4 smartphone charging problems and how to fix them
When a cell phone is in constant use, wear and tear eventually takes its toll. Contacts come loose, cables get damaged, and the phone can become cluttered with dust and grit. This can cause real problems when it comes time to charge it. Is there anything more frustrating than plugging in your phone and leaving it for a few hours only to come back and find out that it hasn't been charging?
Here are some tricks to determine the cause of the problem and quickly solve it...
1. Charger
The charger itself may be the problem. To test this, plug in a different phone and see if it works as usual. If it does, the charger isn't the problem.
But if the charger is causing the problem, you can try using a sewing needle to pry up the metal pins for better contact. Be sure to do this very carefully — you don't want to bend them too far or break them! It's always best to try using your fingernail first to get them started.
If you think the problem might be at the other end — the adapter side with the plug — try plugging it into various outlets to see if it works. If it doesn't work in several different outlets, it's broken and it's time to get a new one.
2. USB port
In 90% of cases, the USB port is the root of the problem. Constant insertion of the charger connection into the USB port can cause the contacts to wear out. The port can also get clogged with dirt, dust and lint.
To fix this, the first step is to turn off the phone and, if possible, remove the battery. Then you can use a dry toothbrush to scrub the battery and the USB port clean. If this doesn't get all the dirt out, try using a needle, a toothpick or a thin piece of plastic. When you've removed all the dirt and dust, plug the charger back in and the phone should work fine again.
3. Battery
Maybe the battery is the problem. Check its general condition: is it warped or misshapen? Don’t hesitate to put it on the table and spin it like a top. If it does spin, it means that it's warped and needs to be changed.
To replace it, take a battery from the same manufacturer to avoid any potential compatibility issues. If you still have a guarantee, you can even get another one for free!
4. Power supply
There are apps you can buy that will check the power supply during charging. They show you whether your phone is charging or not and if the charger fits and is powerful enough.
This video will provide you with step-by-step instructions...
Having these handy tricks up your sleeve can save you a lot of frustration. So the next time you have trouble charging your smartphone, don't panic. Try out these tips and chances are you'll have the problem solved in no time!