How to Charge Your iPhone Faster? What to Do If Your iPhone Is Charging Slowly

A sluggish charging iPhone can be annoying, especially when you’re short on time. Before assuming it’s time for a new battery or device, there are a few things you can check that might solve the issue quickly and affordably.

We will guide you to understand why your iPhone might be charging slowly—and what you can do to fix it.

How Long Should It Take to Charge an iPhone?

Using a fast charger, most iPhones can reach 50% battery in about 30 minutes, and a full charge typically takes 1 to 2 hours. If your device is taking longer than this, it may be time to investigate.

One good place to start is with your battery health. A battery that’s degraded over time may not charge efficiently. You can check this in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.

Reasons Why Your iPhone Charges Slowly

Several things can slow down your iPhone’s charging speed. Here are the most common causes:

• The power outlet isn’t working properly.

• Your charging cable is damaged or worn out.

• There’s dirt or debris in the charging port.

• The phone is too hot.

• You’re running outdated iOS software.

• You’re using your phone too much while it’s plugged in.

How to Fix Slow iPhone Charging

1. Restart Your iPhone

Sometimes a simple restart can help fix minor glitches that affect charging speed. Press and hold the power button and slide to power off. After a few seconds, turn it back on and try charging again.

If your iPhone is unresponsive, consider doing a force restart based on your model.

2. Check the Charging Cable and Adapter

Take a close look at your Lightning cable. If it’s frayed, bent, or loosely fitting into your phone, it might be the culprit. Try using a different cable, preferably one that’s Apple-certified.

Also, swap out the charging adapter. Make sure it's a legitimate Apple charger or a high-quality third-party option that supports Power Delivery (PD).

3. Try a Different Outlet

Sometimes the issue isn’t with your phone or cable—it could be the power source. Try plugging your charger into a different wall outlet. Avoid using laptop USB ports or car chargers, which often provide less power than a wall socket.

If you're charging wirelessly and it's slow, switch to a wired connection for faster results.

4. Clean the Charging Port

Over time, lint or dirt can build up in the charging port, preventing proper connection. If your iPhone isn’t charging correctly or feels loose when you plug in the cable, check for dust or debris inside the port.

You can clean it carefully using a toothpick or a soft brush. Avoid using anything sharp or metallic, as it can damage the internal components.

5. Use Airplane Mode or Turn Off the Phone

Turning on Airplane Mode stops Wi-Fi, cellular, and Bluetooth functions—all of which drain power. This helps the battery charge with fewer interruptions.

For even faster results, power off your iPhone completely while it’s charging. This eliminates all background processes, allowing the battery to fill up faster.

6. Let Your iPhone Cool Down

If your phone feels warm or has been in direct sunlight, it may slow charging or pause it altogether. iPhones are designed to stop charging temporarily when they get too hot.

Remove the case and move your device to a cool, shaded location. Once it’s back to a safe temperature, charging should return to normal speed.

7. Update to the Latest iOS

Software glitches can affect battery performance and charging. If your iPhone is running an older version of iOS, it might be time to install the latest update.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check. Keeping your software current helps your device operate efficiently, including how it charges.

8. Upgrade to a High-Wattage Charger

Older chargers may not provide enough power. If you’re using a basic 5W charger, consider upgrading to a 12W USB adapter or a 20W USB-C fast charger.

These higher-wattage adapters are especially useful for iPhones that support fast charging, such as the iPhone 8 and newer models.

9. Avoid Heavy Usage While Charging

Using your phone for streaming, gaming, or even browsing while it charges puts a load on the battery. This can slow the charging process and make the device overheat.

To charge faster, avoid using your phone and close unnecessary apps in the background. Let it rest until the battery fills up.

10. Perform a Factory Reset (If All Else Fails)

If none of the above steps help, and your iPhone still charges slowly even with a good charger and cable, you might consider a factory reset. This should be a last resort, as it erases all data on the phone.

Before proceeding, back up everything using iCloud or iTunes, then go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.

When You Need More Help

If you've tried all these steps and your iPhone is still charging slowly, professional help might be needed. Sometimes, the issue is more complex than a simple fix.

You can visit a trusted local phone repair shop. Certified experts there can diagnose the problem and get your device working correctly, often on the same day.