How to tell if an iPhone is charging while it is off (2023)

How to tell if a dead iPhone is charging while it’s off, the best way to know If your iPhone Is charging or not, and how to tell if your iPhone is charging properly. Long battery life and quick charging are two features that iPhone users need on a daily basis.
While the iPhone is charging, the screen often lights up – this can be so bright that it can seem like the phone is on, but if you check it closely, you will see that it’s just charging. For more iPhone guides on A3Techworld, read our guide on Easy ways to maintain your iPhone Battery Health to Last Longer.
However, how to tell if a dead iPhone is charging? Usually, we will not see anything on a dead iPhone’s screen if it’s charging. This article will help you to get out of the situation.
Is your iPhone charging? What about your iPad? I’ll teach you how to decipher the iPhone charging symbol when dead from battery drain and in general. Have you been jingling your charging cable around wondering if your iPhone is charging? Or did you just get an iPhone and wish to know how the iPhone charges when on and when off?
Long battery life and quick charging are two features that iPhone and iPad users like me to enjoy on a daily basis. There are various ways that an iPhone can be charged. When your phone is on, it’s easy to confirm that it’s charging by checking the battery icon. However, if your phone is completely out of juice, how do you know if your iPhone is charging? What about your iPad?
There are various ways that an iPhone can be charged, and there are standard wall, wireless and multi-device chargers to pick from.

- Make sure your iPhone is plugged in, and that the charger is plugged into a power source, such as a wall outlet.
- Check the large battery icon in the middle of your black screen.
- If the icon only shows the empty battery as shown in the image above (LEFT) – the iPhone is not charging.
- If the icon shows an almost empty battery and a charger as seen above (RIGHT) – the iPhone is charging.
Table of Contents
According to Apple Support, if your device charges slowly or won’t charge
- Check for any sign of damage like bend or breakage on your charging cable and USB adapter.
- Use a wall power outlet and check for firm connections between your charging cable, USB wall adapter, and wall outlet, or try a different outlet.
- Check the charging port on the bottom of your phone, if you find any kind of debris, remove it and plug your cable into your phone.
- Let your device charge for a half hour (If your device is unresponsive afterwards, Force restart your iPhone).
For a similar article, read our guide on How to know if someone’s phone is off or dead. Recently we wrote a comprehensive guide on How to fix iPhone charging backwards issue.
How to force restart all iPhone models
On an iPhone 14 pro max, iPhone 13 pro max, iPhone 12 pro max, iPhone 11 pro max, iPhone X, iPhone 8, or iPhone 8 Plus: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
On an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold both the Side and Volume Down buttons for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo.
On an iPhone 6s and earlier, iPad, or iPod touch: Press and hold both the Home and Top (or Side) buttons for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo.
step-by-step guide on how to tell if a dead iPhone is charging
Discover how to determine if your dead iPhone is charging with this step-by-step guide. Learn to interpret charging symbols, troubleshoot common issues, and perform a force restart. Get your iPhone back up and running efficiently. Find out how to optimize battery life and ensure quick charging for your Apple device.
- Connect the charger
Make sure your iPhone is plugged into the charger, and ensure that the charger itself is connected to a power source, such as a wall outlet. Use a standard wall charger, wireless charger, or multi-device charger depending on your preference.
- Check the screen
Look at the screen of your iPhone. In most cases, if the iPhone is completely out of battery, the screen will remain black and unresponsive. However, pay close attention to any signs of activity.
- Look for the charging icon
Check for the presence of a battery icon on the screen. If you see an empty battery icon, it means that the iPhone is not charging. However, if the battery icon appears with an almost empty battery and a charging cable, it indicates that the iPhone is currently charging.
- Troubleshoot charging issues (if applicable)
If your device charges slowly or won’t charge, there are a few things you can try:
-Inspect the charging cable and USB adapter for any signs of damage like bends or breakages. If found, consider replacing them.
-Ensure firm connections between the charging cable, USB wall adapter, and the wall outlet. You can also try using a different outlet to eliminate any potential power source issues.
-Examine the charging port on the bottom of your iPhone. If you notice any debris or dust, gently clean it out and then plug in the charging cable.
-Allow your device to charge for at least 30 minutes. If it remains unresponsive afterwards, you can try a force restart. - Perform a force restart (if needed)
If your iPhone is still unresponsive after charging, you can try force restarting it. The steps differ slightly based on the iPhone model you have:
-For iPhone 14 Pro Max, 13 Pro Max, 12 Pro Max, 11 Pro Max, X, 8, or 8 Plus: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
-For iPhone 7 or 7 Plus: Press and hold both the Side and Volume Down buttons simultaneously for at least 10 seconds, until the Apple logo appears.
-For iPhone 6s and earlier models, iPad, or iPod touch: Press and hold both the Home and Top (or Side) buttons simultaneously for at least 10 seconds, until the Apple logo appears. - Activate your iPhone
In order to determine if your dead iPhone is charging, you need to try activating it. Once you have followed the previous steps, proceed with turning on your iPhone and see if it powers up. If it successfully turns on, it indicates that your dead iPhone is charging.
Please note that these steps are general troubleshooting methods and may not work in all situations. If you encounter persistent charging issues, it’s advisable to reach out to Apple Support or visit an authorized service centre for further assistance. For more related articles, read our comprehensive guide on “Will My Alarm Go Off In Do Not Disturb Mode?“
frequently asked questions
To determine if your dead iPhone is charging, connect it to a power source using a charging cable and plug it into a wall outlet or a computer. If the iPhone vibrates, displays an Apple logo, or shows a battery icon on the screen, it indicates that the device is charging.
When an iPhone is charging while it’s off, you may observe certain signs. The screen might remain black, but you may notice a battery icon with a lightning bolt symbol appearing briefly, indicating that the device is charging. Additionally, the device may vibrate or emit a charging sound.
Yes, even when the screen is black, you can check if your iPhone is charging by connecting it to a power source. If the device vibrates, emits a charging sound, or displays a battery icon with a lightning bolt symbol, it signifies that the iPhone is charging, despite the black screen.
If your iPhone doesn’t show any signs of charging, there are a few things you can check. First, ensure that the charging cable and the USB adapter are not damaged. Try using a different charging cable and adapter if needed. Also, inspect the charging port on the bottom of your iPhone for any debris or dirt and clean it if necessary. Finally, attempt to connect your iPhone to a different power source or outlet to rule out any issues with the power supply.
If you’re experiencing slow charging or your iPhone is not responding while charging, try the following troubleshooting steps:
-Check the charging cable and USB adapter for any damage or debris.
-Make sure the cable is securely connected to both the iPhone and the power source.
-Try using a different charging cable, USB adapter, or power outlet.
-Restart your iPhone by holding the power button and sliding the power off slider, then turning it back on.
-If the issue persists, consider resetting your iPhone’s settings or contacting Apple Support for further assistance.