There is nothing scarier than plugging in your phone only for it to show the "phone is not charging" sign. But, while many people run to the service center at first sight of a charging issue, the fix is likely simpler than you think.

The issue could be something small like dirt in the charging port or the power outlet your charger is connected to. However, the problem can sometimes be a little more serious, like a dead battery. But even then, they're usually fixable.

Read our list of the seven most common reasons your phone won't charge or charges slowly (and how to fix the problem!).

1. You're Using the Wrong Charger

Phone charger

Your phone might charge slowly (or not charging at all) if you use the wrong charger. This is because chargers are made to meet the amperage of the phones they ship with.

Also, not all adapters are rated for the same power delivery. For example, you might have a phone that supports fast charging, but the adapter you're using doesn't deliver it.

Use a standard charger to charge your phone. If it works as expected, then the charging issue is likely caused by an incompatible charger.

2. You Could Have Dirt or Debris in the Charging Port

Phone charging port and cable

If your phone is always in your pocket, it's likely to get into contact with dust and lint, which can get into the charging ports. An accumulation of foreign materials over time will make power transfer slow. If the dirt is thick, it might cause the charging port to stop working.

To establish if there's dirt in your phone's charging port, use a magnifying glass and flashlight. Look inside the port and if you find any foreign particles, remove them. You can remove the obstruction using a toothpick, an antistatic brush, or a soft toothbrush.

Similarly, you can clean the port using compressed air.

3. Your Phone's Software Needs an Update or a Rollback

Phone mockup screen

If hardware solutions don't seem to work, then it might be your software has crashed. Software is an integral part of successful charging as it determines whether or not to charge your device. So, if you've not updated your phone's software for a while, you may want to do so now.

Software glitches can prevent your phone from charging when active, as software bugs can affect the charging process. The good news is that downloading and installing updates can solve this issue, as system updates often contain patches that improve your phone.

Another solution might be rolling back your previous software. For example, if the charging issue started after installing a system update, a bug may cause the problem. To solve the issue, try rolling back to an earlier version if the phone manufacturer allows it.

4. You Have a Faulty Cable, Adapter, or Power Outlet

Phone charger and power outlet

A damaged charging cable is one of the most common causes of charging issues. There are many ways cables become damaged, leaving wires exposed or broken. In addition, cuts and bends could be the reasons your cable is not working as expected.

Furthermore, an old cable might not be right for your phone. If you've owned a phone for years, the cable it shipped with it might be stressed and damaged.

An easy way to diagnose a faulty cable is to swap it out for a newer cable. If it works, you know the original cable was the problem since new cables tend to be faster.

Check the wall adapter if your cable doesn't seem to be the problem. For example, the USB ports of adapters become loose as they age. Similarly, if you're not using an original adapter, your phone could be having hardware incompatibility.

To fix the problem, try a different compatible power adapter or switch to a different power source. Sometimes the issue could be the power outlet you're trying to charge from.

Weak power sources can also cause charging issues. For example, computer USB ports tend to charge slowly, and plugging your phone into a wall socket using a charger can fix this.

5. An App Could Be Interrupting the Charging Process

Running multiple power-intensive apps at once while charging can cause charging issues. This is partly because some of the current goes straight to powering the apps instead of the battery, making your phone battery charge slowly.

To troubleshoot these issues, examine apps you never use and remove them. Closing all the apps while the phone is charging might also fix this problem. Charging in airplane mode is another common solution.

6. Your Phone Has Water Damage

A wet phone

Water damage through splashes or full immersion can cause phone charging problems. Some phone models (like iPhone XR and later) can detect moisture, auto-disconnect charging, and display a liquid-detection alert on your screen.

For many smartphones, if you see a water drop icon on the screen, the charging port is wet. To take care of the moisture issue, leave the phone out (ideally near a window) to dry for a few hours. If the infiltration is severe, switch it off and place it in front of a fan.

7. The Battery in Your Phone Is Dead

Back of phone with exposed batteries

The condition of your phone's battery determines whether it's going to charge or not. As batteries age, they tend to lose their ability to charge fully. And if it's completely dead, your phone will not turn on.

Some defective batteries are easy to spot as they start to bulge or leak fluid. Other signs that your battery might be the problem include battery draining faster than usual, a battery that doesn't fully charge, and phone overheating!

Depending on your phone, you can inspect the battery yourself. For example, if you own a phone with a removable battery, you could try getting a new battery and replace the defective one.

However, if you have a newer model with non-removable batteries, you may need to visit a service center so a certified technician can take a look.

Thankfully, if you think your battery is on its way out, there are ways you can check your battery health on Android and iOS.

Can't Find the Reason Your Phone Won't Charge?

The tips above should help you identify the root cause of your phone's charging problems. Hopefully, the solutions listed here will help fix the charging problem. But if you can't pinpoint the issue or fix it, consider visiting a service center or getting a new phone.