Why Won't My IPhone 5s Charge? What You Need To Know

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Ever since I got my first iPhone, a hand-me-down 5s from my sister, charging it felt like a constant battle. It would be fine one minute, plugged in and supposedly happy, then the next, I’d glance down to see that dreaded red battery icon staring back at me. This happened so frequently that I started carrying a charger everywhere, like some sort of tech-dependent nomad.

Honestly, the whole situation was a mess. I’d try different outlets, wiggle the charging cable, and even blow into the charging port (yes, I did that, don’t judge). Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t. I spent a good chunk of my early twenties wondering why won’t my iphone 5s charge and, more importantly, if I could just throw the thing against a wall and be done with it.

It turns out, there are several common culprits behind this frustrating issue. From the simplest fixes to more complex (and expensive) solutions, let’s explore why your iPhone 5s might be refusing to cooperate.

The Simplest Solutions (that Often Work)

Before you start panicking about a dead iPhone, let’s cover the easy stuff. These are the troubleshooting steps you should try first – before you even think about buying a new phone. I know, obvious, right? But you’d be surprised how often people overlook these simple checks.

First, inspect your charging cable. Seriously. I know it seems basic, but frayed or damaged cables are a major reason why phones won’t charge. Look closely along the entire length of the cable, especially near the connectors. If you see any splits, bends, or exposed wires, toss that cable in the bin and get a new one. I once spent almost an hour convinced my phone was broken, only to discover a tiny, almost invisible tear in the cable. Rookie mistake, but it cost me valuable time (and some choice words directed at the cable).

Next, try a different charging brick. Sometimes, the power adapter itself is the problem. If you have another one lying around, swap it out and see if that does the trick. Make sure the replacement brick is at least 5W, which is what the iPhone 5s requires. Using a higher wattage brick won’t damage your phone, but using a lower one could cause charging issues, or even prevent it from charging at all.

Now, the charging port itself. This is a common source of trouble. Dust, lint, and pocket fluff can accumulate in the port, creating a barrier between the charging cable and the phone’s charging contacts. Gently, and I mean *gently*, use a non-metal tool like a toothpick or a plastic SIM ejector tool to clean out the port. Avoid using anything metal, as this could damage the charging contacts or create a short circuit. I’ve made this mistake. The result? A useless phone and a hefty repair bill. (See Also: Why Doesnt My Contact Save On Iphone )

Finally, force restart your iPhone. Sometimes, a software glitch can prevent the phone from charging properly. Press and hold both the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button (on the top) until the Apple logo appears. This will force your iPhone to restart, and it might just resolve the charging issue.

The Myth of the ‘official’ Charger

Everyone seems to think that you *have* to use an Apple-branded charger. They say it’s the only way to protect your phone and prevent charging problems. I call BS.

The truth? It’s not about the brand, it’s about the specifications. The iPhone 5s uses a Lightning cable and requires a 5W power adapter. As long as you use a cable and adapter that meet these standards (and aren’t total knockoffs), your phone will charge just fine. I spent nearly $60 on Apple-branded charging accessories because of this supposed rule, only to find that a $15 charger from a reputable brand worked perfectly. Talk about a waste of money.

It’s a bit like buying a specific brand of motor oil for your car. Sure, you can do it, but as long as the oil meets the manufacturer’s specifications, you’re good to go. Don’t fall for the marketing hype. Look for chargers and cables that are certified by a reputable testing organization, like UL or MFi (Made for iPhone), to ensure they meet safety and performance standards.

And let’s be real, the Apple-branded chargers aren’t exactly known for their durability. I’ve gone through more of them than I care to admit, and they always seem to stop working just after the warranty expires.

Battery Health: The Silent Killer

Batteries don’t last forever. That’s just a fact of life. Over time, your iPhone 5s’s battery capacity degrades, meaning it can hold less and less charge. This is a natural process, and it’s accelerated by things like extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, and repeatedly charging the phone to 100%. (See Also: Cant Find Email On Iphone )

How do you know if your battery is the problem? Well, one sign is that your phone dies quickly, even when it shows a decent battery percentage. Another is if the phone shuts down unexpectedly, especially during periods of heavy use. Also, the charging speed slows down dramatically.

To check your battery health, you’ll need to update your iPhone to a version of iOS 11.3 or later. Then, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. You’ll see the maximum capacity of your battery, expressed as a percentage. Anything below 80% is considered degraded and suggests that a new battery is in order. At that point, you’re not getting good performance.

Important Note: The Battery Health feature is not available on iPhone 5s. You’ll need to take it to an Apple Store or authorized repair shop to have the battery tested.

What If the Battery Isn’t the Problem?

Okay, so you’ve ruled out the cable, the charger, the charging port, and you suspect your battery isn’t the problem? We go deeper.

First, check your iPhone’s software. Make sure it’s running the latest version of iOS. Sometimes, software bugs can interfere with charging. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for and install any available updates. I once spent days trying to fix a charging issue, only to discover that a simple software update was the answer. I felt like an idiot.

Next, consider the environment. Extreme temperatures can affect charging. Don’t leave your iPhone 5s in direct sunlight or in a hot car. Conversely, avoid exposing it to freezing temperatures. The ideal operating temperature for your iPhone is between 32° to 95° F (0° to 35° C), according to Apple’s website. (See Also: Why Wont Any Videos Play On My Iphone )

Then, consider other devices. If you are charging other devices from the same outlet or power strip, unplug them. It might be that the outlet or strip is overloaded. Sometimes, less is more. Even a surge protector can fail or become faulty.

If all else fails, and you’re still saying, “why won’t my iphone 5s charge?” it might be time to contact Apple Support or take your phone to an authorized repair shop. They have specialized tools and expertise to diagnose more complex issues. Sometimes, it’s a hardware problem, like a damaged charging port or a failing charging circuit.

The Charging Port: A Closer Look

The charging port, as previously mentioned, is a common weak point. Besides the lint and dust, damage can occur from inserting the cable at a bad angle, or forcing it in when it doesn’t want to go. Over time, this can loosen the port’s internal connections, making charging inconsistent.

Inspect the port with a bright light. Do you see any bent or missing pins? Any signs of corrosion? If so, the port might need to be replaced. This is a repair that’s best left to professionals.

Also, the charging port is connected to the logic board. Any issue there can prevent the phone from charging. Water damage is particularly nasty. Even a tiny splash of liquid can wreak havoc on the internal components. If you suspect water damage, the best course of action is to power down the phone immediately and seek professional help. The longer you wait, the more damage can occur.

🔥 Read More:

Common iPhone 5s Charging Problems and Solutions: A Comparison

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution	Verdict
iPhone won’t charge at all	Faulty cable, damaged charging port, dead battery	Try a new cable, clean the port, replace the battery	Start with the easy fixes; if those fail, consider professional repair
Charges slowly	Faulty charging brick, old battery, software issues	Try a different charger, replace the battery, update the software	Replace the battery, then move to new phone
Charges intermittently	Loose connection in the charging port, faulty cable	Clean the port, replace the cable	These are almost always cable or port issues
iPhone gets hot while charging	Charging circuit issue, third-party charger	Use an Apple-certified charger, have the phone inspected	Could be a serious hardware problem