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Problem charging Android phone

Hi,

I have a Samsung S4 and all of a sudden my phone won't charge. I get the message

The connected charger is incompatible with this phone. To prevent damage to your phone, charging has been stopped. To continue charging, use the original charger and cable that were provided with the phone.

I have already tried numerous things - switched the charger, tried as usb where it still won't charge, even tried a factory reset of the phone and my phone still isn't charging. I am currently in the UK so I have a different SIM in the phone but I have never had this issue before. Please help!

Comments

Verizon_Support

I'm sorry you're having this issue with your S4 msorell! When did you start getting this error? Are you using the original charger? Have you tried charging without that SIM card? That would be my next recommendation, power off, remove SIM card, then try charging. When completed, try re-inserting SIM card to see if it works.

Please keep us posted.

Thank you,

VanessaS_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

Nat2g3

I am having the same problem all of the sudden but I haven't traveled out of the U.S. Just overnight it stopped charging and says that it stopped charging and to use original. Well I am using the original charger

Verizon_Support

Nat2g3, lets get that power flowing again! Have you tried an alternative charger? If so, what were the results?

SarahO_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

Nat2g3

I did use a different charger and it did not work. I ended up calling support and we reset my device and it still didn't work. I ultimately had to get another phone and sending in my phone today (warranty). The support team were very helpful on the phone so hopefully the new one doesn't have the same problem. Thank you.

Wprocter

Same issue. Using OEM charger. Tried different OEM chargers. Tried different OEM batteries. (OEM batteries charge fine in stand-alone wall charger.) Booted into safe mode... Still not able to charge. Help!

BigRedGonzo

I try to keep up on a few Samsung Galaxy S4 forums and have seen this crop up a few times. The vast majority of the issues were with the actual USB cable being used. A couple have been resolved by a Factory Reset, but all the other ones were a bad charging port and required the phone to be exchanged.

BigRedGonzo

ChristianSB

I have this exact same problem. I went to a VZ store and their chargers reported the same problem. I've tried the OEM charger, my VZ car charger, and chargers in the VZ store.

I've had my phone for 13 months, so, it is one month out of warranty. I've been with VZ for over 10 years to the tune of $200/mo (over $24,000 not including equipment) and I either have to pay $100 for an insurance replacement or buy a new phone? The guy in the store said that $100 for a $650 phone was a good deal. I said a $650 phone should last longer than 13 months.

Since many people are having this problem, it sounds like a manufacturer's defect to me. This phone should be replaced, period.

good_hands

I'm having the same problem. Just all of a sudden this morning I get the message that the connected charger is incompatible with this phone. It was, of course, the original charger that came with the phone. I've tried three other chargers, tried charging via USB on the computer. For a few minutes I did get another charger to register, and that added about 20% to the battery charge, but then it, too, stopped working and gave me the same message. Now I can't even get the phone to register that a charger has been plugged in, compatible or otherwise. Do I need to swap this for a replacement?

ChristianSB

Outcome: Turns out I had full equipment coverage and Verizon replaced the phone at no charge. Got the wrong impression from the prior rep. Good job Verizon!

jcdm

I have a note 3. Same problem, same message. I have been using the same charger that they sold me when I bought the phone. I tried a different USB cable that worked for awhile. Now it doesn't. Used the data cable to charge the phone at home, that worked. Now in the car, the original charger that they sold me works. Until today. Plugged it in got a message... The message went away and the phone is charging.

Briand5439

Verizon customer support - please spare us the reboot fix. A Samsung phone that is not charged is worth less than any other phone on the market.

busypickle

I am having the same problems. Phone will not charge on white (OEM) charge cable, or even the black ones from a previous phone. My phone will turn on and display the battery symbol, then go straight to a screen that says the charger is incompatible. I have tried removing the SIM card and charging, and while the charging icon (green battery with moving dots) will appear, it only stays for 15 seconds then goes back to the prior incompatibility screen.

stef7

Try slow charging via a computer's USB port for a few hours. Then switch to the OEM charger. Possibly with the recent software, the phone has trouble detecting the fast rate charger if the batteryis depleted. At a partial charge, maybe the charger will be recognized properly.

Let us know if that worked.

MartinJ

I have just experienced the same problem. The white battery charger is suddenly incompatible and the S4 isn't charging. Took into a Verizon Wireless store. They first thought it was the charger. Then found it was the battery port on the phone. I am getting a new phone tomorrow (hopefully) and luckily I have it fully covered with an extra warranty. I also have a spare battery that I will use carefully. Amazing how this broke after I'd had the phone for about a year. Also amazing how we depend on our phones every second of every day!

