6 Hacks to Speed Up Slow Phone Charging?

You’re rushing out the door, late for a meeting, and your phone’s battery is clinging to a measly 12%.

You plug it in, hoping for a quick boost, but after 15 minutes, it’s barely crawled to 15%.

Frustrating, right?

Slow phone charging is a problem.

The good news?

You don’t need to be a tech wizard to fix it.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top, tried-and-true fixes to speed up your phone’s charging time.

These are practical solutions I’ve tested myself, blended with a dash of tech know-how to help you get back to full power faster.

Why Is My Phone Charging So Slowly?

Before we jump into the solutions, let’s explore the mystery of slow charging.

Slow charging can stem from a worn-out cable, a dusty port, a power-hungry app, or even your charger playing hard to get.

It’s like trying to water a garden with a kinked hose—something’s blocking the flow. Identifying the culprit is half the battle, and the solutions below will tackle each possibility step-by-step.

1. Check Your Cable and Charger

Let’s start with the basic points.

I once had a phone that took forever to charge, and after some detective work, I found the culprit: a frayed, dollar-store cable I’d been too stubborn to replace.

Your charging cable and adapter are the lifeline to your phone’s battery, so if they’re underperforming, your charge time suffers.

Fix It:

• Inspect your cable for visible damage—cracks, bends, or exposed wires. If it looks sketchy, swap it out for a high-quality, certified cable (look for “MFi” for iPhones or “USB-IF” for Androids).
• Use the original charger that came with your phone. Third-party chargers might not deliver the right wattage, slowing things down.
• Test with a different combo. Borrow a friend’s cable or charger to see if the issue persists.

Pro Tip: Opt for a cable with fast-charging support (like USB-C Power Delivery) if your phone supports it. It’s like upgrading from a tricycle to a sports car for your battery.

---

2. Clean Your Charging Port

A few months ago, my phone started charging at a snail’s pace.

I flipped it over and saw a lint fortress clogging the port—years of pocket debris had built up! It’s a sneaky little issue that’s easy to overlook.

Fix It:

• Power off your phone (safety first).
• Grab a wooden toothpick or a plastic dental flosser—nothing metal, unless you want to fry your device—and gently scrape out the gunk.
• Give it a quick blast with compressed air if you’ve got it handy.

Pro Tip: Once it’s clean, plug in your charger and wiggle it gently. A secure connection means faster juice flow.

---

3. Turn Off Power-Hungry Features

Imagine your phone as a busy restaurant. If every table (aka app or feature) is demanding service, the kitchen (your battery) can’t keep up.

Background apps, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth can sip away power faster than your charger can replenish it.

Fix It:

• Switch to Airplane Mode while charging. It’s like hitting the pause button on your phone’s social life.
• Dim the screen or turn it off completely—no one needs to binge TikTok while plugged in.
• On Android, check Settings > Battery > Battery Usage to spot and close power-draining apps. For iPhone, head to Settings > Battery.

Pro Tip: Charging in a cool spot helps too. Heat slows things down, so skip the sunny windowsill.

---

4. Enable Fast Charging (If You’ve Got It)

Here’s a story: My friend Somil upgraded to a shiny new phone but complained it charged slower than her old one.

Turns out, she was using her ancient charger instead of the fast-charging brick in the box.

Many modern phones support fast charging, but you need the right gear to unlock it.

Fix It:

• Check if your phone supports fast charging (Google your model + “fast charging specs”).
• Use a compatible fast charger and cable—look for terms like “Quick Charge,” “Power Delivery,” or “Adaptive Fast Charging.”
• Enable it in Settings if needed (some Androids have a toggle under Battery settings).

Pro Tip: Don’t overdo it—fast charging is great for emergencies, but regular charging keeps your battery healthier long-term.

---

5. Update Your Software: The Silent Speed Boost

Software updates aren’t just for emojis and security patches.

Last year, my phone started lagging on the charger, and a quick update fixed a sneaky bug hogging power. Manufacturers often tweak battery performance with these updates.

Fix It:

• Go to Settings > System > System Update (Android) or Settings > General > Software Update (iPhone).
• Install any pending updates and let your phone restart.
• Bonus: Restart your phone even if there’s no update—it can clear glitches slowing the charge.

Pro Tip: Keep your phone updated regularly to avoid performance hiccups.

---

6. Know When It’s the Battery’s Fault

If you’ve tried everything and your phone still charges like it’s on a leisurely stroll, the battery might be waving a white flag.

Batteries degrade over time—after a couple of years, they just don’t hold or take a charge like they used to.

Fix It:

• Check battery health: iPhone users can go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Android folks might need a third-party app like AccuBattery.
• If it’s below 80% capacity, consider a replacement. Hit up a certified repair shop—don’t risk a DIY disaster.

Pro Tip: Avoid letting your battery drop to 0% too often—it stresses it out and speeds up wear.

---

Final Thoughts

Slow phone charging doesn’t have to ruin your day.

With a some hacks—swapping cables, clearing dust, or tweaking settings—you can get back to a more battery in no extra time.

I’ve walked this road myself, from frayed cords to lint-clogged ports, and these fixes have never let me down.

Next time you plug in, try one (or all) of these tips and watch your phone juice up faster than ever. Got a stubborn charging issue that won’t budge? Drop your story in the comments—I’d love to help you crack the case!