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Tech Fix

Fix: Phone not charging or charging slowly

Mobile Android

Your phone won't charge, charges intermittently, or charges much slower than usual.

Updated regularly Fix: Phone not charging or charging slowly
Quick answer

Quick fix: Try a different cable and a different charger. Inspect the charging port for lint with a flashlight — pocket lint is the #1 cause.

Why this happens

Charging issues are almost always external: a damaged cable, a failing charger, debris in the port, a 'slow charging' notification because the charger is below the phone's spec, or a swollen battery (dangerous).

Step-by-step solutions

  1. Inspect the charging port. Pocket lint compresses into a hard plug at the bottom. Carefully remove it with a wooden toothpick (never metal).
  2. Try at least two cables and two chargers. Cables fail far more often than chargers.
  3. Use the original brand's fast charger. Third-party chargers may charge but at slow speeds.
  4. Reboot the phone. Charging logic is software too.
  5. On Android: Settings → Battery → Charging behavior. Some phones limit charge for battery health.
  6. Try wireless charging if supported — it bypasses a faulty port.

Advanced diagnostic steps

  • Boot into safe mode to rule out a third-party app interfering with charging.
  • Check for liquid contamination — modern phones disable charging on detected moisture in the port.
  • On Android, install AccuBattery to log charging current and voltage. Below-spec values point to charger or cable issues.

Common mistakes

  • Continuing to use a phone with a swollen battery (back panel bulging). It is a fire risk and needs professional service.
  • Leaving the phone plugged in to a heat source (hot car) — phones may stop charging at high temperatures by design.

When to contact support

If the phone is under warranty and the port appears clean, claim. For out-of-warranty devices, an authorized service partner can replace the port assembly for a fixed fee in most cases.

Frequently asked questions

Is overnight charging bad?

Modern phones throttle when full. The harm is small. If concerned, charge to 80% during the day.

Why does my phone get hot while charging?

Some warmth is normal; uncomfortable hot is not. Check the cable and stop fast-charging in hot rooms.