iPhone Charging Slowly? 7 Quick Fixes That Work

Last Updated: January 2025 | Reading Time: 5 minutes | Category: iPhone Battery

The Problem

Your iPhone is taking forever to charge. What used to take an hour now takes three. Or maybe it says “charging” but the percentage barely moves.

Don’t worry—slow charging is usually an easy fix. Here’s how to speed it up.

Quick Test: How Slow Is Your Charging?

Charge for exactly 30 minutes and check the percentage:

Fix 1: Use the Right Charger (Most Common Fix)

The 5W adapter that came with older iPhones charges painfully slow.

What You Need:

Quick Check:

1. Look at your charger
2. Check the wattage (W) printed on it
3. If it’s 5W, you need an upgrade

Recommended: Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter (~$19)

🔗 Check your battery health with our Battery Health Calculator

Fix 2: Enable Airplane Mode While Charging

This is the fastest way to charge your iPhone.

How to Do It:

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner
2. Tap the Airplane icon
3. Wait 10 seconds
4. Plug in your charger

Why it works: Stops all radio activity (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular) which uses power.

Result: Can cut charging time by 20-30%!

Fix 3: Close All Apps Before Charging

Apps running in the background use power while you charge.

How to Close Apps:

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen
2. Swipe up on each app to close it
3. Or tap “Close All” if available

Pro tip: Enable Airplane Mode + close all apps = fastest charging possible

Fix 4: Remove Your Case

Thick cases trap heat and slow down charging.

Quick Fix:

1. Remove your iPhone case
2. Plug in the charger
3. Place iPhone on a cool surface

Why it works: Heat slows charging to protect the battery. Cooler = faster.

🔗 Why your iPhone gets hot while charging

Fix 5: Clean Your Charging Port

Lint and debris block the connection and slow charging.

What You’ll Need:

• Wooden toothpick (never metal!)
• Flashlight

How to Clean:

1. Power off your iPhone
2. Shine flashlight into the charging port
3. Gently remove visible lint with wooden toothpick
4. Blow compressed air in short bursts
5. Power on and test charging

⚠️ Warning: Never use metal objects or liquids!

Fix 6: Use Wall Outlet (Not Computer)

Computer USB ports deliver less power.

Always use wall adapter for fastest charging

Fix 7: Check Battery Health

Old batteries charge slower.

How to Check:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Battery
3. Tap Battery Health & Charging
4. Look at Maximum Capacity

What It Means:

🔗 Use our Battery Health Calculator to see if you need a new battery

Quick Comparison: Charging Times

Best Fast Charging Setup by Budget

Budget ($15-20):

• Anker 20W USB-C adapter
• Amazon Basics USB-C to Lightning cable

Mid-Range ($25-35):

• Apple 20W USB-C adapter
• Apple USB-C to Lightning cable

Premium ($40-60):

• Apple 30W USB-C adapter
• Anker 6ft USB-C to Lightning cable

Prevention Tips

• ✅ Use 20W adapter – Fastest charging for modern iPhones
• ✅ Enable Airplane Mode – When you need quick charge
• ✅ Remove case – Prevents overheating
• ✅ Clean port monthly – Maintains good connection
• ✅ Use wall outlet – Not computer USB
• ✅ Check battery health – Replace when below 80%

FAQ

Q: Why does my iPhone charge fast to 80% then slow down?
A: This is Optimized Battery Charging. It slows after 80% to preserve battery health. Learn more

Q: Can I use iPad charger for iPhone?
A: Yes! iPad chargers (12W or 20W) are safe and charge iPhones faster.

Q: Is wireless charging slower?
A: Yes, wireless (7.5W-15W) is slower than wired fast charging (20W+).

Q: Why does my iPhone charge slower as it gets older?
A: Battery degradation. Replace when health drops below 80%.

Related Articles

• iPhone Not Charging But Connected (7 Fixes)
• iPhone Stops Charging at 80% (Explained + Fix)
• iPhone Hot While Charging – Causes & Fix
• Battery Health Calculator

How long does your iPhone take to charge? Let us know in the comments!