Imagine how frustrating it would be to witness your Samsung phone shows lightning bolt but not charging. It would be very disturbing and possibly uneasy. So, this article will explain the possible causes and solutions to help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
The causes behind the issue can include a faulty charging cable or adapter, a dirty or damaged charging port, a software glitch, battery health issues, charging port corrosion, an incompatible or non-standard charger, overheating problems, and corrupt third-party apps. These can be the reasons that will require immediate solutions. For professional assistance, consider seeking phone repair services to address these issues effectively.
8 Causes of Samsung Phone Shows Lightning Bolt but Not Charging and Possible Solutions
The Samsung phone has become an essential gadget in our daily lives; therefore, it can be very irritating when it starts having problems. So, here are the causes and how to fix this issue.
1. Faulty Charging Cable or Adapter
The most obvious cause of this issue is a malfunctioning charge cable or charger adapter. Over time, cables can fray, and adapters can suffer internal damage that causes inconsistent power transfers to flow.
- First, check the charging cable for any apparent damages, such as exposed wires, fraying near the ends, or bent connectors.
- Then, you can try using a different cable or adapter to check if the problem persists.
- Also, it’s worth trying the cable on another device.
2. Dirty or Damaged Charging Port
Dirt, dust, and fabric fibers will accumulate in the port, making the charging cable unable to connect the phone in the desired manner. This might require fixing the Samsung phone shows a lightning bolt but is not charging.
- Investigate the charging port for visible dirt.
- Clean it carefully with a small brush or compressed air if you find any.
- If the port is damaged, it might need professional repair.
3. Software Glitch
Sometimes, the issue is not at the hardware level but due to some software glitch. An operating system bug or a third-party application could interfere with your charging.
- To restart your Samsung phone, press and hold the Power button until the “Power off” menu appears, then select “Restart” and wait for the phone to shut down and restart automatically to troubleshoot the Samsung phone lightning bolt but not charging issue.
- You can also update your phone by going to “Settings.” Scroll down and tap “Software update.” Tap “Download and install” to see if any updates are available.
- To perform a factory reset, go to Settings > Backup & reset > Factory data reset, then select “Reset device” and follow the prompts to confirm.
4. Battery Health Issues
The batteries lose their capacity for charging over time. Therefore, if your Samsung phone is a little older, the problem may be that its battery has discharged and does not hold a charge properly, although it can detect that it’s being charged. This is one of the common phone battery problems that can occur as your device ages.
- You can check and maintain your phone’s battery health using built-in diagnostic tools, such as Samsung’s Battery Diagnostic Tool, or third-party apps.
- However, if your phone is many years old, you should replace the battery now.
5. Charging Port Corrosion
If a charging port is exposed to water or the surrounding area is humid, it will most likely oxidize. This prevents the process of being clipped between the charging cable and the phone from remaining effective.
- If you suspect corrosion, leave the charging port unused until it is professionally checked.
- Using the system with a port affected by corrosion may exaggerate the lightning bolt showing but not charging issue.
6. Incompatible or Non-Standard Charger
Not all chargers are made the same way. Using a nonspecific or incompatible charger might cause your Samsung phone to show the charging icon while it’s not charging at all.
- Always use the charger with your phone or a certified Samsung charger.
- Avoid using third-party chargers not specifically made for your device. They can send incorrect voltage or current to the battery during charging.
7. Overheating Issues
Overheating will make the phone too hot, so it will show a lightning bolt showing but not charging. A stop in charging because of overheating usually happens due to overuse, environmental conditions, and CPU/battery-draining software.
- Give your phone some time to cool off.
- If it heats up again, go to the settings, identify the app or action causing this issue, and terminate or force-stop it.
- Avoid keeping the phone in direct sunlight or high temperatures while recharging it.
8. Corrupt Third-Party Apps
Badly coded third-party Apps introduce system glitches into your phone where the lightning bolt appears, but the phone is not charging.
- Hold the Power button to boot your Samsung phone into Safe Mode until the device restarts.
- Then, release the button and hold the Volume Down button immediately until the device boots into Safe Mode.
- This mode turns off all third-party apps and allows you to troubleshoot issues.
Why is my Samsung phone not charging but has a lightning bolt?
If your Samsung phone shows a lightning bolt but is not charging, it may indicate a software issue or a faulty charging port. Try restarting your phone, clearing the charging port with a soft cloth, or performing a force restart.
How do I fix my battery, which is plugged in but not charging?
To fix a Samsung phone that is plugged in but not charging, try restarting your phone, cleaning the charging port, and checking the charging cable and adapter for damage. Update your phone’s software and turn off power-saving features to ensure proper charging functionality.
Does a lightning bolt mean it’s charging?
Yes, a lightning bolt icon on your iPhone’s screen indicates that it’s charging. Depending on your device’s charging status, the lightning bolt can appear in different forms, such as a full lightning bolt or a half-filled lightning bolt.
Conclusion
In conclusion, troubleshooting a Samsung phone that shows a lightning bolt but isn’t charging involves understanding the potential causes and finding effective solutions. Common causes include a faulty charging cable or adapter, a dirty or damaged charging port, software glitches, battery health issues, charging port corrosion, incompatible or non-standard chargers, overheating problems, and corrupt third-party apps. For a comprehensive diagnosis and repair, you can contact Samsung phone repair experts like Mobile Market, who offer specialized repair services to address these issues and provide tailored solutions.
