Why Is My Phone Charging Slow? 10 Proven Tips to Speed It Up

Written by: UGREEN

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Time to read 9 min

Are you wondering, "Why is my phone charging slow?" This comprehensive article digs into the most prevalent causes of slow charging and offers practical strategies to improve the charging efficiency of your phone. 

We'll look at anything from hardware issues to software settings that affect charging speed. Understanding these factors is critical in today's digital world, where keeping connected is more important than ever. 

Whether it's a defective charging cable, a background app consuming your energy, or a software update required, this article seeks to identify and cure the underlying problems.

Why is my phone charging slow and dying fast?

Slow charging can be caused by various factors, ranging from hardware issues such as broken cables and adapters to software-related difficulties such as background apps and obsolete software. Addressing these issues can improve your phone's charging efficiency and battery life.

1. Loose or Improperly Inserted Charger

A loose connection between the charging equipment and the phone is a typical reason for sluggish charging. This can occur if the charger is not fully inserted into the phone or power source. 

Always double-check that the charger is securely connected. If the phone continues to charge slowly, look for any signs of damage or debris in the USB port.

2. Malfunctioning Charging Cables or Adapter

Over time, charging cables and adapters might deteriorate. Frayed wires, bent plugs, or loose connections can significantly reduce charging capacity. What about another option? Wireless charging can help you avoid problems with faulty cables and adapters. For a comparison of wireless and wired charging, see our article "Wireless vs Wired Charging: Which is Best For You".

Inspect your charging equipment for noticeable deterioration regularly. For maximum performance, use official or authorized charging cords and adapters.

3. Drain from Background Apps and Processes

Background apps can drain a lot of power, slowing the charging process. To find and close these apps, go to your phone's settings, then battery, and see which apps consume the most power. Close any unwanted apps and make necessary changes to prevent them from running in the background.

4. Inadequate Power Source

Compared to a wall charger, charging from a computer or other USB ports produces less power, resulting in slower charging periods. This aligns with the variety of USB cable types discussed in UGREEN's comprehensive guide. As their article explains, different USB versions and connectors offer varying power delivery capabilities, which can significantly impact charging speeds for your devices.

Use a wall charger with the proper wattage for your device to charge it quickly. This guarantees that your phone's battery receives the maximum amount of power.

5. Declining Battery Health

Batteries degrade with time, diminishing their ability to store a charge properly. Natural wear and tear might cause slower charging and shorter battery life. In the settings, check the battery health of your phone. Consider changing the battery if its health is seriously impaired.

6. Environmental Temperature Effects

Extreme conditions can impact your phone's battery performance and charging speed, whether hot or cold. Avoid charging your phone in direct sunshine, hot automobiles, or extreme cold. It is best to charge in a cool, temperature-controlled environment.

7. Usage During Charging

If you use your phone extensively throughout the day and don't give it a break even while charging, it's likely that you aren't allowing it to rest during that time. Operating your device while it's charging can consume a lot of resources, leading to a slower charging process.

8. Wireless Charging Limitations

Wireless chargers typically produce less power than cable ones, resulting in slower charging periods. They are, however, not damaging to the phone's battery.

If you prefer convenient wireless charging, ensure your wireless charger for iphone and phone support rapid wireless charging technologies.

9. Charging Port Board Problems

A faulty charging port can cause slow charging speeds. Dirt, dirt, or port damage can all obstruct the connection. Using a gentle, dry brush, gently clean the charging port. Seek expert help if the condition persists.

10. Software Updates

In some cases, outdated software can create charging and battery performance concerns. Maintain the software on your phone. Battery performance enhancements and bug fixes are frequently included in software upgrades.

11. Dirty Charging Port or Cable

Dust or debris accumulating in the charging port or cable can disrupt the charging process. Clean the charging port and cord regularly using a dry, soft brush or a burst of compressed air.

12. Aging Battery

Phone batteries lose efficiency with time, resulting in slow charging and rapid battery drain. If the battery in your phone has significantly degraded, consider replacing it to restore ideal charging and usage times.

Tips & Tricks for Accelerating Your Phone's Charging Process

Are you still upset about “why is my phone charging so slow?” Here’s what you should do! These practical solutions can substantially reduce the time it takes to charge your phone.

1. Use a fast charger and quality charging cable

Use a fast charger and a high-quality charging cable compatible with your phone to ensure rapid charging. These chargers and cables are designed to transmit more power more efficiently, cutting charging time dramatically. If you're looking for a reliable and powerful charging solution, I highly recommend checking out the 2024 UGREEN Uno charger collection! The UGREEN Uno Charger 100W, for example, can charge your iPhone 15 Pro from 0-60% in just 30 minutes.

Check for compatibility with the specifications of your smartphone to avoid any harm and obtain optimal charging speeds.

2. Use a wall charger

Wall chargers are often more effective for speedier phone charging than USB connections on PCs or car chargers. They provide more power output, ensuring your phone receives the most power it can safely handle. 

Use a wall charger that matches your phone's maximum charging standards for the quickest results. This method not only expedites charging but also preserves the health of your phone's battery.

3. Close apps and processes/ Turn off Connectivity Features

Close unneeded apps and processes on your phone to speed up charging. Active applications use power, which slows down the charging process. 

Disabling connectivity capabilities such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and mobile data can minimize power consumption, allowing your phone to charge faster. This method not only speeds up charging but also helps to extend the battery life and general performance of your phone.

