Battery charging slowly Android iPhone
On tech forums, groups and social media, I have seen many people complaining about Slow Phone charging problem.This is a very common issue and not just limited to phones or tablets. It affects all devices that use micro-USB port to receive power to charge the devices. If you are affected by this annoying problem, don’t you worry, I am going to provide you a list of solutions that will hopefully solve slow charging on Galaxy S7, Nexus 5X, OnePlus 2 whatever.

How to Fix Slow Charging on your Android Device

There are many factors responsible for slow charging of your Android smartphone, I have highlighted the most common ones. Perform the steps mentioned below until your problem is sorted.

1. Replace the Charging Cable

Micro USB Charging Cable

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Many times, it is the micro-USB to USB cable that is the culprit. These cables lose their efficiency over time and therefore can’t provide enough current (amperage) to charge the phone/device. Change the Micro-USB to cable. Either purchase a new one or borrow the one that’s being used on other device. If you are using iPhone, change the lightning cable.

Tip: When purchasing cables, always go for slightly thicker ones (higher gauge). They can transfer high current without breaking down.

2. Use Airplane Mode

Airplane mode on Android

Airplane mode completely turns off wireless connectivity (Cellular and WiFi) of your phone. So it does not interfere with the instruments present in the aircraft. Surprisingly, Airplane mode on your smartphone can significantly improve the charging process by decreasing the charging time. The only disadvantage is that you would not be able to communicate with others through mobile network or internet.

3. Get a new Charger

If changing the charging cable doesn’t work. It’s time to change the charger.  Variety of USB based chargers available in the market are of low quality, so getting a good charger is a bit challenging.

A good charger must have following specifications:

  • 5v 2.0A – This is the standard. Get a charger which has an output of at least 2.0 ampere. Read the information written on the front/back of the charger.
  • Avoid chargers with detachable USB cables, their ports/connections become lose after frequent usage. It is better to get charger with fixed micro-USB output.
Blackberry PlayBook Charger
Blackberry Playbook charger is an example of a good charger

I’m using a charger from Blackberry PlayBook, it is my favorite and works on all of my devices. It has a stable 2.0A output and a fixed micro-usb cable.

Warning: Refrain from using multi-purpose chargers that come with universal connectors.

4. Avoid Charging from Powerbanks, Laptop or PC

USB Charging Powerbank

While they can charge your device using USB ports, it is still not a best idea to do so. USB ports on Computers are meant for transferring data, they do not enough current for a device to charge. Hence, slow charging.

Output current for USB in ideal scenario:

  • USB 2.0 can provide up to 500mA
  • USB 3.0 can provide up to 900mA

If you don’t have a charger nearby and using PC USB port as a last resort. It would be great if you connect your device to a USB 3.0 (blue) port.

5. Stay away from Phone while Charging

Using Phone While Charging

Using your phone while charging may put a negative impact on your Android’s battery life. It puts battery under heavy load and cause the device to heat up. Do these things before you put your phone to charge:

  • Close/End all the applications that are running
  • Turn off WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS
  • Put your Smartphone Airplane mode, it will turn off all the wireless/cellular connectivity. Only do this if you’re not expecting any communication.

6. Replace your Smartphones Battery

Replace Smartphone Battery
Battery of Samsung’s Galaxy S5

If your device is an year old and it quickly drains battery after a long charging session. Chances are your device battery is dying a slow painful death. Get a new battery from Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). If they discontinued the production of phone/battery. Don’t worry, you can still find replica batteries. Proceed with caution though.

7. Change the Android/iOS version of your Device
Lollipop-battery-problem

If you recently upgraded your device’s operating system through System Update (i.e. Android Marshmallow) and experiencing quick battery drain or slow charging. It means the new OS is buggy or incompatible with your device. Look for steps to downgrade the version or wait for a bug fix patch.

19 COMMENTS

  1. My old I pad still charges up like it did 5 Years ago. I only use it for watching movies in bed, and a few games. Have never liked Apple, and still won’t when I throw this worthless LG tablet in the trash. My I pad 2, will charge up it.s five year old battery even while straying Netflix. There are many things I like about my google tablet……..but I find myself using it less and less. One would think the billionaire boys at Google would have thought this problem out. After all they are spending billions on problems that don’t affect the peons like myself

  2. I installed Avira and Trash Cleaner. Now my android S6 is charging slooow!
    Any connection to my installments and battery charging slow.
    Thank for the tip on charging. Yes I charge mine with other things, yes I use my phone while charging and it gets very warm on fast mode charging.
    Kholi, ur the man!!
    Diane

  3. i have an s6 and i don’t over charge my phone and all of a sudden it stopped charging fast. when it reaches 60% of charging my phone just totally starts to charge slower . please help, what to do

  4. I use a galaxy S7 device. All of a sudden my pj one stopped fast charging and started cable charging, I have changed the cords and even the charger, yet to no avail… what might be the problem to this issue

  5. Thanks so much for the info on slow battery charging issue. I’m a tech dinosaur so, the sharing of this information is a real life saver for me. The way you explained the information is very clear, concise and easy for the average layperson to comprehend. Again, I’m very grateful for the tips!

  6. This is very nice “solve-problem-for-dummies”.

    I have original charger, original cable, don’t use phone when charging etc.

    Sometime charging take a few hours (2-3). But (in last time) I put it on charger before I will going to sleep and tomorow – it’s only 85%, 89%, 78%… After 6-7 hours. Battery is still OK, when it’s full can use phone 1,5 to 2 days. Like before. Google is off, don’t have Facebook, use only Instagram.

    Every pages like this put this answers, but nothing about really solving problem with slow charging.

  7. Meu moto G5 plus apareceu um problema que eu não tô conseguindo acertar aparece uma frase em inglê the connected charger will take longer to charge and significa que o meu dispositivo ela tá carregando direito o que eu posso fazer para poder carregar meu aparelho está ficando mais 24 horas não tá carregando

  8. There are some days my phone charges in an hour. And thn here are days like today where it sas it will take four hours to charge :/

  9. Changing the cable will only work if the cable you have is bad. If you’ve taken care of your cable, or the cable is seldom moved, that is not likely going to be the source of the problem.
    Before replacing your battery, consider this: After using my phone more than 2 years I finally decided to have my battery replaced. They destroyed the screen in the process, but offered to replace it. They destroyed the glass back in the process of replacing the screen. They replaced it as well. In the end, I had a new screen (less quality than the original) a new glass back (same quality as original) and a new battery. But, I saw *no improvement* in battery life. I doubt I will ever have another battery changed in a phone again.

  10. Android J7 gives message “Battery is draining faster than it can charge” What should I replace first?

  11. @Landra B Satterfield

    Android J7 is a 4 years old phone, it seems the battery has reached end of its life.

    You could get the battery replaced from nearest mobile repair shop, it will set you back around $15-$20

    If that is not possible, you could uninstall apps that use background data. Example: Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Snapchat.

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