| + | [title|iPhone Slow Charge] |
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| + | [summary]Is your iPhone taking ages to charge? Are you losing patience while waiting to get enough juice to unplug? Give these fixes s try.[/summary] |
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| + | |
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| + | == First Steps == |
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| + | Before undertaking any of the more time consuming solutions below, these are a few fundamentals to get you started. |
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| + | * Try a different charger. This may be as simple as a bad cable or power brick. |
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| + | * Restart your iPhone. This can clear any minor software hiccups. |
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| + | * Is your phone also getting really hot? Even if it’s not charging? This might be an issue with Software. |
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| + | == Power Source Wattage Too Low == |
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| + | Although it might seem that way, all USB power adapters are not equal when it comes to their ability to charge. 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. |
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| + | |
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| + | * On the part of your charger that goes into the wall, look for this text. It should contain several important bits of information. |
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| + | ** Input Voltage: This is not specifically important in this case, but it is typically the top most item in the string of things you’re looking for. It will likely indicate 100-240V AC. This just means it will accept input voltage from any wall outlet you’re likely to plug it into. |
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| + | ** Output Voltage and Amperage: On current adapters, this may also be a range of voltages, but will generally start at 5 V DC, which is the typical output for USB provided power. Higher voltages may be utilized on larger devices, or to support fast charge standards. |
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| + | ** 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). |
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| + | * The higher the wattage is on the charger, the faster your iPhone has the potential to charge. If you’re using the old Apple 5W charger, swapping to the 20W charger could make a world of difference. |
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| + | * 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. Your computer’s USB port is effectively a 2.5 Watt charger. It’s fine as a desperation move, but be forewarned–it will take ages to charge this way. |
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| + | == Debris in Lightning Port == |
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| + | 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. The lightning port is essentially a giant crevice for loose debris to get caught in. If the speaker and microphone grilles at the bottom of your phone are clogged with dust, chances are your charge port is too. |
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| + | * Inspect your charge port using a flashlight for better visibility. It is common for bits of lint or rubbish to get caught in the port and compress with repeat charging. To verify, check the fit of your cable. Does the lightning plug sit flush with the bottom of the phone? It should. |
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| + | ** This may limit the amount of contact the charger is actually making with the port and the surface area |
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| + | ** If your charge port has signs of burn or corrosion, skip ahead to ***Faulty Lightning Port.*** |
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| + | * If there is debris in the port, use a toothpick or other non conductive probe to clear it. Insert the point straight to the back and gently scrape out residual debris. Be mindful of the pins. |
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| + | * If a toothpick is too large, try splitting the tip with a knife. Half a toothpick can usually reach the most recessed crevices of a charge port. |
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| + | == Faulty Lightning Port == |
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| + | If you’ve cleaned all the gunk out of the port, or everything looked spotless from the start, but it’s still taking ages to charge, the port might just be faulty. |
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| + | * If your cable seems loose when you connect it or you have to hold it in a certain position, the port itself may have some loose connections.Your best bet here is to replace the charge port assembly. |
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| + | * Perform a visual inspection of the device’s internals. Look for any sign of damage. |
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| + | ** Faults in the lightning port assembly can often be attributed to liquid entry. Despite water resistance, there are many potential entry points along the bottom of the phone. |
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| + | * Be sure to source replacement charge part assemblies from reputable vendors or splurge for the higher quality part. Substandard third party replacements are rampant. |
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| + | == Faulty Battery == |
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| + | Unlike the AA 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. |
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| + | * Check your battery health. In Settings navigate to the Battery menu. iPhones will have an option here simply called “Battery Health.” Does it say Service? If so, battery replacement is good start. |
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| + | ** Just because this says your battery is performing as expected does not necessarily mean the battery is okay. |
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| + | * If you are not convinced of your battery’s good health, get a second opinion. ++[link|https://www.coconut-flavour.com/coconutbattery/|Coconut Battery]++ has been used by iFixit forum regulars for years to get more battery info. You will need a Mac to run it, but it gives far more detail. |
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