It can be annoying when your phone shows the charging icon but the battery percentage refuses to increase. This issue is common on Samsung, TECNO, Infinix, Xiaomi, and even iPhones. A Samsung Galaxy A14 user recently had this problem, where the phone stayed stuck at 0% until a simple restart fixed it. This same thing has also happened on my own device, but in my case, restarting didn’t help. I had to change the charging cable before the percentage began to rise again, which shows that this issue has many possible methods and solutions. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the real reasons why your phone charges without increasing in percentage and the proven fixes that work in 2025.
Also read: Why Is My Phone Charging Slowly Even With a Fast Charger?
Why Your Phone Shows the Charging Icon But the Battery Percentage Doesn’t Increase
This problem can happen for several technical reasons. Below are the most common causes you should know before applying any fix.
1. Software Issues
Your phone may show the charging icon even when the battery percentage refuses to rise, and one common reason is a software-related fault. This happens when the system that monitors your battery becomes confused by small glitches in the operating system or background processes. When these errors appear, the device may fail to update the battery indicator correctly, making it look as if the phone isn’t gaining power even though it’s connected to a charger. These software irregularities can occur on any smartphone model and often affect how the battery level is interpreted and displayed.
2. Faulty Motherboard
The motherboard is the central circuit that connects and controls all the components of a phone. When it develops a fault, power may not reach the battery correctly, causing the percentage to remain stuck even though the charging icon appears. Faults can result from overheating, prolonged heavy usage, or wear over time, and even a minor defect can disrupt how the device measures and displays battery charge. Because the motherboard manages the flow of power throughout the phone, any issue here directly affects both charging performance and the accuracy of the battery indicator.
3. Charging Equipment Problems
The cables and chargers you use can directly affect how your phone charges. If the accessories are damaged, low-quality, or not compatible with your device, the battery may not receive enough power even though the charging icon appears. Non-original or counterfeit chargers are a common cause of this problem, as they often fail to provide a consistent flow of electricity. Because the phone relies on these components to transfer power safely and efficiently, any issue with the charger or cable can make the battery percentage remain stuck despite being plugged in.
4. Bad Battery
A worn-out battery can also cause your phone to show the charging icon without the percentage going up. With long-term use, every battery loses a bit of its strength during each charging cycle, and over time this reduces its ability to store power. When a battery reaches this stage, it may refuse to take in enough current, making the percentage stay the same or rise very slowly even when the phone is plugged in.
In situations like this, switching chargers won’t make any real difference, because the issue doesn’t come from the charging equipment. A weak battery cannot hold power properly no matter how many times it is connected to electricity. As the battery continues to lose capacity, it struggles to keep up with normal power flow, and this affects how the charging progress is displayed.
If your phone consistently refuses to gain percentage despite using good chargers, it’s likely that the battery is no longer functioning as it should and may need to be checked or replaced.
5. Charging Port Problems
A faulty or obstructed charging port can also cause your phone to show the charging icon without the battery percentage going up. With daily use, tiny particles like dust, lint, or moisture can build up around the port and interfere with the connection between the charger and the phone. When this connection becomes weak or unstable, the device may receive power inconsistently, leading to a situation where the charging symbol appears but the battery itself gains little or no charge. Because the port is responsible for delivering power directly to the battery, any blockage or internal fault can disrupt this process and affect how the charge level is displayed.
6. Damaged Cable
A weak or damaged charging cable is another common reason your phone may show the charging symbol while the battery percentage refuses to move. Over time, frequent bending and twisting can cause the internal wires to loosen or break, reducing the amount of power that reaches the battery. When the cable cannot deliver a stable current, the device may detect that it is plugged in but still struggle to gain any real charge. Even a small fault in the cable can interrupt the power flow and keep your battery level stuck at the same percentage. This issue can also occur when the wall adapter is worn out or its connection becomes unstable, affecting how efficiently the phone receives power.
How to Fix Your Phone Showing Charging But Battery Percentage Not Increasing
Now that we understand the common reasons why your phone may show it’s charging while the battery percentage stays the same, it’s time to explore practical solutions. Below are 8 effective methods you can try to get your battery charging normally again, whether you’re using an Android device like TECNO, Infinix, Samsung, or an iPhone in 2025.
