Chinese (Simplified) 
Chinese (Traditional) 
English 
French 
Alemão 
Italian 
Japanese 
Norwegian 
Spanish 
4 min read
0 comments
Understand why your cell phone won't charge in the car and see how to solve problems with the USB port, cable, wireless charging and even overheating of the device.
load the cell phone in the car It's something so common that many people don't even think twice about it. Just plug the cable into the USB port, plug in your phone, and that's it. But things don't always work as expected. Sometimes your phone just won't charge. And there could be more than one reason for this.
Cleaning the USB port may solve the problem.
One of the simplest reasons for a charging failure is dirt. Dust, lint, or other particles can interfere with the connection between the cable and the USB port. If this happens, the phone may not charge or may be unstable.
To resolve this, you can clean your car's USB port with a soft-bristled brush and a can of compressed air.
-
Couple throws magnet into New York lake and finds heavy antique safe full of money
-
The largest Brazilian city that suffocates with toxic air because millions of cars and trucks dominate its streets daily
-
The Brazilian city that could be the next Mariana because it has dangerous dams and faults
-
These are the largest cities in the Sertão Pernambucano
Buy
It is important to avoid sharp or metal objects, such as pins, which can cause permanent damage.
It is also worth checking the charging port of your phone. If there is dirt there, the cleaning process should be repeated on the device.
Not every USB port charges
Another detail that goes unnoticed by many drivers is that not all USB ports in the car are made to charge devices.
Some are just for transferring data, like music or information from Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. In these ports, the cell phone may recognize the connection, but it will not receive enough charge.
The solution is simple: switch to another USB port in the car. In many models, only one or two are compatible with charging. Identifying the correct one may require some testing.
The cable can also be the villain
Sometimes the problem is not with the car or the phone, but with the cable.
A damaged or low-quality cable can prevent power from reaching your device properly. Counterfeit or generic cables may perform much less well than required.
It is recommended to use the original cable that came with your phone or use a reputable brand. Certified cables generally ensure more stable power transfer.
Outdated firmware may interfere
The functioning of the car's USB ports also depends on the on-board system firmware.
If it is out of date, it may have difficulty communicating with modern devices. This includes both Androids and iPhones.
Some cars allow firmware updates via USB flash drive or the Internet. To find out how to do this, you need to consult the vehicle manual. Not all models offer this possibility, but it is worth checking.
Load that does not match consumption
It may happen that your phone indicates that it is charging, but the battery continues to drain.
This usually happens when the device is being used heavily while charging, such as with navigation. GPS, music or calls.
Car USB ports often provide little power. In these situations, an efficient alternative is to use a car charger that plugs into the cigarette lighter.
These accessories can provide up to 5 amps, enough power to charge any smartphone, even with heavy use.
Wireless charging can also fail
Many newer cars offer the option of wireless charging.
It's practical, but it's not without its problems. A thick protective cover, for example, can prevent proper contact. Other loose objects on the charging base may also interfere.
Additionally, some cars allow wireless charging to be turned off in the infotainment system settings.
Before assuming there’s a problem, it’s a good idea to check that the feature is enabled. Another tip is to reposition the phone on the base, especially if it’s a small or foldable model. The correct position is essential.
Heat can interrupt charging
Overheating is another factor that can interrupt wireless charging. If your phone is in direct sunlight or is being used intensively, it can overheat.
When this happens, both Androids and iPhones often display temperature alerts.
In this situation, you need to wait for the device to cool down. After that, charging should resume automatically. This behavior is a common protection in modern cell phones to prevent damage to the battery.
Problem may be more serious
If even after checking everything — ports, cables, firmware, and phone position — your phone still won't charge, the problem could be in your car. Blown fuses or faults in the electrical system are both possibilities.
When this happens, the best option is to take the car to an authorized workshop. A technician will be able to identify the defect and safely carry out the necessary repairs.
Often, the reason your phone won't charge in your car is due to some easily fixable details. Dirt, a damaged cable, or the wrong USB port are some of the most common problems.
With patience and attention, it is possible to resolve most faults without needing professional help. And, if necessary, seeking technical assistance is always the safest way to go.
