Why is my Android phone charging slow? (6 Possible Reasons)
We have to admit it.
It’s annoying when your Android phone needs to stay connected to an electric outlet because it is charging way too slow when you plug your phone.
Your battery life is important as battery life is the heart of your Android phone.
Now here’s the deal…
If this frequently happens to you, then you have probably asked yourself many times why this happens. However, if this issue is new to your Android device and it is charging slowly, then this may be a problem that you will have to fix.
I know you’re here because you’re experiencing phone charging problems. But, first things first:
You have to know that a slow-charging Android device could be an effect of three general reasons. First, part of the phone, second, the charging essentials, and lastly, it could be you – yes, you!
Check this out: Best Fast Chargers for Android
Now, let’s cut the chase and just get to the point to find out the answer to your questions. Following are the most common reasons why your phone is charging so slow when you charge your phone:
1. Faulty USB Cables
There are fast charging USB cables now in the market that charge faster. But when you have a slow charging Android device when you charge your phone, the first thing to check or consider is your USB wire. Faulty USB cables are the most famous culprit for this case. That’s why it’s always available at phone accessories stores because a lot of people buy USB cables to replace their old ones for phone charging.
But, how do we know? There are lots of ways to identify if your USB cable is damaged or not. One of which is to try using another USB cable. You don’t have to buy new USB cables before we can be sure that this is really the case. You can first borrow from a friend or anyone you know that has the same type of USB cable as yours.
Charge your phone and plug your phone using the USB cable you borrowed and be sure to use the original adapter you have.
If you have no one that’ll let you borrow a USB cable, no worries! There’s another way to check if your USB cable is working properly before buying a new one.
You can use an app called Ampere by Braintrapp. It’s an Android app that analyzes the current of your Android phone’s battery while being charged.
If you used another USB cable and the charging went back to normal or you run the app and found out that the cable isn’t working properly, then you will have to buy a new one. Although, at least, this is just a minor problem that can be fixed easily by buying USB cables that can be found at almost any phone shop in your area.
Here’s a recommended micro-USB cable that you can buy on Amazon.
2. Problem with the Charging Port
If the problem with your charging is not only that it’s so slow but also almost phone not charging when you plug your phone or maybe there’s a certain position where it charges but when slightly touched or moved it stops when the phone is charging, then a damaged, clogged, or the loose charging port is most likely the case.
Now, this is something that not everyone could fix. I would recommend that you take your Android phone to your trusted repair shop and let them know about your problem so they can fix it for you.
But, if you are on a tight budget, then you can find some articles or videos that show how to fix your charging port on your own. A word of caution: Do it at your own risk.
3. Weak Power Source
This is the easiest possible reason that may have caused your phone to charge slowly. You can easily find it out by transferring from one outlet to another.
When the phone charges slowly, you can also check your outlet if it is faulty while your phone is charging.
If it’s still not working while you are charging your phone, there’s still a possibility that the outlets you used are connected to each other. So, it can still be the same power source.
You can try charging your phone to an outlet in a different room or building just to make sure. If it’s still not working properly, then move to the next possible reasons.
Suggested reads:
7 Easy Fixes For Android Quick Charging Problems
5 Best Android Phones with Quick Charging Technology
Why Fast Charging Apps don’t Work on Android Phones?
4. Damaged Battery
If the above-mentioned factors are tested and they passed. Then, it’s time to check if your battery is still what it was when you just bought it.
A very common and classic way to know if a battery is still good to go is by just looking at its physical appearance. If you notice a slight bump in its flat sides, then you have a bad battery.
But, nowadays, a lot of smartphones doesn’t have a removable battery anymore. Instead, most of them have built-in batteries. So, how would you know? You can still actually feel or see a slight bulging at the back of your smartphone where the battery is if you have a bad battery.
Another way to identify if your battery is the problem when it drains so fast from full to half of its charging life.
