Revision to iPhone Slow Charge
| * Try a different charger. This may be as simple as a bad cable or power brick. | |
| - | * Restart your iPhone. This can clear any minor software hiccups. |
| + | * Restart your iPhone. This can clear up any minor software hiccups. |
| * Is your phone also getting really hot? Even if it’s not charging? This might be an issue with software. | |
| Ever notice all the text printed on nearly any power adapter in your house? The information here is not just model number and manufacturer specific data, it also includes the specifications of the adapter. The amount of power the charger can output is strongly related to the rate a device can charge. | |
| - | * On the part of your charger that goes into the wall, look for |
| + | * On the part of your charger that goes into the wall, look for text. It should contain several important bits of information. |
| ** Input Voltage: This is not specifically important in this case, but it is typically the first item in the string of things you’re looking for. It will likely indicate 100-240V AC. | |
| - | ** Output Voltage and Amperage: These will generally be listed together. The adapter may be capable of outputting multiple voltages including 5V, |
| + | ** Output Voltage and Amperage: These will generally be listed together. The adapter may be capable of outputting multiple voltages including 5V, the typical voltage for USB charging. Higher voltages may be utilized on larger devices, or to support fast charge standards. Each individual voltage should have a correlating Amp rating. |
| ** Wattage: Some manufacturers, like Apple, list this right on the adapter. But if not, you can calculate it yourself! Wattage is simply Volts multiplied by Amps. In the case of a basic Apple iPhone charger, the USB brick is rated for 5V and 1A. Therefore it would be a 5 Watt charger (5x1=5). | |
| ** Save yourself some brain cells and use a [link|https://www.rapidtables.com/calc/electric/watt-volt-amp-calculator.html|wattage calculator] if your numbers aren’t as easy. | |
| * The higher the wattage is on the charger, the faster your iPhone has the potential to charge. If you’re using the old [product|IF182-012|Apple 5W charger|new_window=true], swapping to the [link|https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MHJA3AM/A/20w-usb-c-power-adapter|20W charger] could make a world of difference. | |
| ** Be aware the OEM Apple 20W charger comes with a USB C port on it, so you’ll need a [product|IF116-037|USB C to Lightning Cable|new_window=true]. | |
| - | ** There are a bevy of reputable non-Apple alternatives, but |
| + | ** There are a bevy of reputable non-Apple alternatives, but not all chargers are equal in quality either. Long term use of substandard chargers can damage the charging mechanism within your phone. |
| * Apple’s proprietary Lightning Port is based on the decades old USB 2.0 spec. In addition to lackluster data transfer speeds, charging is only supported at 500mA (that’s only .5A)! Your computer’s USB port is effectively a 2.5 Watt charger. It’s fine as a desperation move, but be forewarned–you’ll be waiting a while. | |
| == Debris in Lightning Port == | |
| - | Think about how many times a day you put your phone in a pocket, or a bag. What else is in that pocket, or that bag? Even if it’s your dedicated phone pocket, that pocket is bound to have lint in it. |
| + | Think about how many times a day you put your phone in a pocket, or a bag. What else is in that pocket, or that bag? Even if it’s your dedicated phone pocket, that pocket is bound to have lint in it. To lint, the Lightning Port is a giant magnetic crevice. If the speaker and microphone grilles at the bottom of your phone are clogged with dust, chances are your charge port is too. |
| - | * Inspect the port using a flashlight. It is common for bits of lint or rubbish to get caught and compress into the back of the port. To verify, check the fit of your cable. Does the lightning plug sit flush with the bottom of the phone? It should. If it sits askew, or there’s a gap where you can still see the metal of the charger, a good cleaning is in order. |
| + | * Inspect the port using a flashlight. It is common for bits of lint or rubbish to get caught and compress into the back of the port. |
| + | ** Check the fit of your cable. Does the lightning plug sit flush with the bottom of the phone? It should. If it sits askew, or there’s a gap where you can still see the metal of the charger, a good cleaning is in order. |
| ** This may limit the amount of contact the charger is actually making with the port, therefore . Think of it like a hose, a narrower hose will not | |
| ** If your charge port has signs of burn or corrosion, skip ahead to [[iPhone Slow Charge#Section_Faulty_Lightning_Port|Faulty Lightning Port]. | |
| The [product|IF126-039|Tristar chip|new_window=true] (or Hydra in the iPhone 8 and newer) on an iPhone logic board is responsible primarily for USB related functions. But it is also integral in the charging process. It detects items connected via the Lightning port and has electrical lines of communication to the charging chip. It is also the chip most commonly damaged on the board. | |
| - | * Tristar issues manifest in many ways, slow charging is only one of them. You can [link|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFaSlgLRTkc|use a multimeter to easily test some functions of Tristar |
| + | * Tristar issues manifest in many ways, slow charging is only one of them. You can [link|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFaSlgLRTkc|use a multimeter to easily test some functions of Tristar]. |
| * This repair requires advanced skills and most people will not be able to do it by themselves. It requires the ability to solder small components onto a circuit board. However, it is a repair any good shop that does board level repairs would be able to do. Ask around to find a board level specialist in your area. Even shops that don’t work on boards, may be able to point you to someone who does! | |
| - | ** This issue is so common, [link|https://tristartester.com/|there are tools |
| + | ** This issue is so common, [link|https://tristartester.com/|there are tools] designed solely to test the functionality of this chip. They are a bit pricey for one time use, but handy to have if you are a serial fixer. |
| == Faulty Logic Board == | |
| * Check for obvious signs of a board issue - burned or cracked components, liquid residue, corrosion or bend. If there are signs of liquid the [guide|95280|iPhone Liquid Damage Guide|new_window=true] might help. | |
| * Replacing the logic board is often the most practical solution for a DIYer whose board has failed. | |
| - | * Contrary to popular belief, the board itself can be repaired. However, it requires specialized tools and microsoldering know-how. If you’re feeling curious, and want to know more about getting into micro soldering, here’s some [link|https://www.ifixit.com/News/6911/micro-soldering-mom|good reading |
| + | * Contrary to popular belief, the board itself can be repaired. However, it requires specialized tools and microsoldering know-how. If you’re feeling curious, and want to know more about getting into micro soldering, here’s some [link|https://www.ifixit.com/News/6911/micro-soldering-mom|good reading] and some [link|https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4INaL5vWobD_CltiZXr7K46oJ33KvwBt|good watching] to get you started. |
| == Related Pages == | |
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