If you’ve ever wondered how to know if iPhone is charging when dead, you’re not alone. Many iPhone users face this dilemma when their device runs out of battery and they plug it in, only to be left staring at a black screen, unsure if it’s actually charging.

In this guide, we’ll explain the signs that indicate whether your iPhone is charging when it’s dead, why your phone may not be turning on right away, and troubleshooting tips to ensure your iPhone gets the power it needs.

Signs That Your iPhone is Charging When Dead

When an iPhone’s battery is completely drained, it doesn’t turn on immediately after plugging it in. However, there are a few telltale signs that it is charging:

1. Charging Icon Appears

Once you connect your iPhone to a power source, it should display a battery icon with a lightning bolt after a few minutes. This is a clear indication that the phone is charging.

2. Vibration Upon Plugging In

If your iPhone is set to vibrate, you may feel a brief vibration when you connect it to a power source. This is another indicator that your device is detecting power.

3. Screen Brightens Briefly

When an iPhone is completely dead, plugging it into a charger may cause the screen to flicker or brighten slightly before going black again.

4. Red Battery Icon Display

After a few minutes of charging, your iPhone should show a red battery icon with a charging symbol, indicating that it is receiving power.

5. iPhone Turns On Automatically

Once your iPhone reaches a certain battery percentage, typically around 5%, it will turn on automatically. If your phone powers up after being dead, it confirms that it was charging.

How Long Does It Take for a Dead iPhone to Charge?

When an iPhone’s battery is completely depleted, it usually takes a few minutes before it displays any signs of charging. Here’s a general timeline of what to expect:

• 0–5 minutes: The screen may remain black, but the phone is still receiving power.
• 5–10 minutes: The red battery icon with a charging symbol should appear.
• 10–30 minutes: The phone may turn on once it has accumulated enough power.
• 30+ minutes: The iPhone should now be functional, though it’s best to let it charge to at least 20% before using it extensively.

Troubleshooting: What to Do if Your iPhone Isn’t Charging When Dead

If you’ve plugged in your iPhone but it doesn’t seem to be charging, there could be several reasons for this. Here’s how to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Check Your Charging Cable and Adapter

A damaged cable or adapter can prevent your iPhone from charging. Try using a different cable, adapter, or outlet to see if the issue persists.

2. Clean the Charging Port

Dust and debris can accumulate in the charging port over time, preventing proper contact. Use a toothpick or compressed air to gently clean out the port.

3. Try a Different Power Source

If you’re using a wall charger, switch to a different outlet or try plugging your phone into a computer’s USB port to see if it charges.

4. Perform a Force Restart

If your iPhone is unresponsive even after charging for a while, try a force restart:

• For iPhone 8 and later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
• For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold both the Volume Down and Power buttons until the Apple logo appears.
• For iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold both the Home and Power buttons until you see the Apple logo.

5. Check for Overheating or Extreme Cold

Extreme temperatures can affect an iPhone’s charging ability. If your device feels too hot or too cold, allow it to return to room temperature before attempting to charge it again.

6. Use a Different Charging Method

If your iPhone supports wireless charging, try using a wireless charger to see if the problem is with the charging port or cable.

7. Inspect for Water or Physical Damage

If your iPhone has been exposed to water or suffered physical damage, it may not charge properly. Check for signs of damage and consider visiting an Apple Store for professional assistance.

8. Update or Restore Your iPhone

If your iPhone is stuck on a black screen even after charging, it may need a software update or restore. Connect it to a computer and use iTunes (for older models) or Finder (for macOS Catalina and later) to check for updates.

How to Prevent Your iPhone from Dying Completely

To avoid dealing with a dead iPhone, consider these tips to keep your battery healthy and charged:

1. Charge Before Reaching 0%

Lithium-ion batteries perform best when they are kept between 20% and 80% charge. Avoid letting your iPhone battery drain completely.

2. Use Low Power Mode

When your battery is low, enable Low Power Mode to extend battery life until you can charge your device.

3. Carry a Power Bank

Having a portable charger ensures you can charge your phone on the go, preventing it from completely dying.

4. Limit Background Activity

Apps running in the background can drain your battery quickly. Close unused apps and disable background app refresh.

5. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

High heat and freezing temperatures can damage your iPhone’s battery, reducing its lifespan and affecting its charging ability.

Conclusion

Knowing how to know if iPhone is charging when dead is essential to avoid unnecessary worry and troubleshooting. If you see the charging icon, experience a brief vibration, or notice your iPhone turning on after some time, these are all signs that your phone is charging. If your iPhone doesn’t show these signs, follow the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide to get it working again.

By taking care of your iPhone’s battery and following best charging practices, you can avoid the hassle of dealing with a completely dead device in the future.