4. Enable airplane mode/ Power Saving Mode

Using airplane or power-saving modes can drastically reduce the time it takes to charge your phone. These modes minimize energy usage by limiting background processes and reducing wireless connectivity. 

As a result, your phone has more power to devote to charging. Calls, messages, and internet access are restricted while in airplane mode, but the trade-off is a far faster recharge. This is an excellent method to use when you need a quick power increase.

5. Avoid using your phone while charging

Avoid using your phone while it's plugged in to charge it faster. Activities that consume power at the same time, such as browsing, gaming, or watching movies, can drastically slow down the charging process. 

This not only increases charging time but may also put a strain on the battery. Leaving the phone idle while charging guarantees that the charger's power is directed toward charging the battery, resulting in a faster and more efficient charge.

6. Charge your phone in a cool, dry place

Charging your phone in a cool, dry area can improve charging speed and protect the health of your battery. High temperatures might cause the battery to overheat, slowing charging and perhaps causing long-term harm. 

You may prevent overheating by keeping the phone in a colder environment, allowing the battery to charge more efficiently and safely. This method not only expedites charging but also helps extend your battery's overall lifespan.

7. Remove the phone case

Taking off your phone's case while charging can accelerate the process. Phone cases, incredibly thick or insulated ones, might cause the device to retain heat. Excessive heat might impede charging and even compromise the battery's health. 

Removing the case allows for improved heat dissipation, which keeps the phone cooler and allows it to charge more efficiently. This simple step can significantly impact how quickly your phone's battery recharges. Click to read more: How to cool your phone while charging.

8. Restore your phone to factory settings

Restoring your phone to factory settings may improve charging speed in some cases. Phones amass data and background operations over time, impacting overall performance, including charging efficiency. 

A factory reset clears them, correcting any software faults causing the charging process to slow down. However, because it erases all data, this should only be used as a last resort. Make a backup of vital data before performing a factory reset to improve your phone's charging capabilities.

How to factory reset your phone(Android):

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Go into System.
  3. Select Reset options.
  4. Tap on Erase all data (factory reset).
  5. Tap on Erase all data.
  6. Enter your PIN.
  7. Confirm by selecting Erase all data.

9. Replace your battery

If the charging pace of your phone has slowed over time, consider replacing the battery. Batteries deteriorate with usage and age, resulting in poorer efficiency and slower charging. A fresh battery can increase overall performance by restoring the previous charging pace. 

Make sure the battery is compatible with your phone model before replacing it, and consider having it replaced professionally to ensure safety and efficacy. This can be a low-cost solution to revitalize an aging phone and extend its usability.

10. Upgrade your phone

If you've tried all other options and your phone is still charging slowly, it's time to consider an update. Newer phone models frequently include enhanced charging technologies and longer battery life, allowing faster and more efficient charging. 

Upgrading your phone can also result in more remarkable performance, new features, and a more enjoyable overall user experience. While this is a more expensive solution, it addresses charging concerns and improves your contact with the latest technological breakthroughs.

Myths about phone charging

There are some common misunderstandings about phone charging. Here are some common misunderstandings:

Misunderstanding 1: Using a high-power charger for a low-power phone can speed up charging. Using a high-power charger for a low-power phone can cause significant damage to the battery, so this practice should be avoided.

Misunderstanding 2: Frequent charging will accelerate battery aging. Modern phone batteries have been optimized, and there is no need to limit the number of charging times deliberately.

Misunderstanding 3: New phone batteries must be activated by fully discharging and then charging. Modern phone batteries no longer need activation. For the first charge, just fully charge it.

Misunderstanding 4: Charging overnight can keep the phone charged all night. This is unnecessary, as overcharging can keep the battery at total capacity, accelerating battery wear and tear.

Misunderstanding 5: You can use any non-original charger head and charging cable after the original charger is broken. This can easily lead to inefficient charging, affecting charging speed, posing a safety hazard, and causing danger.

Misunderstanding 6: Charging the phone in high-temperature environments or keeping it there. Charging the phone in high temperatures can cause significant heating and thermal stress, affecting charging efficiency, and electronic products at high temperatures are prone to fires.

Misunderstanding 7: Charging the phone while using it is bad for the battery. Charging while using the phone simultaneously can cause significant heating and thermal stress, posing a safety hazard.

Tips for phone battery maintenance

Many people keep wondering, “why is my phone charging so slow and dying fast,” instead of focusing on the solution. Here are some practical tips for maintaining your phone battery

Don't charge frequently: The lifespan of your phone battery is limited, and charging frequently will accelerate battery aging. Therefore, try to avoid charging frequently in your daily use.

Keep the battery above 20%: When the battery level falls below 20%, it's important to charge it soon. Keeping the battery level low can accelerate battery wear and tear. Therefore, keep the battery level above 20% in your daily use.

Use the original charger: Using the original charger ensures safe and efficient charging. Using non-original chargers can damage your battery.

Avoid using your phone in high-temperature environments: Using your phone in hot climates can accelerate battery aging and damage. Therefore, try to avoid using your phone in hot environments.

Regularly clean your phone: Regularly cleaning your phone can reduce its burden, improve its operating speed, and extend battery life.

Turn off unnecessary features: Features like Bluetooth, GPS, etc., can accelerate battery wear and tear. If you don't need them, turn them off.

Don't leave your phone unused for long periods: Leaving your phone unused for long periods can also accelerate battery aging and damage. Therefore, try to charge your phone regularly when you haven't used it for a long time.

Use battery optimization software: You can use some battery optimization software to help manage your phone's battery and extend its lifespan.