Revision to iPhone Slow Charge
| There is a certain anxiety in knowing your phone is nearly dead. This can only be made worse by adding the complication that your iPhone takes an eternity to charge up. Battery life and charging might seem simple, but the chain has many links, and any could be at fault. Luckily, most reasons for slow charging don't require a toolkit, just a little investigating. | |
| - | == |
| + | == The Basics == |
| Before undertaking any of the more time-consuming solutions below, these are a few fundamentals to get you started. | |
| * Look for text on the part of your charger that goes into the wall. 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, the typical voltage for USB charging. Higher voltages may be utilized on larger devices or to support fast charge standards. Each voltage should have a correlating Amp rating. |
| - | ** Wattage: Some manufacturers, like Apple, list this 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). |
| + | ** Output Voltage and Amperage: These will 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. |
| + | ** Wattage: Some manufacturers, like Apple, list this on the adapter. If not, you can calculate it yourself! Wattage is 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 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 difference. | |
| - | * Be aware the OEM Apple 20W charger comes with a USB C port, so you’ll need a [product|IF116-037|USB C to Lightning Cable|new_window=true]. |
| - | * There is a bevy of reputable non-Apple alternatives, but not all chargers are equal. Look for the "Made for iPhone" branding to point you toward more reliable brands. These need to contain protections in the cable to qualify for this certification. Long-term use of substandard chargers can damage your phone's charging mechanism. |
| - | * 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 .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. |
| + | [note|type=warning]Not all third party chargers are equal. Look for the "Made for iPhone" logo to point you toward more reliable brands. Long-term use of substandard chargers can damage your phone's charging mechanism.[/note] |
| == Debris in Lightning Port == | |
| - | |
| + | ***Solution:*** [guide|164631|Clean the charge port] |
| - | * 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. |
| + | Think about how often you put your phone in a pocket or bag daily. What else is in that pocket, or that bag? If the speaker and microphone grilles at the bottom of your phone are clogged with dust, your charge port is too. |
| + | |
| + | [image|3401549] |
| + | |
| + | * Inspect the port using a flashlight. It is common for bits of lint or rubbish to get caught. They compress into the back of the port with repeat charges. |
| ** 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 makes with the port. |
| ** If your charge port has signs of burn or corrosion, skip to the [[iPhone Slow Charge#Section_Faulty_Lightning_Port|Faulty Lightning Port section]]. | |
| - | * If there is debris in the port, [guide|164631| |
| - | * |
| + | * If there is debris in the port, [guide|164631|give it a good clean]. The [guide|164767|"custom cotton swab"] method is sure to get anything tucked into corners. |
| + | * Avoid inserting any metal tools into the port. The pins are easily damaged. In addition, inadvertently bridging pins together can cause electrical damage. |
| == Buggy Software == | |
| * Be sure to source replacement [parts|iPhone|charge port assemblies|itemtype=cables] from reputable vendors or splurge for higher-quality parts. Substandard third-party replacements are rampant. | |
| - | == |
| + | == Battery Fault == |
| Unlike the Alkaline batteries you put in your TV remote, the battery in your iPhone is a little more complex. In addition to the battery cells, where all the energy-generating chemistry occurs, the battery also contains a management board. Certain types of failures within this board could cause slow charging. | |
| * If you are not convinced your battery is in good health, get a second opinion. For years, Coconut Battery has been [guide|113409|used by iFixit|new_window=true] forum regulars to get more battery info. You will need a Mac to run it, but it gives far more detail. | |
| - | == |
| + | == Damaged Tristar == |
| 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. | |
| ** This issue is so common that [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 if you are a serial fixer. | |
| - | == |
| + | == Logic Board Malfunction == |
| The logic board is the hub for most of an iPhone's functionality. Any number of the small components on the board may have failed or become damaged, and it is a safe assumption of cause if nothing else on this page has worked. | |
| * Contrary to popular belief, the board itself can be repaired. However, it requires specialized tools and micro-soldering 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. | |
| [comment]conclusion[/comment] | |
| - | |
| - | == Related Pages == |
| - | |
| - | * [[iPhone Battery Draining Fast|iPhone Battery Draining Fast|new_window=true]] |
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