To tell if your phone is charging, plug it in and look for the charging icon on the battery indicator in the status bar; a lightning bolt symbol or similar animation confirms power is flowing. If the screen is blank, wait up to two minutes for the low-battery image to appear, then check for the charging symbol.
Check the charging cable and power source first
Before looking at the screen, inspect the charging cable and USB adapter for damage such as breakage or bent prongs. Ensure firm connections between the cable, the USB wall adapter, and the outlet, or try a different outlet. Remove any debris from the charging port and firmly plug in the cable. If needed, try a different USB cable or charger. A computer that is turned off may drain the battery instead of charging it, so use a wall outlet. For a deeper look at compatible accessories, see our phone charger types and cables (Phone Charger Types and Cable Guide).
Look for the charging icon or battery indicator
On an iPhone, the battery icon in the top-right corner shows battery level or charging status; the icon indicates charging when it displays the charging symbol. If the icon is gray, charging may be paused. On a Pixel phone, open Settings > Battery to see how much charge is left and how long until a full charge. Google says if you do not find a battery icon after plugging in the phone, there may be a problem with the screen.
Watch for the charging animation or screen display
When a phone is very low on power, it may show an image of a nearly depleted battery. If iPhone is extremely low on power when charging starts, the display may be blank for up to 2 minutes before the low-battery image appears. Apple says the charging icon should be visible after two minutes of charging. If the iPhone is very low on power, it may need to charge for up to 10 minutes before it can be used. On a Pixel Tablet, the battery icon appears in the upper-right corner, and when the tablet is docked a shield appears over the battery icon when charging is paused near full. To override this pause on a Pixel Tablet, go to Settings > Battery > Charge to full while docked on the Charging Speaker Dock.
Measure the battery percentage increase over time
To confirm charging, note the battery percentage before plugging in and check it again after 15-30 minutes. An increase confirms the phone is receiving power. On a Pixel phone, open Settings > Battery to see the remaining charge and, when available, the estimated time until full charge.
What to do if your phone still won't charge
- Try a different cable and adapter to rule out a faulty accessory.
- Avoid charging from a turned-off computer, as it may drain the battery instead of charging it.
- Apple says to let the device charge for half an hour if it still will not power on.
Apple says syncing or using iPhone may make charging take longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my phone not showing a charging icon even when plugged in?
This could indicate a problem with the charging cable, adapter, or port. Inspect the cable for damage, clean debris from the charging port, and try a different outlet.
Can I charge my phone with any charger?
While any charger with a compatible connector may work, using the charger provided by the manufacturer or a certified charger is recommended. Other chargers may not provide the correct voltage or current, which can slow charging or potentially damage the battery.
Why does my phone charge slowly?
Slow charging can result from using a low-power adapter, a damaged cable, or running resource-intensive apps while charging. Syncing or using the phone may also make charging take longer. Ensure you use a wall outlet and a compatible charger.
What does a gray battery icon on an iPhone mean?
A gray battery icon indicates that charging is paused. This can happen when the battery is near full or due to temperature management. The icon will return to normal when charging resumes.
How long should I wait before trying to turn on a deeply discharged phone?
If an iPhone is very low on power, let it charge for up to 10 minutes before use. If it still will not power on, allow it to charge for half an hour before retrying.
For the wider topic, see phone charger types and cables.
