Slow charging is usually caused by a worn cable, a weak or unsuitable charger, a dirty charging port, a hot phone or an ageing battery. Swap the cable and charger first: that fixes it more often than any repair.
A phone that took two hours to charge last year and now takes four is annoying, and it is rarely a sign that something dramatic has failed. Most of the time it is one of five things, and you can check the first three yourself in a few minutes.
Start with the cable and the charger
Cables wear out where they bend, near the plug, and a damaged cable can still charge, just slowly. Chargers vary a lot in how much power they deliver, and a small charger that came with an older or cheaper phone may simply be too weak for your current one.
- Try a different cable, ideally one you know works well.
- Try a different charger and a different wall socket.
- Charge without using the phone. Gaming, video calls and navigation can use nearly as much power as the charger supplies.
If the phone charges normally with a different cable or charger, you have found the problem.
Check the charging port
Pockets and bags fill charging ports with lint and dust, and a port that is clogged or loose can charge slowly or stop and start. Switch the phone off and look into the port with a torch. If you see fluff, remove it gently with a wooden or plastic toothpick. Never use metal, and never force anything in.
Signs that the port itself is worn:
- The cable feels loose or only charges when you hold it at an angle.
- Charging keeps starting and stopping.
- You have to wiggle the plug to get it to charge.
Heat slows charging on purpose
Phones reduce charging speed when they get hot, to protect the battery. If the phone is warm while charging, take off the case, keep it out of the sun and off soft surfaces like a bed, and avoid using it while it charges. It is also normal for charging to slow down as the battery nears full.
Battery wear and software
Batteries wear with every charge. An older battery may charge more slowly, run down faster, or both. If a new cable and charger make no difference and the phone also drains quickly, the battery is the likely cause, and our article on how to tell if your phone battery needs replacing will help you decide. Occasionally a software problem or a misbehaving app is the cause, so restarting the phone and installing pending updates is worth a try.
When to bring it in
Bring the phone in if it still charges slowly with a known-good cable and charger, if the port feels loose, or if the phone gets very hot or the back or screen looks swollen. Diagnostics are free, and you get a quote before any work starts.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to use a different charger from the one that came with my phone?
A good-quality charger that suits your phone is fine. A poor-quality one can charge slowly, run hot or, in the worst cases, damage the phone or battery. If you are not sure, use the original charger or a well-made one from a reputable maker.
Why does my phone charge quickly to 80% and then slow down?
That is normal. Phones charge fast while the battery is low, then slow down near full to protect the battery.
Can I clean the charging port myself?
Yes, with the phone switched off, using a wooden or plastic toothpick to lift out lint gently. Do not use metal objects, liquids or compressed air, and do not push hard. If it is still not charging properly, have it looked at.
Having a phone or laptop problem? Bring it in: diagnostics are free and you get a quote before any work starts.
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