IONITY Outage: Is the Charging Network Down or Is It Just You?
If you’ve pulled up at an IONITY charging station and nothing’s happening, you’re probably wondering whether this is a wider IONITY outage or a problem with just your session. You’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find the reports submitted by other drivers, along with practical steps to work out what’s going on and get back on the road.
IONITY runs one of the largest high-power charging networks along UK motorways and major routes, so when a station won’t connect, start, or charge properly, it can throw a real spanner in your journey. The good news is that most faults are quick to identify and often just as quick to fix.
Is This an IONITY Outage or a Local Fault?
Before assuming the whole network is down, it’s worth checking whether the issue is isolated to the charger in front of you. IONITY stations are made up of several individual charging bays, and it’s common for one unit to fail while the others work perfectly fine.
- Check the reports at the top of this page to see if other drivers at the same location are experiencing similar problems.
- Try a different charging bay at the same station, if one is available.
- Look for any on-screen error message or warning light on the unit itself.
- Check your mobile signal, as poor connectivity can affect app-based authentication.
If several bays at the same site are unresponsive, or if drivers at multiple nearby stations are reporting the same problem, it’s more likely to be a genuine IONITY outage rather than a fault with your car or payment method.
What You Can Try Yourself First
Before contacting anyone, a few simple checks often resolve the problem in minutes. These steps apply whether you’re using a contactless card, an RFID card, or the IONITY app.
- Restart the charging session by removing and reinserting the connector.
- Try a different payment method, such as switching from the app to a contactless card, or vice versa.
- Restart your mobile phone if you’re using the IONITY app to start or monitor the session.
- Check that your car’s charging port is clean and free from debris or moisture.
- Make sure your vehicle is fully unlocked and in park, as some models need this to accept a charge.
If none of these steps work, the fault is likely on the charger’s side rather than your vehicle or account.
Common IONITY Charging Faults and Solutions
| Fault | Possible Cause | What to Try |
|---|---|---|
| Charger won’t start a session | Connectivity issue or payment authorisation delay | Wait a minute, then retry, or switch to a different payment method |
| Charging stops unexpectedly | Connector not fully seated, or vehicle communication error | Reinsert the connector firmly and restart the session |
| Screen frozen or unresponsive | Software fault on the charging unit | Try a neighbouring bay if available; report the unit if it persists |
| App won’t connect to the charger | Weak mobile signal or app cache issue | Restart the app, check signal strength, or update the app |
| Payment declined | Card issue or temporary network fault | Try an alternative card or payment method |
Common On-Screen Messages and What They Mean
IONITY chargers, like most public charging units, will sometimes display a message rather than a numbered error code. These messages generally point to where the issue lies, though the exact wording can vary between units.
| On-Screen Message | Likely Meaning | Suggested Action |
|---|---|---|
| “Charger unavailable” | The unit is offline or undergoing maintenance | Try another bay or a nearby station |
| “Connector fault” | A problem with the cable or connector itself | Try a different bay; avoid forcing the connector |
| “Session not authorised” | Payment or app verification hasn’t gone through | Retry payment or restart the app |
| “Communication error” | The charger and vehicle aren’t exchanging data correctly | Disconnect, wait a few seconds, then reconnect |
If a fault message persists after trying these steps, it’s best to move to another charging bay rather than repeatedly attempting the same session, as this can sometimes lock the unit temporarily.
When to Contact IONITY Customer Service
If you’ve tried the steps above and the charger still isn’t working, or if you suspect a wider IONITY outage affecting multiple stations, it’s time to get in touch directly. This is especially worth doing if you’re stuck mid-journey with low battery and need urgent guidance on the nearest working station.
You can find contact details and further support on the official IONITY support page, where you’ll also find information on the app and payment options.
Keep an Eye on Reports Above
Faults at individual charging stations are usually resolved fairly quickly, but if you’re planning a longer trip, it’s worth checking back here before you set off. The reports submitted by other drivers at the top of this page give you a real-time snapshot of what’s happening across the network right now.
If you’re currently dealing with a charger that won’t cooperate, take a moment to add your own report. It helps other drivers in the area, and it gives a clearer picture of whether this is a wider IONITY outage or a one-off fault worth flagging to customer service.