PGATeacherofYear

I am now in the same boat! Samsung S4. All was fine until last night. Charger icon has a red X. Moving to car charger doesn't work. Original charger does not work. Plugging in to 3 different computers does not work. What gives? This should NOT be a forced upgrade issue. Did they build this into the software at 2 years to force us to upgrade?

I need an answer ASAP. This is my business phone and I need it fixed by tomorrow!

packerman

SAME HERE!! Worked fine last night and today, I go to charge the phone and ALL OF A SUDDEN I get the same message? Isn't it odd that so many have this same problem so close to the same day?!? It is just like 2 weeks past it's 1 year warranty. Now what do I do?!?!

PGATeacherofYear

If I'm not mistaken, there was a mandatory software upgrade recently. My bet is these companies are forcing us into upgrades.

Here's the weird part. Mine went into full charge mode for about 2 minutes last night. Then, charger not compatible. It has gained about 10% charge overnight despite the inability to charge.

We are all being duped!

PGATeacherofYear

If we all play our cards right, we can sue for $$$billions! Trust me....there is no way this is an isolated issue. About to be a worldwide (removed) IMO.

>> Edited to comply with the Verizon Wireless Terms of Service <<

Edited by: Verizon Moderator

atcee

This happened to me at about the same time, August 31 to be exact. Could have happened a day earlier, but I was out of cell range for a day.

I got the same message. The phone won't charge with the OEM charger, my car charger, or another charger. A second car charger has worked so far, but who knows what tomorrow may bring?

Was there a software update that screwed everything up? Some malware? In any case I need a fix, and fast. I can't get a new phone without penalty until next Spring. This is a real problem, and it seems that a lot of people are affected.

At this point, I have to pull the battery out each night and recharge it on a standalone charger. This is no way to live.

wwwyatt

This exact thing just happened to me tonight. I am trying to let it sit out with the back cover off for the night, to make sure it isn't moisture inside the phone or something like that. But this is very frustrating. I'm only about 14 months into my 2 years with this phone. It looks like quite a rash of this going on.

atcee

Its amazing! There are dozens of posts all over this site stating that there is a problem, most likely on the software level, and Verizon reps will only say that we should get new chargers. Don't they realize that there is a problem that occurred when they upgraded us to Kit Kat? My phone continues to not accept any form of charging, except through wall charging when I take out the battery Is there any way to downgrade back to Jellybean? It may be time to call this to Apple's attention. They would have a field day exploiting this defect in their archrival's phone.

The phone also will not shut off. Whenever I hit Power Off, it restarts. Both problems started last week. Coincidence,? I think not. This sucks. I will not shell out $500 for a phone that is not eligible for an upgrade until next June.

Winthrop

I registered so I could make this post because like the rest of you Verizon has been no help.

Okay so I'm having the same issue as the rest of you guys. I'm taking a proactive approach to this. I unfortunately fall into the 13 month rabbit hole and am not covered under warranty, go figure, so after a little research I came to my own conclusion; replace the usb charging port.

This poor guy dropped his phone in the toilet: http://www.fixedbyvonnie.com/2014/03/galaxy-s4-charging-water-damage/#.VBK0nfldWJE but was also able to fix the same issue we're having but replacing the USB port.

I found a video online that is super useful on how to take the phone apart and what part you need to order to fix the phone's USB charging port. Samsung Galaxy S4 Screen and Charging Port fix. Complete tear down. - YouTube. Mine comes in Weds (9/17) and I'm going to give it the good ole college try. I'll let you guys know how it goes. Ironically my S5 comes in today but I have an obligation to sell my S4 so I have to fix it.

additional comment:

It's sad that Verizon (or any other carrier for that matter) has no problem charging us hundreds of dollars for a new phone when it could be repaired for a mere $20 including overnight shipping. So much injustice.

Hopefully some of you find this useful. Good luck.

atcee

Thanks. I checked out the videos and other postings. Let me know if your

USB switch works out. Seems like delicate work.

laurenrad79

I have a Samsung S5 and started receiving this message yesterday. Only have had this phone for 5 months!!

Message edited as required by the

Message was edited by: Admin Moderator

Winthrop

I ordered the new charging port and installed it and it fixed my problem.

Ugh_Justwork

As of last night my Samsung s4 was giving me the incompatible charger message...even though its been the same charger. Tried my car charger this morning....same message, even though this is the original charger. And of course I am 2 months out of my year warranty. Thank you for all your information, because when I go to Verizon this evening, I will not look like an idiot, saying my charger doesn't work, that it is the phone. Let's see how much this will cost.

stef7

FWIW: If you purchased the phone with a credit card, some cards, like AMEX for example and others extend manufacturer warranties by a year.

