Portable Charger Not Working? How to Tell If It’s Dead or Fixable
Portable charger not working? Not sure if it’s worth fixing or time to move on? This guide will help you figure out exactly what’s going on—and what you can do next.
This guide is for situations where your power bank is totally dead—won’t charge, won’t turn on, and doesn’t power any connected device. But if it’s just not charging itself or not powering your devices correctly, that could be a different issue altogether.
- If your power bank still turns on but isn’t charging itself, try this guide to fixing power bank charging issues.
- If it powers on but won’t charge your phone, check out our article on common power bank problems and solutions.
- And if your power bank is acting up frequently or showing wear, it may be time to replace it.
Now, let’s break down what might be going wrong when your power bank truly stops working—and what you can realistically do about it.
In this blog:
- Portable Charger Not Working: Common Reasons Why
- What to Do When Your Power Bank Stopped Working
- What ‘NOT’ to Do When Your Power Bank Stopped Working
- When to Replace vs. Repair
- How to Avoid the Same Problem Again
- Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s get started!
Portable Charger Not Working: Common Reasons Why
Before diving into fixes, let’s take a look at the typical reasons a portable charger not working. Here are the most common causes:
Battery Damage or Degradation
Sometimes, the lithium battery inside degrades or becomes unstable—especially if it's been overcharged, deeply discharged too often, or exposed to extreme temperatures. Some signs of battery damage include:
- It heats up unusually when plugged in.
- It doesn’t hold a charge for long.
- It shows no response at all, even when charging.
In cases where the battery is swollen or leaking, do not attempt to repair it — dispose of it safely at a battery recycling facility.
Faulty Charging Cable or Adapter
Sometimes, the issue isn’t the power bank itself. Try using a different cable and wall adapter. Faulty cables are often the reason a power bank stopped working too, so swapping them is a quick and easy step.
Also, check the charging port for dust, lint, or damage. Gently cleaning it with a soft brush can help restore a proper connection.
Circuit or Component Damage
Power banks rely on printed circuit boards (PCBs) and tiny components like rectifiers, voltage regulators, and capacitors. A hard drop or cheap build quality can cause these to fail. In these cases, repairs are often complex and not practical for the average user.
Frozen Firmware or Protection Lockout
Yes, even power banks have basic software logic. Sometimes the built-in protection mechanism (like over-discharge or overcurrent protection) activates and shuts the system down entirely. This might look like a dead power bank, but it could just be stuck in a protection mode. A full discharge reset may help:
- Plug in a device and drain the power bank completely.
- Leave it uncharged for 24 hours.
- Recharge it using a known good charger and cable.
This process sometimes resets the internal circuit, especially if it had locked up due to irregular voltage or overheating.
What to Do When Your Power Bank Stopped Working
Let’s walk through some practical things you can try before throwing it out.
1. Confirm the Issue
Does your power bank refuse to charge itself, or does it charge but won’t power up other devices? Test with different cables, ports, and devices to isolate the problem. Be sure the wall adapter is delivering the correct output voltage. If the charging indicator doesn’t light up and no device charges, it’s likely an internal failure.
2. Try a Full Battery Drain and Reset
If the power bank appears completely unresponsive, leave it unplugged and connected to a small device (like a flashlight or wireless earbuds) until it fully drains—yes, even if it seems dead. After 24 hours, plug it into a wall charger and let it charge uninterrupted for several hours. This may reset its protection mode and bring it back to life.
3. Inspect for Physical Damage
Has it been dropped recently? Cracked PCBs (printed circuit boards) are common in units that were accidentally dropped. Unfortunately, these types of internal damage are rarely repairable without specialized equipment. If the unit has gotten hot after the drop or smells burnt, stop using it immediately.
4. Check Warranty and Manufacturer Support
Many power banks come with a limited warranty — sometimes 6 months, sometimes up to 2 years depending on the brand. If you still have proof of purchase, reach out to customer service.
Be sure to provide:
- Your purchase receipt or order number.
- The model number and serial (if available).
- Description of the issue and what you’ve already tried.
Brands will usually provide a prepaid return label and either a replacement or a refurbished unit if the issue is covered.
