Why is My Phone Charging Slowly? The Causes and Solutions

A slow-charging phone can feel like a major inconvenience. Whether you're trying to top up your battery before a night out or need enough charge to get through a long workday, sluggish charging speeds can be frustrating. But why exactly does your phone charge slowly, and what can you do about it?

In this blog, we’ll explore the most common causes of slow charging and offer practical solutions to help you speed things up.

One of the most frequent culprits behind slow charging is the charging cable itself. Over time, cables can wear out, fray internally, or become less efficient due to poor build quality.

Solution: Use a high-quality charging cable. If your phone originally came with a fast-charging cable, stick with that or purchase a reliable replacement. Maplin offers a wide range of specialist charging cables for both USB-C and Lightning connectivity.

The power source you’re using to charge your phone can have a major impact on charging speed. Charging from a laptop USB port, for example, delivers much less power than plugging into a wall socket with a proper adapter.

Solution: Always use a wall socket when possible. If you're using a power bank, ensure it supports fast charging and has enough output (measured in amps) to charge your phone effectively. Maplin offers an extensive range of both wall USB chargers and power banks to suit your individual needs.

Like cables, charging adaptors also play a crucial role. An old or underpowered adapter may not deliver enough current, especially for modern phones that support fast charging.

Solution: Check the output rating on your charger. Most fast-charging phones require at least 2A at 5V or more. Look for adaptors that support standards like Qualcomm Quick Charge or USB Power Delivery (USB-PD), depending on your device. Check out Maplin's range of chargers to find the ideal solution for your charging needs.

If your phone is running multiple apps in the background—especially power-hungry ones—it may charge slowly because it’s simultaneously using power while trying to store it.

Solution: Close unnecessary apps while charging. You can also put your phone in “Airplane Mode” or even power it off entirely to speed up charging. This reduces power consumption and allows more energy to go into charging the battery.

As batteries age, they naturally become less efficient. A degraded battery will not only hold less charge but also charge more slowly.

Solution: If your phone is a few years old and you notice significantly slower charging, it may be time to get the battery replaced. Many phone manufacturers now offer battery health diagnostics, so check the battery status in your settings.

Outdated software or bugs in your phone’s operating system can interfere with charging performance. In some cases, an update may even introduce problems that slow down charging.

Solution: Keep your phone's software up to date. If you’ve recently updated your phone and noticed a change in charging speed, check forums or the manufacturer’s site to see if it's a known issue. Sometimes, a quick bug fix is released shortly after a major update.

Dust, lint, or corrosion in the charging port can prevent proper contact between your charger and your phone. Even a small obstruction can interfere with charging.

Solution: Inspect your charging port using a flashlight. If you see debris, gently clean it using a soft brush, toothpick, or a can of compressed air. Be careful not to damage any of the internal pins.

Charging your phone in very hot or very cold environments can negatively affect charging speeds. Lithium-ion batteries work best at moderate temperatures and may charge more slowly—or not at all—when outside their comfort range.

Solution: Charge your phone at room temperature whenever possible. Avoid charging under your pillow or in direct sunlight, as overheating can also pose a safety risk.

Now that we've covered the causes, here are some extra tips to boost your charging speed:

• Enable Airplane Mode: Reduces background activity and conserves energy.

• Use a Fast-Charging Adapter and Cable: Look for cables and plugs that are rated for your phone’s fast-charging standard.

• Keep the Screen Off: The display is one of the biggest power consumers.

• Don’t Use the Phone While Charging: This adds load and slows down the process.

• Remove Phone Case (if it causes overheating): Some thick or insulated cases can trap heat, which can slow down charging or damage the battery over time.

If you've tried all the above and your phone is still charging slowly, it may be time to seek professional help. Visit an authorised service centre to have your phone examined. The issue could be with the motherboard, battery, or internal charging circuit.

A slow-charging phone is more than just an inconvenience—it can disrupt your daily routine and limit your mobility. Thankfully, most causes are relatively easy to diagnose and fix at home. By ensuring your charging equipment is in good condition, keeping your phone clean and updated, and following best charging practices, you can often restore fast charging performance without too much trouble.

Remember: your phone is a complex piece of technology. Treat it well, and it will serve you better and longer.