When your phone is completely dead, you can tell it is charging by looking for a battery icon on Android, a charging indicator and vibration on Pixel, or an Apple image on the screen after a short charge. This is how to know if your phone is charging when its dead: plug it into a compatible charger and wait for the specific sign your phone model gives, which may take up to 10 minutes.
How to know if your phone is charging when its dead: the first signs to look for
Different phone models show different signs when they begin charging from a completely dead state. Knowing what to expect helps you confirm charging is working.
iPhone
Plug your iPhone into a compatible charge cable and a power adapter connected to an electrical outlet. Do not use a computer port or wireless charger for this test. Charge for at least 10 minutes. Apple says to wait until an image appears on the screen or 10 minutes has elapsed.
Google Pixel
When you plug in a dead Pixel, the charging indicator lights up and the phone vibrates. If you do not see a battery icon after plugging it in, Google says there could be a problem with the screen.
Other Android phones
After plugging in, look for a battery icon on the screen. This means the phone is powered off and charging. You may also see a red light, which indicates the battery is fully discharged. If the red light is flashing, there is not enough power to turn the phone on.
What if there's no charging sign? Perform a screen and power-path test
If no indicator appears after the documented wait time, the problem may be the screen or charging path, not the battery. For iPhone, Apple recommends using a recommended adapter and compatible cable, plugging into an outlet, and charging for at least 10 minutes. If needed, try recovery mode. For iPhone, in deeper diagnostics, disconnect the battery and attempt to turn the phone on. For Android, Google says that if you see a battery icon the phone is charging, and if you see a red light the battery is fully discharged. If neither appears, the issue could be the screen. For Pixel, if you do not see a battery icon after plugging in, there could be a problem with the screen.
Rule out a faulty cable, adapter, or power source
If your phone shows no charging signs, the issue may be with your charging equipment rather than the phone itself.
- Use a different, compatible charge cable. Apple specifies using a recommended power adapter and a compatible charge cable.
- Try a different power adapter that works with your phone.
- Switch from a computer port or wireless charger to a direct electrical outlet. Apple specifically says to plug into a power adapter that is plugged into an electrical outlet and not to use a computer port or wireless charging for this test.
- If you have access to another phone with the same charger type, swap cables or adapters to see if the issue is with your accessories.
Understanding the different phone charger types and cables can help you identify which accessories are compatible with your device. A Phone Charger Types and Cable Guide can help you identify which accessories are compatible with your device.
Check your charging settings once the phone turns on
After your phone recovers enough to power on, verify that it is charging fully and normally by checking the relevant settings.
Samsung
Go to Settings > Advanced settings or Device care > Battery > Battery usage or Charging information. Turn on Show charging information or Show charging status. This displays battery percentage and estimated time to full charge on the lock screen for up to 5 minutes after reaching 100%. To show battery percentage in the status bar, go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced Settings > Show battery percentage, or Settings > Notifications > Status bar > Show battery percentage.
Google Pixel
Go to Settings > Battery to see remaining charge and estimated time until full charge. To check battery health, go to Settings > Battery > Battery health, where you will see a status of Normal or Reduced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my dead phone turn on immediately?
A completely dead phone has no power to start the boot process. It needs to charge for several minutes before it can turn on. For iPhone, Apple recommends charging for at least 10 minutes before expecting a screen image.
How long should I charge a dead phone before trying to turn it on?
Charge your dead phone for at least 10 to 30 minutes before attempting to turn it on. The exact time depends on the device and how depleted the battery is.
What does a flashing red light mean on an Android phone?
A flashing red light on an Android phone means there is not enough power to turn the phone on. Continue charging until the light becomes solid or a battery icon appears.
