How To Fix Slow Charging On Your Android Device

On tech forums, groups and social media, I personally, have seen many people complaining about Slow Phone charging problem. This is a very common issue and not just limited to android phones or tablets. It affects all devices that use micro-USB port to receive power to charge the devices. If you are affected by this annoying problem, don’t you worry, I am going to provide you a list of solutions that will hopefully solve slow charging on all android.There are many factors responsible for slow charging of your Android smartphone, I have highlighted the most common ones. Perform the steps mentioned below until your problem is sorted.

• Replace the Charging Cable:

Many times, it is the micro-USB to USB cable that is the culprit. These cables lose their efficiency over time and, therefore, can't provide enough current (amperage) to charge the phone/device. Change the Micro-USB to cable. Either purchase a new one or borrow the one that’s being used on other devices. If you are using iPhone, change the lightning cable.
Tip: When purchasing cables, always go for slightly thicker ones (higher gauge). They can transfer high current without breaking down. Also, avoid longer once as it has a higher resistivity and reduce current flow.

• Apply Airplane Mode:

Airplane mode completely turns off wireless connectivity (Cellular and Wi-Fi) of your phone. So it does not interfere with the instruments present in the aircraft. Surprisingly, Airplane mode on your smartphone can significantly improve the charging process by decreasing the charging time. The only disadvantage is that you would not be able to communicate with others through mobile network or the internet. It way better than switching off your phone when charging.

• Get A New Charger/Adapter:

If changing the charging cable doesn't work. It's time to change the charger. A variety of USB-based chargers available in the market are of low quality, so getting a good charger is a bit challenging. A good charger must have following specifications:

• 5v 2.0A – This is the standard. Get a charger which has an output of at least 2.0 amperes.Read the information written on the front/back of the charger.
• Avoid chargers with detachable USB cables, their ports/connections become loose after frequent usage. It is better to get a charger with fixed micro-USB output.
• Blackberry PlayBook Charger, Blackberry Playbook charger is an example of a good charger. I'm using a charger from Blackberry PlayBook, it is my favorite and works on all of my devices. It has a stable 2.0A output and a fixed micro-USB cable.

Warning!!!: Refrain from using multi-purpose chargers that come with universal connectors. It can damage your phone and battery.

• Avoid Charging From Powerbanks, Laptop:

I use Powerbanks only when am short of a power supply and I need my phone's service immediately, but I see no reason to use it to charge my phone to 100% since most of them produce very low current. For USB ports, While they can charge your device using USB ports, it is still not the best idea to do so. USB ports on Computers are meant for transferring data, they do not produce enough current for a device to charge. Hence, slow charging is initiated and battery life span gets shortened.
Output current for USB in ideal scenario:

• USB 2.0 can provide up to 500mA
• USB 3.0 can provide up to 900mA

If you don’t have a charger nearby and using PC USB port as a last resort. It would be great if you connect your device to a USB 3.0 (blue) port.

• Stay Away From Phone While Charging:

Most people are fond of this habit, Using your phone while charging may put a negative impact on your Android’s battery life. It puts the battery under heavy load and cause the device to heat up. Do these things before you put your phone in charge:

• Close/End all the applications that are running
• Turn off WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS
• Put your Smartphone Airplane mode, it will turn off all the wireless/cellular connectivity. Only do this if you’re not expecting any communication.

So, to increase the rate at which your phone charges, move away from it so as to let it charge completely without compelling with your normal activities.

• Replace Your Smartphones Battery:

If your device is an year old and it quickly drains battery after a long charging session. Chances are your device battery is dying a slow painful death. Get a new battery from Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). If they discontinued the production of phone/battery. Don’t worry, you can still find replica batteries. Proceed with caution though.

• Change Tthe Android/iOS Version Of Your Device:

If you recently upgraded your device’s operating system through System Update (i.e. Android Marshmallow) and experiencing quick battery drain or slow charging. It means the new OS is buggy or incompatible with your device. Look for steps to downgrade the version or wait for a bug fix patch.

I hope I have in one way or the other, impacted a tactical method to reduce slow scharging on your android phone and has increase the charging rate of your android. If you are still facing problem with any of the above strategies, do use the comment box to express your problems. Enjoy!!!...