Is your iPhone charging slow? Here is how to check

If you've noticed your iPhone charging more slowly than usual, iOS 18 now provides a convenient way to check and fix charging issues.

In Short

• iOS 18 now provides a convenient way to check if your iPhone is charging slowly
• Apple has added a feature in the battery section of settings that highlights slow charging

If you’ve noticed your iPhone charging more slowly than usual, iOS 18 now provides a convenient way to check and fix charging issues. Apple has added a feature in the battery section of settings that highlights slow charging. The new update offers a visual representation through a graph: yellow lines indicate slow charging, green lines represent normal charging speeds, and red lines appear when the charging speed is significantly low.

How to improve charging speed

If you want to charge your iPhone faster, here are some key tips:

- For iPhone 15 models and later, use a USB-C Power Delivery charger and a USB-C cable.
- For iPhone 14 models and earlier, stick with a USB-C to Lightning cable for the best wired charging performance.
- To boost wireless charging, opt for a MagSafe Charger or a Qi2-certified wireless charger, both of which ensure a higher wattage compared to basic chargers.

Why is your iPhone charging slow?

Several factors could slow down your iPhone’s charging speed, which Apple has revealed on its support page. Here is what to look out for:

1. If you are using a wired charger with less than 7.5W power or a wireless charger under 10W, you’re likely to experience slower charging.

2. Using processor-heavy apps, such as games or camera apps, or streaming high-quality video at full brightness while charging can reduce the charging speed.

3. Wireless charging slows down if your iPhone is simultaneously connected to USB-C or Lightning accessories (such as headphones). Charging is limited to 7.5W in such cases.

4. If your charger has more than one port, like the 35W Dual USB-C Port Power Adapter, the power is distributed across all connected devices, reducing the charging speed for your iPhone.

5. Charging through a USB hub or a car’s USB port can also be slower than using a dedicated USB-C charger.

How iOS 18 helps

iOS 18 provides a Slow Charger notification in the battery settings if the system detects that your charging experience could be optimised. Apple says this doesn’t indicate a problem with your iPhone or charger but suggests switching to a higher-wattage charger for faster charging.

To avoid unnecessary slowdowns, consider disconnecting wired accessories when using wireless chargers and make sure your charger and cable are authentic Apple products. Counterfeit chargers could also cause slow charging or damage your iPhone.