One of the most frustrating things for a cell phone user is when your battery is low so you plug it into the wall and nothing happens. When your iPhone 5s stops charging, it is a sign that there is a problem with one of the four things that are responsible for the charging process: the wall adapter, the lightning cable, the charging port, or your phone’s software.

The Wall Adapter

One of the most common reasons your iPhone 5s isn’t charging is that the wall adapter isn’t completely plugged in or the outlet you are using doesn’t have power running to it. This is one of the easiest things to check. After ensuring that the adapter is plugged into the wall completely, try moving the adapter to a different outlet and see if your phone begins charging. You can also try plugging the cord into the USB port on your computer. If that allows your phone to charge, you know the issue is with your wall adapter.

The Lightning Cable

Another common cause of your iPhone 5s not charging is that there is damage to the lightning cable or USB cord. Check your cord over for fraying, tears, and other damage. If there is any damage to the cord, you are going to need to replace your cord before you can charge your phone. Even if you don’t see any damage to your cord, it is worth it to try a different cord in case the damage is interior.

The Charging Port

If both parts of your iPhone 5s charger are in good working order, then the next thing to check is the charging port of your iPhone. Sometimes the port on your iPhone 5s gets clogged with dust, debris, pocket lint, and other obstructions. This naturally happens from being your pocket or purse on a constant basis. If you see anything in your charging port, you can use a cotton swab, toothpick, or toothbrush to clean it. It is also a good idea to check the ends on your lightning cable to make sure they are clean too.

The Phone’s Software

If everything you have checked so far hasn’t resolved your issue, you can try to reboot your iPhone. Occasionally, there is a software issue that prevents the phone from acknowledging that the charger is connected, and a forced reboot can reset that. To force reboot your iPhone 5s, hold down the power button and home button at the same time until the phone shuts itself off, usually about five seconds.

If none of the above ideas work to get your iPhone 5s to charge, there is the possibility that your phone has suffered enough damage to cause battery and charging problems. If your phone has recently suffered water damage, try allowing it to dry for 72 hours in silica or rice and that could be enough to revive it. However, if it isn’t, you many need a new iPhone or hardware component.