How to Resolve iPhone Charging Issues Beyond 80%

Are you facing a frustrating situation where your iPhone refuses to charge past 80%? Worry not, as we guide you through comprehensive steps to troubleshoot and resolve this issue, ensuring your device charges optimally.

Before Getting Started

The foundation of efficient charging lies in using the right equipment. Connect your device using the original USB cable and plug it into a certified power source, such as a wall socket, computer USB port, or an Apple-certified accessory. This not only guarantees optimal charging but also safeguards against potential damage.

Read the Complete Guide on How to Choose the Right USB-C Cable or Adapter for Your iPhone 15: All USB-C Are Not the Same

Slow or No Charging

Slow charging or a complete refusal to charge can often be traced back to damaged accessories. Inspect your charging cable and adapter for any signs of wear and tear. Use a wall power socket to ensure a robust connection, and don’t forget to remove any debris from the charging port before attempting a force restart.

Try a Force Restart

If your device seems unresponsive, allow it to charge for at least 30 minutes before attempting a force restart. Follow the specific force restart instructions for your iPhone model. If the issue persists, it might be time to seek professional evaluation at an Apple Store or an Authorized Service Provider.

How to Force Restart Your iPhone

Step 1: Charge your iPhone

• Connect your iPhone to the original charging cable and adapter.
• Allow it to charge for at least 30 minutes to ensure there’s enough power for the force restart.

Step 2: Identify Your iPhone Model

• Know which iPhone model you have, as force restart instructions vary.
• iPhone 8 and Later:
  • Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
  • Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
  • Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo. Keep holding until the recovery mode screen appears.
• For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:
  • Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Sleep/Wake button (Side button) simultaneously.
  • Keep holding both buttons until you see the Apple logo.
• For iPhone 6s and earlier, iPad, or iPod touch:
  • Press and hold both the Home button and the Top (or Side) button simultaneously.
  • Keep holding both buttons until you see the Apple logo.

Step 3: Observe the Apple Logo

• After initiating the force restart, continue holding the necessary buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
• Release the buttons as soon as you see the Apple logo.

Step 4: Check for Responsive Operation

• Once the force restart is complete, your iPhone should restart and respond to your commands.
• Verify that the device is charging and operating as expected.

Try Turning Off Optimized Battery Charging (iOS 13 and Later)

With iOS 13 and later, Apple introduced Optimized Battery Charging to prolong battery life. This feature learns your charging patterns and delays charging past 80% until necessary. If your device becomes too warm, charging may be restricted. For iPhone 15 models, an additional setting called “80% Limit” allows you to control this feature. Simply turn on Optimized Battery Charging or disable charging optimizations to go beyond 80%.

Accessory Not Supported Alert

Receiving an alert claiming your accessory isn’t supported or certified? The culprit might be a dirty or damaged charging port, a defective accessory, or a non-Apple-certified USB charger. Begin by removing debris from the charging port, restarting your device, and trying a different USB cable or charger. Always ensure your iOS device is running the latest software version, and if issues persist, reach out to Apple Support for further assistance.

Avoid Overheating

Charging pauses when your iPhone is too hot, a protective measure to safeguard the battery. If this happens, unplug the device, remove the case, and allow it to cool down before resuming charging. Remember, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can adversely affect battery health.

Keeping Your iPhone Cool: Practical Tips for Overheating Prevention

• Avoid Direct Sunlight:
  • Keep your iPhone out of direct sunlight, as it can lead to overheating.
  • If you need to use your iPhone outdoors, find a shady spot or consider using a case with a sunshield.

• Avoid Usage While Charging:
  • Refrain from using your iPhone extensively while it’s charging to prevent heat generation.
  • If usage is necessary, keep it minimal to mitigate the risk of overheating.

• Pause for Cooling Periods:
  • When using your iPhone for extended periods, especially for demanding tasks like gaming or streaming, take breaks to let it cool down.
  • Avoid continuous usage to prevent overheating issues.

• Remove the Case:
  • If your iPhone starts to overheat, remove the case to facilitate better cooling.
  • Cases can trap heat, contributing to temperature spikes.

• Utilize a Fan for Cooling:
  • If available, use a fan to cool down your iPhone.
  • Ensure the fan is positioned away from the charging port and other openings.

Additional Cooling Measures:

• Avoid Graphics-Intensive Apps While Charging:
  • Minimize the use of graphics-intensive apps during charging to prevent additional heat generation.
• Keep Software Updated:
  • Regularly update your iPhone’s software to benefit from bug fixes and performance improvements that reduce the risk of overheating.
• Opt for Apple-Certified Chargers:
  • Use only Apple-certified chargers and cables, as third-party alternatives can sometimes lead to overheating.
• Regular Charging Port Maintenance:
  • Clean the charging port regularly to remove dust and debris, a common cause of overheating.
  • Use a can of compressed air or a toothpick for effective cleaning.

