Updated October 28, 2026.
Six checks, in order
Each check takes a minute. Stop when the phone starts charging. Still stuck at the end? We come to you at home, at work or in your car.
1. Try another cable and brick
Cables fail more than phones do. Borrow a cable and a plug (the brick) you know work. Plug into a wall outlet, not a laptop or a car. Wait a full minute for the icon.
Does it charge only at an angle, or only when you hold the cable? That points to the port. Skip to step 6.
2. Look for lint in the port
Pocket lint packs into the port and stops the plug from seating. Shine a light into it. See fuzz? Blow it out, or lift it gently with a wooden or plastic toothpick.
Never use metal. A pin or paper clip can short the contacts. That turns a free fix into a port repair.
3. "Liquid detected"? Let it dry
iPhones and many Android phones show a liquid warning and stop charging. Unplug it. Tap the port down against your palm. Leave it in a dry, airy spot for a few hours. Do not use rice or heat.
Still see the warning a day later? Moisture in the port can corrode the pins. Text us your model and a photo of the warning. We tell you if a new charging port can help.
4. Try wireless charging
Have a wireless pad? Set the phone on it. If it charges wireless but not by cable, the battery is fine. The port or the cable is the problem.
5. Check the battery health
On iPhone: Settings, Battery, Battery Health. On Samsung: Settings, Battery, Battery information. Under 80%, or a "service" note, means the battery is worn. A worn battery can drop from 30% to off in seconds.
That is a battery replacement. On popular phones it is often a quick job when we have the part.
6. When it needs a repair
New cable, clean port, still nothing? Text us your model and where you are. We give you a free quote first. You decide before we start.
Then we come to you and fix it on the spot when we have the part. Read about our 60-day limited warranty on the replaced part and our work.
Menu names vary by model.