How to Fix an iPhone Charging Slowly

Follow these steps to diagnose and resolve slow charging issues on your iPhone, including hardware checks and software optimization tips.

1. Clear the charging port. Inspect the charging port for lint, dust, or debris using a bright light. Carefully remove any obstruction with a non-conductive wooden or plastic toothpick, ensuring you do not damage the internal connector pins.
2. Validate hardware authenticity. Ensure your cable and power adapter are MFi (Made for iPhone) certified or genuine Apple products. Non-certified accessories often fail to negotiate proper power delivery, resulting in throttled charging speeds.
3. Isolate the power source. Connect your iPhone to a different wall outlet or a high-output power brick rated for at least 20W. Avoid charging via USB ports on keyboards, monitors, or older laptop hubs, as these provide insufficient amperage.
4. Disable Optimized Battery Charging. Navigate to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. Toggle off Optimized Battery Charging to ensure your device charges at maximum capacity immediately, rather than waiting for your typical usage patterns.
5. Reduce thermal throttling. High temperatures significantly reduce charging speeds to protect battery chemistry. Remove any thick protective cases and ensure the iPhone is in a cool, ventilated environment while charging.
6. Perform a force restart. Clear minor software glitches affecting the power management system. Quickly press and release Volume Up, quickly press and release Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.