Automatic Protection Feature:

• If your iPhone does overheat, it will automatically turn off to protect itself.
• Important: Don’t attempt to turn it back on until it has had sufficient time to cool down.

Addressing Glitches

If glitches are preventing your iPhone from charging fully, a simple restart might do the trick. If that doesn’t work, follow the device-specific instructions for a force restart. This can help overcome software hiccups that might be hindering the charging process.

Update to the Latest iOS

As of the time of this writing, the most recent iOS version is iOS 17.1 If your device hasn’t been upgraded to this latest version, it is advisable to review the update details for newer iOS versions. This is essential to identify and determine whether any software issues related to battery charging have been addressed in the more recent iOS releases. Stay informed about the improvements and fixes introduced in the latest iOS updates to ensure optimal performance, especially in relation to battery charging concerns.

Regularly updating your iOS is essential to address potential bugs affecting charging performance. Ensure your iPhone is running the latest version by going to Settings > General > Software Update. These updates not only provide new features but also include crucial bug fixes and improvements for various system functions.

How to Ensure Your Charging Accessories are Apple-Certified

Ensuring your charging cable and adapter are Apple-certified is crucial for optimal performance and device safety. Follow these user-friendly steps to check if your accessories meet Apple’s standards:

Check the Packaging for the MFi Logo:

• Look for the MFi (Made for iPhone/iPad/iPod) logo on the packaging. This logo assures that the accessory has been certified by Apple, meeting their stringent performance and safety standards.

Inspect the Cable and Adapter:

• On the Cable and Adapter:
  • Examine the cable and adapter for the MFi logo. It should be visibly printed on the back of the adapter and the connector of the cable.
  • This logo guarantees the accessory’s certification and adherence to Apple’s quality guidelines.
• Visit Apple’s MFi Website:
  • To further verify certification, visit Apple’s MFi website.
  • You can search for the accessory by its name, manufacturer, or model number, ensuring it’s officially listed.

Check the Charging Cable:

• Look for the MFi Logo on the Connector:
  • Locate the MFi logo on the connector of the cable. It should be prominently printed on the side facing the device.
  • If the logo isn’t visible, confirm its certification by visiting Apple’s MFi website.

Inspect the Charging Adapter:

• Find the MFi Logo on the Adapter:
  • Examine the back of the adapter for the MFi logo. It should be situated near the power cord connector.
  • If the logo isn’t present, double-check its certification on Apple’s MFi website.

Ensuring that your charging cable and adapter bear the MFi logo guarantees compatibility, safety, and optimal charging performance for your Apple devices. If at any point you can’t find the MFi logo, a quick check on Apple’s official MFi website provides an additional layer of assurance. Stay confident in the quality of your accessories for a seamless and secure charging experience.

Additional Tips for Troubleshooting Battery Not Charging Issue

Inspect the Charging Port

Clean the charging port using a gentle brush or compressed air to remove debris. Accumulated dust can hinder proper connection and charging.

Check for Physical Damage

Inspect your device for any signs of physical damage, especially around the charging area, as it can affect the charging process.

Check Background Apps

Some apps running in the background may consume power and affect charging speed. Close unnecessary apps before charging to ensure efficient charging.

Low Power Mode

Disable Low Power Mode during charging to allow the device to perform battery-intensive tasks. Low Power Mode limits background activity to conserve battery life.

Reset Location Settings

Resetting location settings helps the phone forget optimized battery charging habits, and refresh charging behavior. This can be done in Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Location & Privacy.

Try Changing the Charger or Using Wired Charging

If using MagSafe, try a regular cable. Issues with a specific charger might be the cause. Different chargers or cables can sometimes resolve charging problems.

Re-setup Your iPhone

As a last resort, back up your iPhone, erase it, and set it up again. Turn off Optimized Battery Charging immediately after setup to prevent it from learning your charging habits.

Conclusion

Resolving iPhone charging issues beyond 80% requires a systematic approach and a keen eye for potential problems. By following the detailed steps outlined in this guide, you can address various factors affecting your device’s charging performance. Whether it’s ensuring the use of Apple-certified accessories, checking for physical damage, or understanding and adjusting battery optimization settings, these steps provide a comprehensive solution to a common and frustrating problem.

In conclusion, maintaining your iPhone’s charging health is not only essential for immediate usability but also for the long-term well-being of your device’s battery. Regularly updating your iOS, staying vigilant for accessory damage, and being aware of battery optimization features contribute to a smoother charging experience.

If, after diligently following these steps, your iPhone continues to face charging issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance from an Apple Store or an Authorized Service Provider. Remember, a well-charged iPhone is a reliable companion, ready to meet your daily needs.