If you can confirm these signs, then you’ll have to buy a new one, either you have a removable or non-removable battery. For a non-removable battery, let your trusted phone center replace the battery for you.
5. Too Many Background Apps
A lot of Android users don’t know about this. When you open an app sometimes you forget to close it properly and it stayed processing in the background. Or, you have downloaded some apps that automatically start in the background and are running in the background..
Background apps don’t only affect your Android’s RAM but also drain the battery. Most of these apps are set to process in the background by default to give you important notifications when something is up or to continuously collect data from your device.
What you can do is to stop those apps by manually stop their process by going to Settings > Applications or Apps.
Now, go to Installed applications. See each app on the list one by one and then tap on “force stop”.
Another option to stop background apps is to use an Android application.
Related: 5 Best App Killers for Android: Regain RAM and Battery life.
6. Irresponsible User
Lastly, sometimes the user can also be the reason why his smartphone doesn’t charge properly when you charge your phone. Note that you are not supposed to use your smartphone while it is charging.
If you’re an abusive user, then it’s expected that your battery or Android phone won’t last longer than it’s supposed life span. Change your habit and educate yourself on how to increase the battery life of your Android phone.
FAQs
Why is my phone charging slow?
There are many factors that can affect why your phone is charging slow. It could be device issues, charger issues or it can be caused by you! Check all accessories and the voltage of your outlet. If none of them’s a problem, you might want to check your device for issues.
Can apps make my phone charge slow?
I bet you, apps do! Background apps still run and use up the battery of you’re phone even if you are not using it. The best option is to make sure that you close them properly.
Why is my phone not fully charged after I left it charging overnight?
Charging depends from phone to phone. Now, there are charging cables that work best if they are directly plugged to an adaptor. In some cases, chargers tend to charge some phones faster than others. Also, some charging cables might be simply worn out.
How do I fix the slow charging?
A dirty charging port can also be one of the reasons why your phone is charging slow. It is better to clean your charging port with compressed air or a small brush to avoid slow charging issues.
Do shorter cords charge phones faster?
Yes, Shorter cords often charge phones much faster than the longer ones.
How do I check my android battery health?
Open the dial pad of your phone app and enter *#*#4636#*#*. This will direct you to the battery information section. You will then be able to see the battery health there.
Final Thoughts
It is truly not easy to diagnose any device that starts to show some issues. But, one thing is sure, your Android phone and its battery have a life span. What you can do is prolong it by following the best habits for healthier smartphone use.
Do you find this article helpful? Let us know in the comment box below!
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Solved: 2 Fixes For Android Phone That Only Charges When It’s Off
Thanks for your help, about my phone slowly charging I didn’t know it’s not a good idea being on A phone while it’s charging again thank you
Hi Linda, glad that this helped. Do you have any other question?
I am about to replace the charger cable for my Nexus 6. What is the best cable do you suggest to get my Nexus 6 charges faster? Thank you in advance.
I don’t understand, my phone had no wifi or bluetooth or anything on, it was plugged directly into the wall with a USB that is known to work with other devices, and it’s less than a year old. Last night I plugged it in, checked this morning, it went from 4% to 7% in 8 hours! I can’t afford to buy a new phone every year.
My Android phone is very slowly changing from 10000mah power bank
This advice is no use as the problem only occurs sometimes.
Sorry to hear that, Kate, and that you for your comment. Is there any other way we can help you better with your problem?
pls Linda I just a new gionee phone but it has issue which is very slow in charging
but am confuse because it was a new new phone.
After changing my phone battery,My phone is charging slowly now..
Hi Vusani
We are sorry to hear that. Maybe the new battery was not compatible to the phone. Hence, it could be the reason why your phone is charging slowly.
After charging my phone bettry is not batter ran .it has low fast
An abusive user? Irresponsible user?? For christ sakes it’s a cellphone, not a cocker spaniel. Get over yourself. You sound like the cellphone version of PETA These things already have enough false importance in current society as it is.