Why Is My Phone Not Charging or Charging Slowly? 7 Common Causes and Solutions

Written by: UGREENBLOG

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Time to read 3 min

It is one of those most annoying instances in the world where your phone simply will not charge or charges at very slow speeds. Typically, this problem is related to one of seven normal charging problems.

You can fix "why is my phone not charging?" or "why is my phone charging so slowly?" by most appropriate fix through identifying exactly what is going on and making necessary repairs, and so avoid a costly repair or need for a new device.

1. Dirt and dust on the charging port

The charging port of the phone may get clogged with time by dirt, lint, and debris, causing the bad connection which both fails charging and causes the bad connection itself.

Solution: Very delicately, pull out any obstructions from the port using a toothpick, a soft-bristled brush, or compressed air to maintain a clear connection so as to respond to the question "Why is my phone not charging?"

2. Damaged Charging Cable

If you've ever asked yourself, "Why is my phone charging so slowly?" a damaged charging cable might be to blame. A frayed or worn cable can't efficiently transfer power.

Solution: Replace your old cable with a new, durable one to regain proper charging speed.

white usb cable

3. Underpowered Charger/Adapter

When your phone charges at a snail's pace, it could be due to an underpowered adapter. Why is my phone charging so slowly can often be traced back to using a charger that doesn't supply enough power.

Solution: Check your phone's specifications and use a charger that meets or exceeds those ratings. For instance, the new Uno charger series from UGREEN in 2024 is included. It offers up to 100W charging power.

4. Software Bugs and Errors

Software-related problems can be less obvious when diagnosing why is my phone not charging. These can disrupt the normal charging process.

Solution: Keep your phone's software up-to-date and consider a reset if charging issues persist.

a black cell phone

5. Loose, Damaged Charging Port

A loose charging port can lead to intermittent charging, making you wonder, why is my phone not charging consistently.

Solution: Professional repair or replacement of the charging port might be necessary.

6. Charging Setting Conflicts

If you're experiencing slow charging, it could be due to certain enabled settings. Why is my phone charging so slowly may be the result of features like battery saver mode.

Solution: Adjust or disable settings that limit charging speed and reset your phone's charging logic by restarting.

7. Old Battery

An old battery often answers why is my phone not charging to its full potential, as its capacity to hold a charge diminishes with age.

Solution: Consider battery replacement to boost charging efficiency and overall phone performance.

Additional Phone Charging Tips

If you're still troubleshooting why is my phone charging so slowly, here are a few more tips:

  1. Test different chargers and cables to isolate the issue
  2. Use wireless charging pads as an alternative
  3. Keep phone software updated
  4. Avoid intensive phone use during charging
  5. Perform full shutdowns and restarts to refresh

 

When to Replace the Battery

Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time. After 2-3 years of use, most phone batteries drop below 80% of their original capacity. Signs it’s time for a replacement include slower charging, short battery life per charge, and unexpected shutdowns with 20-30% left. Swollen or hot batteries pose safety risks and should be properly recycled.

Investing in a fresh high-quality battery restores charging speeds and maximum runtime per charge. With routine battery replacement, you can optimize performance and extend your phone’s useful lifespan.

Cell phone being charged

Ugreen Charging Accessories

Ugreen offers a range of advanced charging accessories designed for speed, safety, and durability. 

Ugreen 65W 3-port fast charger

The Ugreen 65W 3-port fast charger packs tremendous power into a compact design. This GaN II charger can fully charge a laptop in just 1.5 hours with one port while simultaneously charging two other devices via the additional USB-C and USB-A ports.

Ugreen USB-C to Lighting cable

Ugreen's braided USB-C to Lightning cable provides a nearly indestructible charging solution. With the reinforced design, this 3.3ft cable is perfect for everyday charging without fraying or loss of power transmission.

Ugreen 20W USB-C PD charger

The Ugreen 30W USB-C PD charger packs a powerful punch. Using advanced GaN tech, this compact charger can charge a phone from 0% to 50% in just 30 minutes. The foldable plug allows easy portability while the isolated design prevents against overheating. With universal compatibility, fast 20W output, and a durable build, this USB-C charger makes an ideal daily travel companion.

Conclusion

With the right troubleshooting and quality charging accessories like those from Ugreen, you can address the common question of why is my phone charging so slowly and ensure your device charges efficiently. Maintain your phone's charging port, cables, and software to maximize charging speeds and keep your phone ready for use.