Left your iPhone 8 Plus plugged in overnight and now it won’t charge or power on? You’re not the first — and you’re likely dealing with more than just a drained battery.
Here’s what might have happened, and what steps you can take next.
What Likely Went Wrong
You’ve already done all the right things:
- Tried a force restart
- Switched to different charging cables and wall adapters
- Cleaned the charging port
- Even replaced the battery
If your iPhone 8 Plus is still completely dead and not recognized by a computer, chances are you’re dealing with hardware damage — possibly from a power surge.
While iPhones are designed to stop charging at 100%, leaving them plugged in overnight still carries risk. A sudden power surge — caused by lightning, a utility grid spike, or faulty wiring — can damage delicate components like the Power Management IC (PMIC) or motherboard.
Why a Power Surge Can Kill an iPhone
Even with built-in fuses and safety features, iPhones (like all modern electronics) aren’t totally immune to high voltage jolts. A surge can:
- Fry the PMIC, which manages charging and power distribution
- Short out multiple motherboard components
- Render the phone completely unresponsive
Once this happens, no battery swap, charger change, or software reset will bring the device back unless the internal damage is diagnosed and fixed.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re handy with electronics:
- Start with a PMIC inspection.
- Look for burn marks or damaged traces on the motherboard.
- If the PMIC is the only affected part, replacing it might bring the phone back to life.
If you’re not experienced with micro-soldering:
- Do NOT attempt motherboard repairs yourself.
- Bring the phone to a certified repair shop or Apple-authorized service provider for full diagnostics.
Unfortunately, if there’s widespread motherboard damage, repair costs may outweigh the value of the phone, especially on an older device like the iPhone 8 Plus.
How to Avoid This in the Future
To protect your next device:
- Avoid overnight charging, especially directly from wall outlets.
- Use a surge protector or smart charging adapter.
- Unplug your device during lightning storms or power outages.