1. Update Your Phone Software
Sometimes, outdated system software can cause charging errors or make your battery percentage appear stuck. Software updates not only introduce new features but also fix common bugs that may interfere with how your phone displays charging status. Whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device, updating to the latest version can often solve the issue quickly.
Here’s how to update your phone:
For iPhone:
Step 1: Open the Settings app and tap General.
Step 2: Select Software Update.
Step 3: If an update is available, tap Download and Install to get the latest iOS version.
For Android (Samsung, Infinix, TECNO, etc.):
Step 1: Go to Settings and scroll down to System (or About Phone).
Step 2: Tap Software Update or System Update.
Step 3: If an update is available, choose Download and Install to update your Android version.
Keeping your phone software up to date can fix many charging and battery display glitches, ensuring your device performs smoothly and charges properly.
2. Check the Power Supply
Before assuming something is wrong with your phone, make sure it’s receiving proper power. Even if the charging icon appears, your device may not be getting enough current to increase the battery percentage. A stable charge is usually confirmed by a clear lightning symbol or an active battery animation.
Check that the charger is firmly connected to both your phone and a working wall outlet. Loose plugs, weak extension boxes, or unreliable sockets can interrupt the flow of electricity without you noticing. Testing another outlet or power source often reveals whether the issue is coming from the supply itself.
Confirming a stable power source ensures your phone can charge normally and allows the battery percentage to rise as it should.
3. Replace Your Battery
As we discussed earlier in the Bad Battery section, a worn-out battery may no longer hold power efficiently, causing the charging percentage to remain stuck even when the phone shows it’s charging. When a battery has lost significant capacity, it may fail to accept enough current to increase the percentage, and no change in charger or cable will fix this issue.
In cases like this, replacing the battery is often the most effective solution. A new battery restores normal charging speed and ensures your device can hold power properly, giving you reliable performance once again.
4. Clean the Charging Port
A dirty or blocked charging port is a common reason why your phone may show the charging icon but the battery percentage doesn’t rise. To fix it:
- Inspect the port carefully for dust, lint, or small debris.
- Gently remove dirt using a soft brush, toothpick, or compressed air.
- Avoid applying too much pressure to prevent damaging the delicate pins inside.
- Test your phone after cleaning to ensure the battery percentage increases properly.
Regularly cleaning the charging port keeps the connection stable and helps your battery charge efficiently, preventing future charging issues.
5. Replace or Check the Charging Cable
As we discussed earlier, one common reason your phone may show the charging icon while the battery percentage doesn’t increase is a damaged or weak charging cable. Over time, frequent bending, twisting, or general wear can loosen or break the internal wires, preventing a stable current from reaching your battery. Even a small fault in the cable or a worn-out wall adapter can interrupt power flow, causing your phone to detect that it is plugged in without actually charging. To fix this, inspect both your cable and adapter carefully and replace them with high-quality or original accessories to restore proper charging, allowing your battery percentage to rise normally and preventing future charging issues.
6. Drain the Battery and Recharger
Sometimes, the battery percentage indicator can become miscalibrated, causing your phone to show the charging icon without actually increasing the percentage. One effective way to fix this is by fully draining your battery and then recharging it. To do this, use your phone normally until it completely runs out of power and shuts down on its own. Once it’s off, plug it into a reliable charger and let it charge uninterrupted until it reaches 100%. Using the original or a high-quality cable and adapter is important to ensure a stable current during this process. This simple recalibration can help your device display the battery percentage accurately and improve overall battery performance.
7. Turn Off Battery Percentage
If your phone shows the charging icon but the battery percentage seems stuck, a quick fix is to temporarily turn off the battery percentage display and then turn it back on. This can refresh the system and resolve minor glitches that prevent the battery level from updating correctly. This method works on both iPhones and most Android devices, including Samsung, TECNO, Infinix, and Xiaomi phones.
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your phone.
Step 2: Go to Battery (or Battery & Performance on Android).
Step 3: Find the toggle labeled Battery Percentage and switch it off.
