Why does my device keep starting and stopping charging?

Your device shows that it is charging, then stops, then starts again. This can happen on a phone, tablet, or laptop, and it does not always mean the battery is failing. A loose connection, overheating, or a charging limit can produce the same pattern.

Start by comparing charging behavior with the Charger & Cable Test. It measures the battery level change in percent per minute, which helps you compare chargers and cables on the same device.

Test the charging pattern

1. Open the Charger & Cable Test on the device that is having trouble. The test appears only if your browser reports battery information for that device.
2. Connect the charger and cable you normally use. Keep the device on a stable surface and note the battery percentage and whether the device indicates that it is charging.
3. Watch the charging behavior for several minutes. Note whether the charging indicator keeps switching off, or whether the indicator stays on while the battery percentage changes slowly.
4. Repeat with one different cable or charger at a time. Keep the device, outlet, battery level, and screen use as similar as possible so the comparison is useful.

A browser test cannot show the exact electrical fault or prove that a charger is safe. It gives you a way to compare charging rates. Do not keep testing equipment that smells burnt, sparks, has a damaged plug, or becomes unusually hot.

What the result means

One cable or charger gives a steadier rate

If the problem stops when you change only the cable, the original cable or its connector is a likely cause. If changing only the power adapter makes the difference, that adapter may be failing, incompatible, or unable to supply enough power. Retest the original combination once, if it looks safe, to see whether the pattern returns.

The device switches between charging and not charging with every setup

The cause may be the device's charging port, a battery or temperature limit, or a power source that is being interrupted. Try another wall outlet and inspect the port with a light. Do not insert metal objects or force a plug into it.

The charging indicator stays on, but the rate is low

Low charging speed is not the same as repeated disconnection. The device may be using power as quickly as it receives it, especially with a bright screen, games, video, or navigation running. Charging may also slow as the battery gets close to full. Compare at a lower battery level with the screen off.

Charging stops after the device gets warm

Many devices reduce or pause charging to protect the battery when temperatures rise. Remove a thick case if the device is warm, stop demanding apps, and let it cool in a dry, shaded place. Do not put it in a refrigerator or freezer. If it repeatedly heats up during light use, stop charging and arrange service.

How to fix it

1. Try a different outlet. Connect the charger directly to a wall outlet rather than a loose power strip, hub, or docking station. If the device charges steadily there, inspect the original outlet or intermediate connection.
2. Swap one cable or adapter. Use a compatible, undamaged cable and charger. Change one part at a time, and avoid charging through a hub while diagnosing the problem.
3. Check the charging port. Look for lint, debris, corrosion, or a plug that sits loosely. Power the device off before following the manufacturer's cleaning instructions. Do not scrape the port with a pin or spray liquid into it.
4. Let the device cool. Unplug it if it feels unusually hot, close demanding apps, and move it away from sunlight or a warm surface. If the device is swollen, stop using and charging it, and contact the manufacturer or a repair professional.
5. Check charging limits and battery settings. On Windows 11, open Settings › System › Power & battery, then check the battery and power options. Some laptop makers put charge limits in their own utility instead. On macOS, open System Settings › Battery and review battery health and charging options. On Android, check Settings › Battery; the exact charging or battery protection menu varies by manufacturer. On iPhone, check Settings › Battery for charging and battery health options. A charge limit can pause charging at a chosen level, which may be normal behavior.
6. Restart the device. A restart can clear a software status that is not updating correctly. After it starts, reconnect the charger and see whether the charging indicator stays consistent.

When it's likely a hardware problem

If several known-good cables and compatible chargers all disconnect on the same device, but they work normally with another device, suspect the charging port, battery, or internal charging circuit. A plug that only works at a certain angle is a strong sign of a worn or damaged port. Do not hold it at that angle or keep bending the cable, since this can make the damage worse.

Back up important data if you can do so safely, then contact the device maker or a repair shop. If the charger or cable itself is damaged, replace it rather than trying to repair it. Stop using any device with a swollen battery, burning smell, smoke, or unusual heat.

Why charging can pause near full

Some devices intentionally slow charging or pause at a chosen battery level to reduce battery wear. The charging rate can also fall naturally as the battery approaches full. A brief pause at a consistent percentage may be a setting, not a broken connection. Repeated switching at different battery levels, especially when touching the cable changes the result, points more toward a connection problem.

The Charger & Cable Test compares the rate reported by the device, but it cannot certify a charger's electrical safety or reveal its exact wattage.