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If you are an iPhone or iPad user, you might have experienced a broken or non-working charger at some point. Apple’s chargers are prone to damage due to travel or regular plugging and unplugging. Getting a new charger or cable from the Apple Store can be expensive, so it is worth checking whether there is a fix you can do yourself before spending the money.
In this article, we will share some tips and tricks to help you determine whether you need a new adapter or cable and how to fix a broken charger.
Check if Your Charger is Working
The first step is to check whether your charger is actually broken. Chargers have two parts – the Apple power adapter and the Lightning to USB cable. The adapter is connected to the wall socket, and the Lightning cable connects the adapter to your device. If your device does not start charging despite everything being plugged in, there are a few things you can check:
- Try using a different plug in the same socket.
- Try charging another device using the same adapter, cable, and power outlet to determine if your device is the issue.
- Use a different cable with the same device adapter and power outlet, or use the same cable to connect your device to your computer to check if the cable is the problem.
- Finally, if you have determined that the problem is not with the outlet, device, or cable, then the adapter is most likely faulty.
Following these steps should help you identify which part is damaged and needs repair or replacement.
Repair a Broken Cable or Wire
One common issue with Apple cables is the plastic coating on the cable fraying and weakening, making the cable ineffective. While some people have attempted to repair cables using a soldering iron, it is not easy. Instead, it might be best to buy a new Apple Lightning to USB cable if you are unable to use the existing cable.
You can purchase a 1 meter Lightning to USB cableor the 2-meter version for a little more. If you are worried about the cable breaking, you can explore some of the best Lightning cable options available online.
How to Fix a Broken Power Adapter
Unlike cables, it is not recommended to attempt to repair a broken Apple charger yourself. A new Apple USB Power Adapter is available for £ 19 / $19 from the Apple Store. Consider selecting the 12W USB power adapter as it charges iPhone models faster than the standard 5W power adapter.
Since the inside of the power adapter is compact and tightly glued together, it is difficult to repair it without breaking the adapter. So it’s best to replace it instead of fixing it.
With a little bit of patience, you can save money by trying to determine the problem with your iPhone charger’s adapter, cable, or outlet before buying a new one.
(Note that Apple has recalled some of its wall plugs for safety reasons. Check with Apple to see if your adapter is affected.)
FAQs
1. How long do Apple chargers last?
Apple chargers have an average lifespan of one to two years, depending on how often they are used and how well they are maintained. Regular plugging and unplugging, as well as travel, may cause them to wear out faster.
2. Can you repair an Apple charger?
It is not recommended to repair an Apple charger yourself as they are tightly glued together, making it difficult to fix them without causing further damage. A new Apple USB Power Adapter or Lightning to USB cable can be purchased as replacements instead.