You reach for your power bank in an emergency, only to find it’s dead. No lights. No charging. Nothing. It’s frustrating when your power bank not charging anymore leaves you stranded. The good news? Most power bank charging problems can be fixed in under 10 minutes with simple troubleshooting.
Whether your power bank not charging phone, laptop, or itself, this guide covers every scenario. We’ll walk you through why power banks stop charging, how to reset them, and when it’s time for a replacement. Let’s get your portable charger working again!
Why Your Power Bank Stopped Charging?
Power banks are simple devices, but several issues can cause them to stop working. Understanding why does my power bank stop charging is the first step to fixing it.
The most common reasons include:
- Faulty cables or adapters (causes 60% of problems)
- Dirty or damaged charging ports
- Deep discharge (battery drained too low)
- Overheating or temperature protection
- Internal circuit failure or battery degradation
Before trying complex fixes, check these basics:
- Try a different charging cable and wall adapter
- Clean both input and output ports with a toothpick
- Let the power bank cool down if it’s warm
- Try charging from a different outlet
| Quick Diagnosis | What It Means |
| No lights when plugged in | Dead battery or charging issue |
| Lights on but no output | Port or cable problem |
| Blinking lights | Protection mode or reset needed |
| Gets hot quickly | Internal failure – stop using |
Power Bank Not Charging Phone? Quick Fixes
When your power bank not charging phone, it’s usually a simple compatibility or connection issue. This problem affects both iPhone and Android users equally.
For iPhone users:
- Use only MFi-certified Lightning cables
- Check if iOS updates blocked charging (common after updates)
- Clean the iPhone’s Lightning port with a wooden toothpick
- Try charging with the phone case removed
For Android users:
- Ensure fast charging is enabled in settings
- Check if your phone requires USB-C PD (Power Delivery)
- Try different USB ports on the power bank
- Remove any third-party charging apps
Real user example: One Reddit user reported their iPhone 11 Pro Max stopped charging from their power bank after an iOS 17 update. The fix? Using an Apple-certified cable and resetting the power bank solved the issue.
If your power bank not charging phone after trying these steps, move to the reset section below.
Power Bank Not Charging Laptop? Solutions That Work
Power bank not charging laptop is more complex because laptops need more power than phones. Most laptops require at least 65W, while gaming laptops need 100W or more.
Power requirements by laptop type:
- Basic laptops: 45-65W (most USB-C power banks work)
- Business laptops: 65-90W (check wattage carefully)
- Gaming laptops: 100-140W (need high-wattage power banks)
- Surface/MacBook: 30-65W (USB-C PD compatible)
Common laptop charging issues:
- Insufficient power: Your power bank doesn’t provide enough watts
- Wrong cable: Regular USB-C cables can’t handle high wattage
- Port compatibility: Some laptops only charge from specific ports
- Brand restrictions: Dell, HP, and Lenovo have specific requirements
Real example: A user with a new HP laptop couldn’t charge it with their USB-C power bank. The solution? They needed a 100W E-Marker cable instead of a regular USB-C cable.
Quick fixes for laptop charging:
- Use a 100W-rated USB-C cable
- Try different USB-C ports on your laptop
- Check laptop power settings (some block charging)
- Ensure power bank supports PD (Power Delivery)
How to Reset Power Bank: Step-by-Step Guide?
Learning how to reset power bank can fix 80% of charging issues. Resetting clears errors and recalibrates the battery management system.
General reset procedure:
- Turn off the power bank (hold power button for 10 seconds)
- Disconnect all cables and devices
- Locate the reset button (small pinhole on side or bottom)
- Press and hold reset button for 15-20 seconds
- Charge the power bank fully before using again
How to reset Anker power bank: Anker power banks use a special reset method:
- Find a USB cable (the one that came with it works best)
- Connect the micro-USB input to a USB output port
- Keep connected for 15 seconds
- Disconnect and charge normally
- The LED lights should stop blinking when reset is complete
MyCharge power bank reset: MyCharge models have different reset procedures:
- Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds
- If no response, plug into charger while holding power button
- Charge for 1 hour without checking
- Test with a device after full charge
If your power bank not working after reset, try the “jump start” method: leave it charging for 24-48 hours. This can revive deeply discharged batteries.
