Balsat Mskcharge under control: a reference on charging and powering devices at home

An independent reference on charging and powering devices at home. We do not sell devices, do not repair batteries and are not affiliated with the previous website on this domain. Follow your device manufacturer's instructions.

Not charging?

Troubleshooting

When a phone stops charging, the first thought is that the battery is dead. In reality the culprit is more often the cable, lint in the port or an adapter that simply isn't designed for that device. Here you'll find common complaints and a step-by-step way to find the cause, from the simplest to the most serious.

Before you bury the battery, try a different cable: it's to blame surprisingly often.

— Editor's note

How this section works: we describe symptoms and likely causes in general terms. If a device is swollen, smoking, smells of burning or is hot to the touch, don't try to figure it out yourself: unplug it if it is safe to do so and contact a repair center, and if there is smoke, call 112 or your local emergency number.

Common situations

The device charges slowly.

Check which adapter and cable you are using: a weak adapter or a computer port takes noticeably longer. A device that is working hard while charging also gains charge reluctantly. If slow charging started suddenly, try another cable and clean the port.

The device won't charge.

Make sure the outlet works, and test the adapter and cable on another device. Inspect the port: dust and lint often build up inside. If nothing helps and the device only charges after a restart or not at all, take it to a repair service.

The adapter gets very hot.

Slight warmth is normal; strong heat is not. Unplug the adapter, let it cool and check whether it was covered or tucked behind furniture. If it still gets very hot out in the open, especially with nothing connected, it's better to stop using it.

The cable only works at a certain angle.

Most likely the wires inside are damaged or the plug has worked loose. A cable like this can spark and heat up, so replace it instead of propping it in the right position with a book.

The battery drains quickly.

Check in settings which apps use the most power, and lower the screen brightness. Cold and heat also temporarily shorten battery life between charges. Batteries wear out over time, which is natural; if the device shuts off suddenly, take it to a repair service for a replacement.

The power bank won't charge my phone.

Check that the power bank itself is charged, that it's switched on if it has a button, and that the cable works. Some power banks turn off when the current drawn is too low, for example when charging headphones. See its instructions for details.

If something seems wrong with charging

  1. Disconnect the device

    Unplug the adapter from the outlet and disconnect the cable. If anything is hot, let it cool on a hard surface and don't touch it with bare hands.

  2. Test the cable and adapter on another device

    This quickly shows what's at fault: if another device won't charge either, the problem is the adapter or cable, not the battery.

  3. Clean the port

    Gently remove dust with a soft, dry brush while the device is turned off. Don't use pins, paper clips or other metal objects, and don't use liquids.

  4. Restart the device

    Sometimes charging stops because of a software glitch. A restart takes a minute and clears up many oddities with the charge indicator.

  5. Contact a repair service

    If nothing helped, or you noticed swelling, overheating or damage to the case, take the device to a repair center. Don't open it and don't try to replace the battery yourself.

  • Guides

    Practical guides: how to charge devices safely at home, extend battery life and tame the tangle of cables. The article catalogue lives here too.

  • Tools

    What helps you charge calmly at home: markings, the charge indicator, a surge protector, a fireproof stand and a container for old batteries.

  • Safety

    Home charging risks: a swollen battery, a damaged cable, soft surfaces, a fake adapter and an overloaded extension cord, and what to do about them.

  • Glossary

    A glossary of device power terms: adapter, cable, connector, battery, capacity, voltage, current, fast charging and the charge controller.

  • Questions

    Answers about this reference, everyday charging of phones and laptops, and what to do with batteries and rechargeable cells that have reached their end.

Sources

  • Manufacturers' instructions for devices and chargers
  • General household fire safety guidelines
  • Balsat Msk editorial materials

This advice is written in general terms and reflects our editorial understanding as of the preparation date. Devices, adapters and batteries are built differently, so your main reference remains the manufacturer's instructions for your device: if they differ from our text, follow the instructions.