Good luck.

atcee

I was able to fix mine. It's the USB port which stops working. Fixing it

yourself isn't for everybody, but I was able to do it for less than 15

bucks, tools included. Bought the piece and tiny screwdriver set on

eBay. Look on YouTube for videos entitled galaxy 4 USB port, or

similar. Then you can decide if it's something you want to try. If you

wind up having to buy a new phone, then spending 15 isn't a bad idea. I

fixed it a week ago, and is working as good as it ever did.

jtenterprise

Anne problem. Haven't even been worn Verizon fora year yet. On my second phone wroth same issue. Already used my replacement once, I get to spend 500+ on a new phone. Verizon is going to kill me with having me buy a new phone every 6 months.

MXJoe14

I have the exact same problem as the rest of this thread. Please Verizon and Samsung resolve this issue. Consider the consumers who use this device for work purposes. We supply UMass Amherst staff with technology, this problem will ensure no business between our organizations. For the users that purchased this phone for personal use, we need a reliable phone that should not be malfunctioning 1 year after purchase. This is important for everyone to resolve this issue!! USB 3.0 is also a lie, our average transfer speeds are horrible and it crashes under large transfers. I will purchase 1,000 new iPhones for employees if this issue is not resolved asap!

Tidbits

Pull the batter out and hit the power button a few times. Let it sit for a short while(15-20 minutes) I actually left mine overnight and then see if it will charge.

Tidbits

Also... The S4 doesn't use USB 3.0. The S5 and Note 3 do.

Sandlot

I am having the same problem with my LG Lucid phone. I used the original charger that came with the phone, too! Then I tried eleven other Verizon phone chargers and the same message appeared. Finally lost all charge. I would plug in the original charger and it would charge for about ten seconds, then the message appeared that it wasn't compatible with the phone. That evening my husband, while watching a baseball game on TV, spent hours plugging in the charger for a few seconds, then unplugging and replugging it in every few seconds until he finally got it to 70%. Then I turned it off for the evening. The next day the charger worked. This has been going on for months. I just plugged in the charger today and again, the same message! This is getting positively ridiculous!

Verizon_Support

Oh wow Sandlot!

That really is strange. I can imagine that this is not very convenient for you. Does the charging port seem loose on the phone at all? I'm assuming that you've tried multiple outlets as well? Please let us know, thank you.

ErinW_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

Sandlot

No, the charging port is not loose. I haven’t had this phone very long, but from the number of people that state they have the same problem, I know it can’t be something I am doing wrong. I spent nearly three hours on the phone with Verizon technical support to no avail. I tried outlets and chargers at my house, my work, and my in-law’s house. Some days the charger works, some it says that charging is slow because I am not using the charger that came with the phone (I am using the correct charger) and some days it doesn’t work at all. There is seemingly no explanation for it with my phone, or the myriad of others posting the same problem.

>> Personal information removed to comply with the Verizon Wireless Terms of Service <<

Edited by: Verizon Moderator

Verizon_Support

Yikes! I'm sorry that you are having this problem with your device. When speaking to our Tech team, did they offer any suggestions to resolve this for you? Was a replacement an option?

VanetrisC_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

Keplar8

HOW DO YOU REMOVE THE SIM CARD

Ann154

Keplar8 wrote:

HOW DO YOU REMOVE THE SIM CARD

It depends on which phone model you have. Which you didn't mention.

seegy

Having read this entire thread and thinking about a lesson I learned at the beginning of my computer engineering career - the weakest part of any system is the connector,

I looked at how the cable and connector was draping off the edge of the table I had set my phone on. I moved the phone (screen side up) and attached connector for the cable more toward the center of the table so the connector was no longer being pulled down by the weight of the cable. The phone immediately started charging. Charge level was at less than 1%. Now after moving the phone from the edge of the table, the charge is at 42% after about 10 minutes.

B33

A new USB charge cord can help I try n" use OEM's as much as I can, usually a mini connector that has friction tabs on both top n bottom of the connector can help as well.. as they press up against the inner wall of the receiving connector reducing the movement.. of the connector.!

Kevin1973

This just happened to my S5 after only about a year and a half. As others have said, the error occurs with every charger they've tried. The OEM charger, USB port on my PC, third party chargers, external USB hub. I also tried my external backup battery (7500mA) and three separate cables on all of the different chargers with no luck. All of the connectors fit snugly so I doubt it's a connection problem.

However I did discover that Mini-HDMI connected to my monitor does actually charge the phone! Unfortunately because it's a lower voltage it charges much much more slowly.

B33

You might Try if you haven't a Regular Motorola Charger but I wouldn't use the Turbo Charger as it may be to much for phone and could Damaging it..

Joyfulstamper

I have had my S4 Mini for a little over a year - and got the message about charger not compatible. I got the same message using my Samsung tablet charger with it (is a compatible charger.) So....I took an old soft toothbrush and cleaned out where the charger plugs in. So far, it has returned to charging without a problem, using either charger.

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