iphone iPhone 4S won't charge... sort of

[Kraftman]

Hey everybody.

I'd like to explain my problem. I've got an iPhone 4S that was originally from Telus. It broke, the original owner got a refurb unit, and sold it to me. It is currently running iOS 6.0GM, and for what it's worth, it was unlocked properly via the carrier.

The phone has worked perfectly for two months now, no issues. All of a sudden it has developed issues charging. It won't register that it has been plugged in to charge on most cables. I have two separate Apple wall units and neither of them will charge it. The weird part is that if I turn the iPhone off, then plug it into the USB, it will start up. So obviously something is getting through. One unit has a frayed cable, the other is in perfect condition and both exhibit the same behaviour.

It will charge off my MacBook no problem.

It will sometimes charge off my USB wall receptacle. When it refuses to I have to turn the iPhone off, plug it in while it's off, and the iPhone will boot up and charge. If I remove it then plug it back in within a reasonable amount of time, it will continue to charge.

Other than scheduling an appointment at the Apple Store (unfortunately the device is out of warranty), does anyone have any insight or suggestions?

Cheers

[Rippleman]

this is going to sound very obvious and I apologize if it is, but have you got 20+ apps open? I noticed that on my phone, i have a cheap aftermarket car charger... if i have to many apps open at once it wont charge since the power drain is more then incoming power.

[Kraftman]

Just in case anyone Googles this, it ended up being a faulty dock connector. I think I was putting horizontal stress on it trying to use it while plugged in, and it must have done some damage. I ended up having to get the dock connector replaced for $50 and it's fine now.

It would sync right up until the battery died, but I must have damaged the power pins as it wouldn't charge. So if a phone syncs but does not charge that does not indicate that the dock connector is in good shape.

[Jeff Roth]

thanks for posting! I am having the Exact Same Symptom/Problem. Looks like I'll be replacing my dock connector! I sure hope it works. I'll post back when done.

[+Neowin User 007 Subscriber²]

Also, if your charger isn't strong enough (cheaper ones) and the cable isn't the right gauge (again cheapo cables) it'll have issues charging. I had a knock off cable someone let me borrow once, wouldn't actually charge (only show it was plugged in with the bolt) and again another time with a cheaper USB to Wall Power Adapter.

[Jamushroom Veteran]

this is going to sound very obvious and I apologize if it is, but have you got 20+ apps open? I noticed that on my phone, i have a cheap aftermarket car charger... if i have to many apps open at once it wont charge since the power drain is more then incoming power.

Those 20+ apps which you think are running in the background actually aren't. It's a common misconception about the multitask row on iOS that those apps are actually running. But the multitask row is actually just a "Recently Launched Apps" list. And only the most recent apps are still running in a paused state. So it's odd that your iPhone is unable to charge with that many apps in the multitask row .

[Jeff Roth]

You nailed it dude. that totally fixed my phone. bought the part for $10 on ebay. took it to the mall and found a guy to put it in for $20. and presto! took him 15 minutes. would've taken me 2 hours! so why bother.

THANKS!!!