Why is my iPhone charging backwards? Here are 8 fixes

Have you ever encountered a peculiar situation where your iPhone seems to charge in reverse?

In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind your iPhone charging in reverse and offer practical solutions to resolve this perplexing issue. Let’s embark on a journey to unravel the mystery of reverse charging.

Why is Your iPhone Charging in Reverse? Encountering anomalies in modern technology, such as your iPhone exhibiting reverse charging behaviour, can be quite bewildering. While it might initially seem like a magical occurrence, there are rational explanations rooted in the intricate functionality and design of smartphones.

Why is Your iPhone battery reducing while charging?

Let’s explore some potential reasons behind this unusual charging error.

1. Cable Reversal or Damage

A false sense of reverse charging can occasionally result from a broken or poorly inserted cable. Because of its reversible structure, the Lightning cable can be plugged in either way. However, if it is not fully connected or upside-down connected, it can interfere with charging.

2. Software Bugs

On occasion, complicated software operating on smartphones can cause odd behaviours. The battery icon may appear incorrectly due to a brief operating system bug, giving the impression that reverse charging is occurring.

3. Misinterpreted Battery Indicator

The battery indicator on your iPhone is intended to represent several different states, including charging, charging, and discharging. The incorrect perception of backward charging could occur if these icons are misinterpreted.

4. Third-Party Accessories

Using charging accessories that are not approved may result in unexpected behaviours. Your iPhone may not be able to communicate with these accessories properly, which can result in inaccurate charging indicators being displayed.

5. Temperature Extremes

Extreme temperatures may affect the battery’s functionality and slow down the rate at which it charges. If the battery level doesn’t increase as predicted, this could be mistaken for reverse charging.

6. Battery Health and Age

As batteries get older, they may lose capacity and efficiency. If the battery in your iPhone is seriously damaged, it may charge slowly and appear to be charging backwards. For a similar iPhone battery tip, read our article on How to tell if an iPhone is charging while it is off.

You can troubleshoot and fix the problem with a better charging experience for your device if you are aware of these aspects.

How to Fix iPhone Reverse Charging – 8 easy steps

Encountering the situation where your iPhone seems to be charging in reverse? Don’t worry; there are steps you can take to address and rectify this issue. We’ve outlined a series of troubleshooting actions below to help you resolve the reverse charging problem with your iPhone.

1. Examine the Charging Cable

To begin, make sure that the charging cable is in good condition and properly connected to both your iPhone and the power source. Sometimes, the reverse charging issue can occur due to accidentally flipping the cable.

2. Use Apple-Certified Accessories

Ensure that you’re using accessories approved by Apple for charging. Non-certified accessories may not communicate effectively with your iPhone, resulting in incorrect charging indicators.

3. Restart Your iPhone

Software glitches that lead to unusual behaviour can often be resolved with a simple restart. Hold down the power button as you normally would to restart your iPhone. This might potentially resolve the issue and refresh the system.

4. Update Your Software

Confirm that your iPhone’s operating system is up to date. Software updates often include bug fixes that can address irregular charging behaviour. To check for and install available updates, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update.

5. Check Battery Health

Assess your iPhone’s battery health to determine if its capacity has significantly decreased, which may result in slower charging. You can do this by going to Settings > Battery > Battery Health.

6. Clean the Charging Port

Maintaining a clean charging port is crucial because debris such as dirt, lint, or dust can obstruct a proper connection. Employ compressed air or a small brush to gently clean the port, ensuring a solid connection between your iPhone and the charger. Read our comprehensive guide on how to clean your iPhone speakers and charging port.

7. Reset All Settings

If the problem persists, consider resetting all settings. This won’t delete your data but will revert all settings to their original defaults. Access this option via Settings > General > Reset.

8. Seek Technical Assistance

If none of the above solutions proves effective, it’s advisable to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. They can diagnose and address any hardware-related issues that may be causing the problem.