Why won't a portable speaker charge?
Answer
Work through the chain before blaming the speaker: try a different cable, a different power adapter, and a different socket. Cables fail internally far more often than devices do. Then clean the charging port carefully, since pocket lint compacts into it and prevents the plug seating fully.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Never put anything metal into a charging port. Use wood or plastic, with the device switched off.
- A swollen, hot, or deformed casing means the battery is failing. Stop charging and dispose of it at a facility that accepts lithium batteries.
Follow these steps
Swap the cable
Try a different cable you know works with another device. This is the single most common cause.
You should see: Charging starts, or the cable is ruled out.
Swap the adapter and socket
Try a different plug adapter and a different wall socket, or a computer's USB port.
You should see: The power source is ruled out.
Clean the charging port
With the speaker off, shine a light into the port. Remove compacted lint gently with a wooden toothpick or a burst of dry compressed air.
You should see: The plug seats fully and firmly.
Try a long charge from flat
Leave it connected for several hours. A deeply discharged battery can show nothing for a long time before responding.
You should see: An indicator eventually appears.
Consider the battery
If it charges but empties immediately, the battery has aged out. Check whether the model has a replaceable battery or is worth servicing.
You should see: You have a clear repair-or-replace decision.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Whether any light appears at all when the cable is connected, and whether wiggling the cable produces intermittent charging — that points at the port or cable.
Before you change anything: Power the speaker off before cleaning the port, and never use anything metal inside it.
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