What to do if your iPhone is charging slowly

⚡ Fast fix

• Charging crawling? Switch to a higher-watt USB-C charger and cable.
• Port dirty? Check the Lightning or USB-C port and gently clean out debris.
• Getting warm? Let your iPhone cool down—heat slows charging speeds.
• Still slow? Turn on Airplane Mode or stop heavy app use while charging.

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If your iPhone® is charging too slowly, it might seem like you need to replace your battery, or even your device. But there are probably simpler, cheaper solutions.

At Asurion, when tech breaks, we fix it—whether your iPad® won't update or your iPhone screen has a glitch. We'll show you how to fix an iPhone that charges too slowly.

How long does it take an iPhone to charge?

Normally, an iPhone can power up from zero to 50% in roughly 30 minutes using a fast charger and achieve a full charge within 1-3 hours. However, if your iPhone is slow to charge or fails to top up completely, this could indicate a problem.

Checking your battery's health is a great first step. If you notice your battery is struggling, it might be time for a battery replacement.

Why is my iPhone charging so slowly?

There are several common reasons your iPhone may be charging more slowly than you'd like. They include:

• The outlet you're using is faulty.
• You need to replace your charging cable.
• Your charging port is clogged or damaged.
• Your device is too hot.
• You're overdue for a software update.

How to make your iPhone charge faster

Charging your iPhone® should be quick—but if it’s dragging, a few small changes can make a big difference. Whether you're topping up before heading out or trying to fix slow charging, these tips can help speed things up.

Use a faster charger

Not all chargers are created equal. Using the right one can cut your charging time significantly.

• For iPhone 13 through 16, use a 20W or 30W USB-C adapter
• For iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, you can get even faster speeds with higher-wattage adapters
• Avoid older USB-A chargers, which are much slower

Learn more about the best fast chargers for iPhone.

Upgrade your wireless charger

Wireless charging is convenient—but only if you’re using the right gear.

• Use a MagSafe® charger with a compatible adapter for faster speeds
• Look for Qi2-certified chargers if you’re using third-party options
• Older wireless pads often charge much slower

Check battery charging settings

Your iPhone is designed to protect battery health—even if that means slowing things down.

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Battery > Charging

• Turn off Optimized Battery Charging if you need a full charge quickly
• Check your Charging Limit—your phone may stop at 80% or 90% by design

Keep your iPhone cool

Heat is one of the biggest reasons your iPhone slows down while charging.

• Remove bulky cases while charging
• Keep your phone out of direct sunlight
• If your iPhone gets warm, it may pause charging until it cools down

Reduce activity while charging

Your iPhone charges faster when it’s not working as hard.

• Turn on Airplane Mode to stop background connections
• Avoid using power-heavy apps like gaming or video recording

Clean the charging port

A dirty port can block the connection and slow charging.

• Check for lint or debris
• Use a soft, non-metal tool (like a toothpick) to gently clean it

Read more tips on how to avoid charging port cleaning disasters.

Use a quality cable

Even if your charger is fast, the wrong cable can slow things down.

• Use the cable that came with your iPhone or a certified replacement
• Avoid cheap or worn cables that may not support fast charging

Update your iPhone

Software updates can include performance improvements that affect charging behavior.

1. Open Settings
2. Tap General > Software Update
3. Install any available updates