Power Bank Not Working? When to Replace
Sometimes, power bank not working means it’s time for a replacement. Here’s how to tell if your power bank is beyond repair.
Signs your power bank needs replacement:
- Swollen or bulging case (safety hazard – stop using immediately)
- No response after multiple reset attempts
- Charges very slowly (takes 12+ hours for full charge)
- Drains quickly (loses 50% charge in one hour)
- Gets hot during charging or use
- Burnt smell or unusual noises
Power bank lifespan: Most power banks last 2-3 years or 500 charge cycles. Quality brands like Anker may last longer, while cheaper models might fail sooner.
Cost vs. replacement analysis:
- Repair cost: $20-50 (if parts available)
- Replacement cost: $25-100 (depending on capacity)
- Time investment: 2-10 hours troubleshooting
When repair costs exceed 50% of replacement cost, it’s usually better to buy new. Safety is also a factor – swollen or damaged batteries can be fire hazards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my power bank blinking but not charging?
Blinking lights usually indicate your power bank is in protection mode. This happens when the battery voltage drops too low or there’s a short circuit. Try resetting your power bank by holding the power button for 30 seconds. If that doesn’t work, leave it charging for 24 hours. If all lights blink together, it often means internal circuit failure – time for replacement.
Can a completely dead power bank be revived?
Yes, sometimes you can revive a completely dead power bank. The “jump start” method involves leaving it connected to a high-output charger (2A or higher) for 24-48 hours. This slowly brings the battery voltage back to a usable level. However, if the power bank shows no signs of life after 48 hours, the battery is likely permanently damaged.
Why does my power bank only charge my phone to 80%?
Many modern power banks and phones have smart charging features that stop at 80% to extend battery life. This is normal and actually good for your phone’s battery health. You can usually disable this feature in your phone’s battery settings if you need a full charge. Some power banks also have their own 80% limit to prevent overheating.
How long should it take to charge a power bank?
Charging time depends on capacity and input power. A 10,000mAh power bank takes 3-4 hours with a 2A charger, while a 20,000mAh model takes 6-8 hours. If your power bank takes longer than 12 hours to charge, there might be an issue with the charger, cable, or the power bank itself. Always use the original charger or a quality 2A+ adapter.
Why does my power bank get hot when charging?
Mild warmth is normal during charging, but excessive heat is a warning sign. Your power bank might get hot due to: using a low-quality charger, charging in direct sunlight, charging multiple devices at once, or internal battery failure. If it’s too hot to touch, stop charging immediately and let it cool down. Persistent overheating means the power bank is unsafe to use.
Is it safe to use a swollen power bank?
No, never use a swollen power bank. Swelling indicates internal battery damage and serious safety risks. Swollen batteries can leak chemicals, catch fire, or even explode. Safely dispose of swollen power banks at battery recycling centers. Most electronics stores accept old power banks for proper disposal. Don’t throw them in regular trash.
Why do all my power banks stop working after 1-2 years?
Power banks typically last 2-3 years with normal use. If yours fail faster, consider: frequent deep discharges (draining to 0%), exposure to extreme temperatures, using cheap chargers, or physical damage. Quality brands like Anker and Xiaomi last longer than generic models. To extend power bank life, store it at 50% charge when not in use and avoid complete discharges.
Conclusion
Most power bank not charging anymore issues can be fixed with simple troubleshooting. Start with the basics: try different cables, clean the ports, and reset your device. For laptop charging problems, ensure you have the right wattage and cable. If your power bank not working after all troubleshooting, it might be time for a replacement.
Remember to maintain your power bank properly – keep it partially charged when stored, avoid extreme temperatures, and use quality charging accessories. With proper care, your power bank should last 2-3 years of reliable service.
If you’re dealing with laptop battery issues, check out our guide on how to control laptop battery charge level to extend your device’s battery life. For general charging problems, our article on why your laptop won’t charge offers additional troubleshooting tips.
Don’t let a dead power bank leave you powerless – use these fixes to get back up and running