Step 4: Wait a few minutes, then turn the toggle back on.
Performing this simple adjustment can help your phone display the battery percentage correctly while charging, no matter which device you’re using. It’s an easy step that often resolves minor battery display issues without needing any special tools or apps.
8. Visit a Professional Techniciana
If your phone still refuses to charge properly even after trying all the fixes, it might be time to seek help from a professional technician. Sometimes, the problem isn’t with the cable, charger, or battery it could be a deeper hardware or software issue that only an expert can identify. A skilled technician can carefully inspect your phone, detect hidden faults, and carry out proper repairs without causing further damage. Make sure you visit a trusted service center or the official repair brand for your phone model. For example, users of Infinix, TECNO, or itel devices can visit Carlcare, the authorized after-sales service provider for these brands. Their trained technicians can accurately diagnose charging issues and provide quality repair services to get your device back to normal quickly.
Also read: How do I stop WhatsApp from draining my battery in the background?
Conclusion
When your phone shows the charging icon but the battery percentage doesn’t increase, it can be frustrating and confusing. As we’ve explored, the issue could stem from software glitches, a faulty motherboard, a worn-out battery, a dirty charging port, or damaged cables and chargers. Each of these factors affects how your device receives and displays power, and understanding the cause is the first step toward solving it. Simple fixes like updating your phone’s software, cleaning the charging port, or replacing weak cables can often restore normal charging. However, if these solutions don’t work, a worn-out battery or deeper hardware problem may require professional attention. By identifying the root cause and applying the right method, you can ensure your phone charges efficiently, maintains battery health, and continues performing reliably. Taking these steps not only solves the immediate problem but also helps prevent future charging issues, keeping your device in top condition for years to come.
Also read: why is my phone not charging
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why does my phone show it’s charging but the battery percentage doesn’t increase?
This is a common issue on many smartphones, including Samsung, TECNO, Infinix, Xiaomi, and iPhones. It can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as software glitches that prevent the battery indicator from updating correctly, a faulty motherboard that interrupts power flow, a worn-out battery that cannot hold a charge, a dirty or obstructed charging port, or damaged cables and adapters. Understanding the root cause is important before attempting any fix.
2. Can restarting my phone fix the battery percentage issue?
Restarting your phone can sometimes resolve minor software glitches that cause the battery percentage to stay stuck. For example, if background processes or temporary errors are confusing the battery-monitoring system, a restart can help the device recalibrate and display the correct battery level. However, if the problem is related to a worn-out battery, damaged cable, or motherboard issue, restarting alone will not solve the problem.
3. How can I tell if my battery needs replacement?
A worn-out or weak battery is one of the most common reasons for a phone to show charging without the percentage increasing. Signs that your battery may need replacement include slow charging even with an original charger, battery percentage stuck for long periods, sudden drops in battery levels, and the phone overheating during charging. If your phone consistently refuses to gain percentage despite trying multiple chargers, it’s likely the battery can no longer hold power efficiently.
4. Could my charger or cable be causing the problem?
Yes. Faulty or low-quality charging cables and adapters can prevent your phone from receiving enough power, even if the charging icon appears on screen. Over time, bending, twisting, or wear can damage cables and adapters, causing unstable or insufficient current. Using the original charger or a certified high-quality replacement is usually the simplest solution to ensure stable charging and proper battery percentage increase.
5. How do I clean the charging port safely?
A dirty or blocked charging port can interrupt the connection between the charger and your phone, making it seem like the phone is charging when it isn’t. To clean it safely, gently remove any dust, lint, or small debris using a soft brush, toothpick, or compressed air. Avoid using metal objects or applying too much pressure, as this could damage the delicate pins inside. Regular cleaning helps maintain a stable connection and efficient charging.
6. When should I see a professional technician?
If your phone still refuses to charge properly after trying all the basic fixes updating software, cleaning the port, using a high-quality cable, or replacing the battery there may be a deeper issue, such as a faulty motherboard or internal hardware defect. In such cases, it’s best to visit a trusted service center or the official repair provider for your phone model. Experienced technicians can accurately diagnose the problem and perform safe repairs, restoring your phone to normal operation.