What to do if your iPhone is charging slowly

If your iPhone® is charging too slowly, it might seem like you need to replace your battery, or even your device. But there are probably simpler, cheaper solutions.

At Asurion, when tech breaks, we fix it—whether your iPad® won't update or your iPhone screen has a glitch. We'll show you how to fix an iPhone that charges too slowly.

How long does it take an iPhone to charge?

Normally, an iPhone can power up from zero to 50% in roughly 30 minutes using a fast charger and achieve a full charge within 1-3 hours. However, if your iPhone is slow to charge or fails to top up completely, this could indicate a problem.

Checking your battery's health is a great first step. If you notice your battery is struggling, it might be time for a battery replacement.

Why is my iPhone charging so slowly?

There are several common reasons your iPhone may be charging more slowly than you'd like. They include:

• The outlet you're using is faulty.
• You need to replace your charging cable.
• Your charging port is clogged or damaged.
• Your device is too hot.
• You're overdue for a software update.

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How to make your iPhone charge faster

Charging your iPhone might seem straightforward, but a few tweaks can significantly speed up the process. When your phone is charging slowly, try these strategies to help your iPhone power up quicker and troubleshoot the most common iPhone charging issues.

Restart your iPhone

The first thing to try if your iPhone is charging slowly is turning it off and back on. Then try charging your iPhone again.

If your device doesn't respond, try

forcing it to restart. Check out our guide to learn how to force restart your iPhone.

Check your charging cable for damage

Look at your charging cable to see if it's loose, unplugged, or damaged. If it's frayed or the connector is bent, this could be the reason your iPhone is charging slowly.

To know for sure, try charging your phone with a friend's cable. If the borrowed cord works better, it's time to replace your cable.

Try a different outlet and charger

If the cable isn't the issue, it could be your charger or the outlet. Plug your charger into a different outlet to see if your device will charge more quickly.If that doesn't work, use another charger—and make sure it's approved by Apple®. It's often convenient to charge your phone on your laptop, but using a wall outlet can do so in half the time.

If you've been charging your iPhone wirelessly (iPhone 8 or later versions support wireless charging), try plugging your device into a power source with your cable and see if it will charge faster. If you're using a wireless charging case for an older model, remove your device from the case and use a charger and cable plugged into a wall outlet.

Clean your charging port

If your device's port is clogged with dirt and debris, it may make your iPhone charge very slowly. If the port is dusty, check out our charging port cleaning guide to clear it out in a few simple steps. If the charging port appears to be damaged, contact an expert for help.

Turn on Airplane Mode or charge your phone while it's off

One way to make your iPhone charge faster is to turn on Airplane Mode before plugging in your device. This setting helps your phone charge more quickly by turning off your device's connection to mobile and Wi-Fi networks, which burn energy and drain the battery.

Turning off your iPhone completely before charging it should speed up the process even more.

Let your phone cool down

If your device has been sitting in direct sunlight or feels hot to the touch, try removing the case and placing it in a cool area before you charge it. Heat can damage your battery and hinder its ability to charge. If your phone stops charging at 80%, for instance, your device is likely protecting itself and will resume charging once it's cooled down.

Check for iOS updates

Updating your iOS® operating system will keep your iPhone charging quickly and working properly. For more information, check out our guide on how to update your iPhone to the latest iOS.

Buy a high-powered charger

Are you still wondering, “Why is my iPhone taking so long to charge?" Consider investing in a 12W USB or 18W USB-C power adapter to charge your device faster. These typically come with an iPad, but you can purchase them separately.

Complete a factory reset

If you've tried all the recommended steps and your iPhone is still charging slowly, try completing a factory reset on your phone—but only as a last resort. A factory reset on your phone will erase nearly all the data on your device, so make sure to back up all your important information first.