Phone charging slowly is no new issue for anyone. Almost everyone faces this challenge once in a while. You plug in your phone, expect the battery to rise quickly. Instead, you find that the battery has charged only slightly after half an hour. Slow charging is undoubtedly frustrating, especially when you’re in a hurry. It can happen due to any reason from damaged cable to overheating or software glitch.
Whatever the reason, the good news is there are fixes. In most cases, the problem is caused by a simple issue that you can fix yourself. In this post, we have outlined most common causes and their fixes to get rid of the slow charging problem. So, without any further ado, let’s get started…
Every Cause + Fix For Your Phone Charging Slowly
Here are some of the most common reasons for your phone may be charging slowly along with the solution to get rid of the issue. Take a look…
1. You’re Using a Low-Power Charger
Phone charging slowly can happen because of the wrong charger that you are using. Understand that not all chargers provide the same amount of power. More so, older chargers deliver only 5W, which are not at all compatible with new devices.
FIXES:
- Use a trusted charger from a reliable brand.
- Charge your device only with the charger that came with your phone.
- In case you need new, buy one that supports your phone’s recommended charging speed.
2. Your Are Using Damaged Charging Cable
Using damaged charging cable not only reduces the charging speed, but it is also not safe otherwise. A damaged or poor-quality cable can slow everything down. This usually happens because over time charging cables bend, twist and wear out internally. They may still charge your phone, but much more slowly than before.
FIXES:
- Watch out for the signs.
- Buy a new cable with a good-quality USB cable that supports fast charging.
3. Dirt Inside the Charging Port
Dust, dirt and tiny debris can collect inside your phone’s charging port over time, negatively impacting the charging speed. Even a small amount of dirt can prevent the charging cable from making a proper connection.
FIXES:
- Thoroughly clean the ports.
STEPS:
- Turn off your phone.
- Check the charging port.
- Gently remove dirt/lint using a wooden toothpick or a soft brush.
NOTE: Do not use metal or sharp objects as it can damage the connectors. Besides, if the port is damaged, get it checked by a professional.
4. Using Phone While Charging
When you use phone while charging, especially for watching videos, gaming, making video calls or GPS, it slows the charging speed. Heavy tasks can use most of the power supplied by the charger, making it seem like your phone is hardly charging at all.
FIXES:
- Let the phone charge without using it.
- Avoid indulging in heavy gaming while charging.
- Avoid streaming videos.
- Close heavy apps.
6. The Charging Port Is Damaged
Damaged charging ports also impact charging speed. Your phone may still be charging; however, the speed will be very slow or inconsistent.
SIGNS TO LOOK FOR:
- Cable doesn’t fit securely
- Charging disconnects easily
- Phone charges only at certain angles
FIXES:
- Avoid repairing the charging port on your own.
- Get your phone checked at an authorized service centre.
6. Too Many Apps Running in the Background
Sometimes the problem happens because of the apps running in the background. Apps running in the background keep using battery power consistently, even when they are not used.
FIXES:
- Close unnecessary apps.
- Restart your phone occasionally.
- Update apps regularly.
- Remove apps that you no longer use.
7. Your Phone Warms Up Quickly
Heat is one of the biggest reasons for phone charging slowly. Modern smartphones automatically slow down charging when they get too hot to keep the battery safe. This usually happens when you play games while charging, charge your phone in direct sunlight, use a thick phone case or keep it in hot car or under hot weather.
FIXES:
- Move your phone to a cooler place.
- Wait until your phone cools down before charging it.
- Remove the phone case during charging if your device gets unusually warm.
8. Fast Charging Isn’t Enabled
Modern phones support fast charging technology. It is crucial to enable the feature. If you’re planning to upgrade for faster charging, it’s a good idea to compare phones to see which models support the charging speeds and battery features you need. If you’re shopping for a new 5.5 inch smartphone, it’s worth confirming that the device also supports the fast-charging standard recommended by the manufacturer. When fast charging is disabled, your phone won’t take advantage of a compatible fast charger and will charge more slowly.
FIXES:
- Check your battery or charging settings to see if fast charging is enabled.
- Enable fast charging settings on your device.
9. You’re Using Weak Power Source
Low-power sources, such as laptops, desktop computers, car USB ports, and older power banks, usually charge your phone much more slowly.
FIXES:
- Charge your device using a wall outlet instead of charging through another device.
10. Your Phone’s Battery is Old
Ageing battery also causes your device to charge slowly. After a few years, your phone’s battery cannot accept power as quickly as they could when your device was new. If you’re planning to upgrade instead of replacing the battery, choosing a 6000mah battery mobile can provide longer battery life and reduce how often you need to recharge throughout the day.
SIGNS TO LOOK FOR:
- Battery draining too fast.
- Random shutdowns.
- Phone takes longer than before to charge.
FIXES:
- If your phone is very old, then you are advised to get your phone’s battery replaced at an authorized service centre.
11. Software Glitches
Software glitches also negatively affect charging performance. This usually happens when you do not regularly update software that are released for improving battery performance.
FIXES:
- Check for latest updates.
- Install the latest software update available for your phone.
Alternatively,
Consider restarting your phone to solve temporary software glitches.
12. Built-In Battery Protection Affecting Charging Speed
Most modern smartphones come with battery protection features. Your phone may slow down charging after about 80% or delay charging overnight until morning. These features help keep the battery healthier for longer.
FIXES:
- If the issue occurs persistently, try adjusting these features in your phone’s battery settings.
STEPS:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Battery or Device Care.
- Tap Battery Protection.
- Adjust Settings.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
If none of the solutions work for you, then you are advised to get your phone checked at an authorized service centre.
COMMON SIGNS TO LOOK FOR:
- The battery swells or the phone becomes extremely hot.
- Charging constantly disconnects.
- The charging port feels loose.
- Your phone takes several hours to gain even a small amount of charge.
- Your phone barely charges at all even after keeping it plugged in for longer.
A professional can help you determine the real problem and get it fixed instantly.
The Bottom Line
So, these are the top 12 causes and fixes your phone charges slowly. More often than not, slow charging happens because of some simple reason. You can easily get rid of the issue is your phone charges slowly because of the above-mentioned causes. It usually takes a few minutes to get rid of the problem.
However, if these are the cause of your phone’s slow charging, then it’s wise to get your phone checked by professional. It may be time to replace the battery. A professional can fix the problem before it gets worse and help keep your phone working properly.