What ‘NOT’ to Do When Your Power Bank Stopped Working
Don’t Crack It Open Just Yet (Why DIY Repairs Are Risky)
While you may find online tutorials suggesting internal battery replacements or soldering, this approach is not recommended. Repairing a power bank that stopped working requires technical knowledge and tools — and even then, it can be dangerous. Lithium batteries are sensitive and can catch fire or explode if handled improperly.
If you’re still tempted to try a fix, consider:
- Checking if you’re still under warranty.
- Asking a professional electronics technician to assess it.
Remember, it’s safer and often cheaper to replace the unit than risk a hazardous DIY repair.
When to Replace vs. Repair
When to Repair
Typically, repairs are only worth considering when the cost of fixing the unit is less than purchasing a new one, and the issue is relatively simple (like a loose connection or minor circuit problem). Some advanced users might opt to use tools like USB testers or battery revival kits to troubleshoot and repair the power bank, but these methods are better suited for hobbyists or repair professionals with the right expertise.
When It’s Not Worth Fixing
If you’ve tried basic troubleshooting and your power bank stopped working entirely—especially after a drop or long-term disuse—it may not be salvageable. Many power banks use proprietary components, making DIY repairs difficult.
Some reasons it may not be worth the repair:
- Power bank is swollen, cracked, or overheats during use – These are serious signs of internal failure and could pose safety risks.
- It’s out of warranty – If the unit is no longer covered by a warranty and repair costs would exceed the cost of a new one, replacing it is a smarter choice.
- Cracked internal circuit board (from drops) – Dropping a power bank can damage its internal components. If the circuit board is cracked, repair is generally impractical.
- Blown rectifiers or damaged regulators – These essential components regulate power flow. If they’re damaged, the unit might be too costly to fix.
- Irreversible battery degradation – Over time, lithium-ion batteries degrade, and in some cases, they may not hold a charge at all.
- No spare parts available for your model – If parts aren’t available or are hard to find, it may be better to invest in a new power bank rather than waste time looking for replacements.
In many cases, unless you’re comfortable with soldering and advanced repairs, it’s generally more cost-effective, safer, and convenient to simply replace the faulty unit. After all, buying a new power bank ensures you get a reliable product with up-to-date features, safety standards, and a fresh warranty.
How to Avoid the Same Problem Again
To reduce the risk of having your next wireless charger stopped working or another power bank stopped working down the line, here are some tips:
- Avoid over-discharging: Don’t wait until it’s at 0% constantly.
- Charge with quality adapters: Cheap adapters can fry circuits.
- Store it properly: Don’t leave it in hot cars or cold garages.
- Buy one with protection features: Look for short-circuit, overcharge, and thermal protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my power bank stop working?
A few common things could be to blame. Heat, moisture, or humidity can mess with the battery or internal circuits. Using a weak or wrong cable may also prevent proper charging. Overcharging, draining it too often, or charging it while it's still powering another device can wear it down. And if it’s ever been dropped or squished in a bag, that might’ve damaged the inside.
How to tell if a power bank is damaged?
Look for warning signs like not charging, powering off mid-use, or refusing to hold a charge. If it gets unusually hot, that’s a bad sign. A swollen or bloated case, strange smell, or leaking fluid? That likely means serious battery damage — and it's best to stop using it right away for safety.
Do power banks go bad if not used?
Yes, they can. Even when sitting idle, power banks slowly lose charge. If left unused too long, the battery can drop below a safe level and stop working. To keep it healthy, give it a full charge every few months and store it somewhere cool and dry.
Final Thoughts: When Repair Isn’t Worth It
If you’re dealing with a portable charger not working, the cause is often wear and tear, internal failure, or accidental damage. While trying a few basic fixes—like switching cables, doing a reset, or checking for visible damage—can sometimes help, deeper issues are usually not worth attempting to repair on your own.
Here’s a quick decision checklist:
- Replace it if your power bank is swollen, cracked, or gets hot during use
- Replace it if it’s out of warranty and the issue requires internal work
- Repair (by a pro) only if the problem is minor, like a loose connection, and the cost is reasonable
If your power bank stopped working suddenly and none of the troubleshooting steps helped, it’s likely time to let it go. Safely recycle the old unit and consider investing in a reliable replacement—ideally one with built-in protection features, solid user reviews, and a clear warranty.
Related Articles:
Common Power Bank Problems and Solutions Guide
