If your Android device only recognizes the charger after you perform a full reboot, the problem is rarely hardware-related. This is a classic symptom of a software driver glitch or a rogue third-party app. Here are the most effective fixes.
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Fix 1: The Quickest Software Toggles
Start with the simplest resets to clear temporary memory confusion.
1. Hard Reboot (Force Restart)
A simple restart can fix the software handshake issue.
- Hold the Power button for 5-7 seconds until the power menu appears.
- Select Restart.
- Once the phone is back on, plug in the charger to see if the problem returns after being unplugged and replugged.
2. Toggle Airplane Mode
Toggling Airplane Mode forces the entire communication stack (including USB/power management) to reset.
- Swipe down to open the Quick Settings panel.
- Tap the Airplane Mode icon to turn it On.
- Wait 10 seconds, then turn it Off again.
- Plug in the charger and check.
Fix 2: Clear the USB Software Cache
The Android operating system uses a dedicated service to detect USB connections. If its cache is corrupted, it may require a restart to function.
- Go to Settings > Apps (or Applications).
- Tap the More options (usually three vertical dots) and select Show system apps.
- Scroll down and find the app named USB Settings (or Android System).
- Tap Storage (or Storage & cache).
- Tap Clear data and Clear cache.
- Reboot your phone after clearing the data.
Fix 3: Diagnose with Safe Mode (The Key Step)
If your phone charges normally while off, but not when on, the issue is a third-party app. Safe Mode helps confirm this diagnosis.
4. Test Charging in Safe Mode
Safe Mode temporarily disables all downloaded apps.
- Press and hold the Power button.
- Press and hold the Power Off option until the Reboot to Safe Mode prompt appears. Tap OK.
- Once in Safe Mode (indicated by a watermark), plug in the charger.
- If the phone charges normally in Safe Mode, a downloaded app is blocking the charging detection.
5. Remove the Rogue App
If Safe Mode works, exit Safe Mode by restarting the phone normally. Then, uninstall any recently installed apps one by one until the charging issue is resolved.
Fix 4: Physical Port and Cable Check
While often software-related, a dirty port can cause a poor connection that is momentarily fixed by the system reset during a reboot.
6. Clean the Charging Port
Dust or lint can prevent the cable from fully connecting to the pins.
- Power Off your phone.
- Use a flashlight to look inside the charging port.
- Gently use a wooden toothpick or compressed air to remove any debris. Be extremely careful not to damage the gold contacts.
7. Test Accessories
Ensure your cable and adapter are not intermittent faults.
- Try a different, known-good cable and adapter combination.
- Ensure the cable is securely connected to the adapter and the phone.
Fix 5: System and Account Resets
8. Check for Software Updates
A known OS bug could be the cause, which an update might fix.
- Go to Settings > System > System update (or Software update).
- Install any pending updates.
9. Clear System Cache Partition
Clearing the system cache (not app cache) can fix system-level glitches.
- Search online for your specific model's instructions to enter the Recovery Menu (usually requires holding Volume Down and Power buttons while booting).
- In the Recovery Menu, select Wipe cache partition (use Volume buttons to navigate and Power button to select).
- Select Reboot system now.
10. Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If the issue persists after Safe Mode and USB data clears, a complete reset is necessary.
- Strong Warning: Backup all your data first, including photos and documents.
- Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset).