Why Your Phone Says It's Charging but the Battery Percentage Isn't Increasing

A phone can show a charging symbol while its battery percentage stays level or falls. It may be receiving power but consuming nearly as much or more than the charger supplies. Charging equipment, temperature and battery condition can also matter.

## Test the power source Try a compatible wall charger and known-working cable. A low-power computer USB port may not provide enough power during heavy phone use. Stop using damaged cables or adapters.

## Reduce power consumption Pause demanding activities such as navigation, gaming and video recording. Turn off the screen and check whether the percentage begins to rise. If it does, charging may have been too slow to exceed the phone's consumption.

## Check temperature Phones may limit charging when too hot or too cold. If unusually hot, disconnect and allow the device to return to normal temperature in a safe place. Do not put it in a refrigerator or freezer, and do not charge under blankets or pillows.

## Inspect the port safely Look for obvious debris or damage, but do not insert metal tools or liquids. If the connector fits poorly, charging repeatedly disconnects or the port appears damaged, seek qualified inspection.

## Know when to stop Stop charging and seek qualified assistance if the phone shows swelling, smoke, unusual odors or dangerous overheating. Do not press or puncture a swollen battery.

The bottom line: the charging icon indicates a recognized power connection, not guaranteed net battery gain. Check the charger, activity and temperature before assuming the battery has failed.

## Sources and further reading Apple Support: If your iPhone or iPod touch won't charge — https://support.apple.com/en-us/108805 Apple Support: If your iPhone or iPad gets too hot or too cold — https://support.apple.com/en-us/118431