharp metal objects into the charging port.
5. Restore Your iPhone (if iOS Bug Is Suspected)
If charging problems started after updating iOS:
- Back up your data first
- Open iTunes and connect your iPhone
- Click your device > go to Summary > choose Restore iPhone
- Follow the prompts to reinstall a clean copy of iOS
This erases the current OS and replaces it with a fresh version—often resolving iOS-related charging issues.
6. Try Recovery or DFU Mode Restore (Advanced)
Still not charging? Go deeper:
- Recovery Mode lets you restore if your iPhone won’t boot
- DFU Mode is the deepest restore level and bypasses the OS to fix low-level firmware issues
🔐 DFU restores erase everything, so make sure you’ve backed up your phone first.
7. Try Wireless Charging Adapters (Optional)
Though the iPhone 7 doesn’t support native wireless charging, third-party adapters can add that feature. It’s a good workaround if the Lightning port is physically damaged.
Still Not Working? Contact Apple Support
If your iPhone still won’t charge:
- Schedule a repair at the Apple Store or an authorized service provider
- Your battery or charging port may need to be replaced