What to Do if Your Phone Charges Slowly, Even in Fast Charging Mode
Fast charging is a great feature to charge phones quickly and is now available on lower-end devices, but be careful, sometimes it may not work as it should.
On a rushed morning, when your phone is at 20 percent and you're about to leave, it can be a real lifesaver. However, it's not always foolproof. You might have noticed that even when the device shows "fast charging," the battery percentage isn't going up as quickly as expected.
Many people know that bad charging habits can cut battery life in half. It's also crucial how and with what you charge your smartphone. Here are a few tips to help you truly maximize fast charging and gain extra battery percentage quickly.
The Right Cable
It's not just the device that needs fast charging capability; the charger and cable must also be compatible. An unsuitable cable can significantly slow down charging speed. USB cables carry current and resistance, which affects charging speed: the lower the resistance, the better the conductivity, meaning faster charging. Factors affecting conductivity include cable length, thickness, and quality.
For true fast charging, always use the cable that came with or was recommended for your adapter. Both items should ideally be from the same manufacturer. Original, high-quality chargers are best, as knockoffs can damage your phone's battery or even pose a fire hazard.
Charging Apps
Just like there are apps for clearing storage or boosting performance, there are apps for checking battery health and charging speed. For example, AccuBattery on Google Play, or CoconutBattery or Battery Life for iOS. These apps provide detailed stats on battery performance and charging speed, helping you ensure the device is fully utilizing fast charging capabilities.
These apps also give insights into charging speed. For instance, if your phone supports 65-watt fast charging but is charging only at 30 watts, you'll know something's wrong.
Incorrect Settings
Smartphones often have battery optimization features to extend battery life, which can slow charging to reduce heating and battery wear. Look for settings like "Smart Charging" or "Optimized Charging" in your phone's settings, and disable them if necessary to activate fast charging.