Phone Charging Slowly? Why Fast Charging Is Not Working (and How to Fix It)

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If your phone charges slowly, the problem is usually the cable or the charger rather than the phone. Fast charging needs the phone, the charger and the cable to all support the same speed, and the slowest one sets the limit.

1. The Cable

Many cables only carry a slow charge. A thin or old cable, or a cable meant for data, can limit the speed. For higher-power charging (roughly above 60W), the cable must be rated for it. Try a cable that is known to work.

2. The Charger

Check the wattage printed on the charger. A small 5W charger will always be slow. Your phone also has to support the charger’s fast-charging standard (such as USB Power Delivery), or it will fall back to a slow speed. Use a charger that lists a matching standard.

3. The Charging Port

Lint and dust collect in the port and stop the plug seating fully. With the phone off, gently clean it with a wooden or plastic toothpick. Never use metal.

4. Heat

Phones slow down charging when they get hot, to protect the battery. Take off the case, keep the phone out of the sun, and avoid gaming while charging.

5. Settings and Use

  • Some phones have an adaptive or battery-protection charging mode that slows charging on purpose. Check the battery settings.
  • Using the phone heavily while charging slows the gain.
  • Wireless charging is normally slower than a cable.
  • If you charge from a power bank, its output port may be slower than your wall charger.

Quick Test

Charge for 15 minutes with your normal cable and charger, then with a different cable and charger. If the second is much faster, replace the first one.

Related: my guides to charging gear and power banks.