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A battery cell contains an electrolyte and two electrodes, negative and positive. Through use, ions form at the electrodes, which causes electrons to flow to the external (negative) terminal of the battery, and thus a charge is released. In non-rechargeable batteries, such as a TV remote control battery or a wall clock, chemical reactions happen once. But in rechargeable batteries, like those in phones, chemical reactions can be recycled in the opposite direction. Thus, recharging allows the cell to absorb electrical energy again.
Nowadays, cell phones may be charged in two ways: tethered and wirelessly. Of course, as you are well aware, each has advantages and disadvantages. But now that we know how a phone battery gets charged, maybe it’s time to figure out why it’s charging slowly and how to fix it.
Bad Accessories
The problem might not be the phone itself. The culprit could be the cable, damage to the power adapter (charger), or a weak power source. Cables are especially prone to damage because they’re used in various ways and subjected to different conditions, like being bent or folded incorrectly. We might even step on them unintentionally. So, before you jump to conclusions, try switching to a high-quality cable and see if there’s a noticeable difference in charging speed.
The sort of power adapter (charger) you’re using may be the cause of the delayed charging. As a result, you should choose a modern, certified adapter that can deliver genuine current even at high temperatures. It is not necessary for the charger to be the one that came with the phone, but it must be a certified charger with a reputable brand name.
Don’t rely on charging your phone through your computer’s USB ports for the fastest speeds. While it’s perfectly fine to charge this way, the actual charging speed may vary depending on the age of your computer and the capabilities of its USB ports. A dedicated phone charger plugged into the wall outlet will typically provide the fastest charging.
Damage and difficulties with the phone’s charging socket
The phone’s charging port may become damaged over time due to use. So, try cleaning the port and checking for any visible damage to the metal strips. However, when cleaning, take care not to harm the strips. You can use plastic toothpicks cautiously and softly during the cleaning process, or you can use a small, soft brush.
Background Apps
Background apps, like those that cause the battery to drain quickly while using the phone, can also slow down charging. Both iOS and Android have tools that show which apps are running in the background. For Android, go to Battery Settings in the Settings app (or it may be inside the Security and Protection app). For iPhone, select Battery in the Settings app to see which apps are consuming the most battery power. Start monitoring apps that you rarely use but consume a noticeable amount of battery power. Then, ditch them and try replacing them with battery-friendly alternatives.
Battery Aging
If your phone’s battery is over two or three years old, it may be time to replace it. Lithium-ion batteries do not last more than that period of time in most cases. They also have a limited lifespan based on the number of complete charge cycles. If you are lucky enough to have a phone with a removable back for battery replacement, it will be simple for you – although this is rare with current phones. But in most other cases, you will have to go to one of the repair shops and companies specialized in your phone type to replace the battery.
Using the phone while charging
Most phones struggle to supply enough power for both use and charging simultaneously. This means that if you’re one of those users who like to browse websites or social media like Facebook while your phone is charging, it could be the reason behind the slow charging. Social media apps and websites are known to be more power-hungry than others.
Therefore, it’s best to leave your phone charging undisturbed. This will allow it to recharge its battery much faster.
If you notice a significant slowdown in charging speed even when following these tips, there’s likely a more underlying issue that might be easily fixable. If the advice in this article doesn’t help, consider taking your device to the nearest authorized service center and letting an expert diagnose the problem.