Few things are more annoying than a phone that won’t charge efficiently. While taking several hours in the past might have been standard, those days are long gone. Now, people are accustomed to technology performing effectively to the extent that it becomes a real problem when technology isn’t working as it should; it can interrupt your day and work efficiency. That’s why it’s essential to know the common causes of a slow charge so that you can rectify the problem as soon as possible.

Why Is My Phone Taking So Long to Charge?

While it might seem like a complicated issue, there are many common causes of slow charging, so don’t run out to buy a new phone or charger before investigating these common causes. 

• Apps Running in the Background: If you have apps running in the background, whether that’s an app you forgot to close or something more benign like Bluetooth, remember that this will drain your battery. Even though you might not be touching your phone, if your device is looking to connect to nearby devices or it’s simply running something like Google Maps, it will be using up energy to do so. 
• Poor Battery Health: Like any device, some aging and general wear-and-tear will likely reduce the efficiency of your device’s battery over time. However, if you’ve adopted some bad habits over the years, like leaving your phone in the sun and letting it overheat or charging it during the night, the chances are that your battery’s health could play a role in its slow charging speed. 
• Using Your Phone During Charging: Much like apps that run the battery down when left running in the background, the same applies to your phone when you’re using it while charging. The battery doesn’t have an infinite space to hold charge, so when you use the battery, even during charging, it will be harder for the battery to save the incoming charge. 
• Using the Wrong Charger: With so many new devices and chargers on the market, tracking which charger is compatible with which device can be complex. That’s why it’s essential to ensure that you check the compatibility of your charger. For example, using a wireless charger not designed for your phone may mean you get little to no charge. So, ensure you check how to charge your phone wirelessly and correctly. 
• Using a Faulty Cable or Adapter: When a charger is broken, with worn wires, or cut in half, it’s easy to determine that that’s likely the cause of slow charging. But remember that a faulty cable or adapter doesn’t always look faulty. If, by process of elimination, this is the only reason your charger is slow, it might be time to invest in a new charger.
• Charging From Alternative Power Sources: If you’re not charging from a plug socket, your alternative charging methods could be why your phone struggles to get power efficiently. For example, using your laptop to charge your device will be less efficient than using the mains or a good-quality portable charger pack like the EcoFlow River 3 Plus Portable Power Station. If you’re camping, the EcoFlow RIVER 3 + 45W Solar Panel supplies off-grid power and ensures your device stays charged.
• A Dirty Port: With so many people addicted to their devices, it’s unsurprising that dirt and debris can get stuck behind the phones’ cases, buttons, and ports. If you’re experiencing charging issues, your charger may not align correctly with the port’s charging points. It’s best to ensure that there’s no dirt or dust.