Samsung tablets are efficient and reliable, but like any other electronic gadget, they can sometimes experience technical issues. One of the problems you can experience with your Samsung tablet is that it shows a lightning bolt but will not charge. If your Samsung tablet indicates a lightning bolt but will not charge, try the following. To begin with, inspect the charger and cable for damage. Clean the charging port gently to clear dirt. Reboot the tablet and use a different outlet. Updating the software or booting up in Safe Mode is also possible. If everything fails, a factory reset or a call to Samsung support should be considered.

11 Steps to Fix a Samsung Tablet Showing a Lightning Bolt Not Charging

The following are some ways through which you can repair this problem:

1. Check the Tablet Charging Cable and Adapter

First, check your charging accessories:

Try another cable and adapter: A broken or poor-quality cable sometimes won’t let you charge.
Check for damage: Bent pins, frayed wires, or loose components could be a broken charger.
Try an original Samsung charger: Non-original chargers can deliver an inadequate power output.

2. Clean Your Samsung Tablet Charging Port

Dirt and dust within the charging port can clog the charger connection to your tablet.

Shut down your tablet first before cleaning.
Gently remove any dirt using a toothpick or soft brush.
Compressed air blown into the port will dislodge any remaining dust.
Do not use water or sharp objects that can harm the port.

3. Restart the Tablet

A reboot will fix minor software issues preventing the device from charging.

Hold the power button and press it until the power menu pops up.
Choose “Restart” and wait for the tablet to restart.
Charge again after the reboot.

4. Try a Different Power Source

If your cable and charger are in good condition, the problem could be the power outlet.

Plug the charger into another wall socket.
Use a direct wall outlet rather than a power strip.
Try to charge via a computer’s USB port to see if the tablet responds.

5. Perform a Soft Reset

If the restart fails, do a soft reset:

Press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously for 10-15 seconds.
Release the buttons when the Samsung logo appears.
Plug in the charger and check if the issue is fixed.

6. Check and Update Samsung Tablet Software

Outdated software may create charging issues from time to time.

Head over to Settings > Software Update.
Tap on “Download and Install” if the update is downloadable.
Reboot the device once updated and test charging again.

7. Boot Into Safe Mode

Certain third-party apps might interfere with charging. Booting in Safe Mode turns off these applications temporarily.

Switch off your tablet.
Press and hold the Power button until the Samsung logo is displayed.
Let go of the Power button and press and hold the Volume Down button immediately.
Continue to hold on until the tablet restarts completely.
The text “Safe Mode” will be seen at the lower left corner of the screen.
Attempt to charge the tablet. If it can charge, there is an application causing the problem.
Remove apps installed recently and boot up as normal.

8. Let the Battery Cool Down

If your tablet becomes overheated, it could halt charging to prevent damage as a precautionary measure.

Remove the case for a free flow of air.
Turn off the tablet and wait until it cools down for 15-30 minutes.
Charging again when it has cooled down.

9. Check the Physical Damage of Tablet

Examine Charging Port: Utilize a light source to scan for trash or damage.
Check Cable Fit: Plug the charging cable in; it must not wiggle.
Check the Charger: Check for worn-out wires or deformed connectors on the charging cable and adapter.
Inspect the Tablet’s Exterior: Inspect for cracks or damage around the charging region that could interfere with charging.
Test with an Alternative Charger: Try a different compatible charger to eliminate problems with your charger.

10. Factory Reset May be the Last Resort

If none of the above options work, then a factory reset may help fix the Samsung tablet that shows a lightning bolt but does not charge. This will erase everything, so backup your files first.

Head over to Settings > General Management > Reset.
Select “Factory Data Reset” and proceed according to the instructions.
Reset your tablet, reconfigure it, and test if it charges.

11. Contact Samsung Support

The charging port or battery can be damaged if the issue is unresolved. Approach Samsung customer care or take your tablet to an authorized tablet repair center for proper fixing.

5 Reasons Why Is My Samsung Tablet Not Charging

When your Samsung tablet shows a lightning bolt but does not charge, various reasons may be behind the issue. Some of the usual causes are:

1. Damaged Charging Cable or Adapter

One of the most common problems is a damaged charging cable or adapter. If the cable is broken or worn out, it can fail to conduct power properly. Inspect the cable carefully for any damage, including fraying or visible breaks.

2. Blocked Charging Port

Dust, dirt, or lint can build up in the charging port over time, disrupting the connection. A dirty or damaged charging port can prevent your tablet from charging, even if the lightning bolt symbol appears on the screen.

3. Battery Problems

The battery might be the prime suspect behind charging issues. Batteries deteriorate with age and lose their ability to hold a charge. If your tablet is very old, perhaps a battery change is due.

4. Software Issues

At other times, software malfunctions can disrupt charging. This can be due to a bug in the operating system or an issue with the charging software. Rebooting your tablet may correct any minor software errors.

5. Power Source Malfunctions

The issue may not be with your tablet. Your outlet or power strip may be malfunctioning. Plug the tablet into another outlet to determine if the charging problem continues.

Conclusion

There could be several reasons your Samsung tablet shows a lightning bolt but is not charging. Check the charging cable, adapter, and port for damage or dirt. Ensure your software is up to date, and try restarting your tablet. Consider a different power source or perform a soft reset if these steps don’t work.

If the problem continues, it may be due to battery or deeper software problems. You may even need a factory reset or contact Samsung support or repair experts like Wireless Waves Repair for help. Taking these actions can help you resolve the charging issue effectively.

Samsung Tablet Shows Lightning Bolt But Not Charging