iPhone 16 Charging Slow? 2 Things You Need to Make It Faster

There could be several reasons why your iPhone 16 isn’t charging as fast as you’d expect, but it’s crucial to understand how its charging mechanisms work.

iPhones are designed to charge more rapidly when the battery is low, but as the battery reaches around 80%, the charging speed naturally slows down. This is done intentionally to preserve battery health, as rapid charging all the way to 100% can degrade the battery over time.

So, if you notice slower charging as it nears full capacity, that’s just your iPhone protecting its battery from unnecessary wear. Otherwise, some other factors could be influencing your iPhone to charge slower, such as:

• Using a low-wattage adapter

• Outdated or faulty cable

• Background activities

• High temperatures

• Wireless charging vs. wired

• Outdated software

Addressing these issues can help you troubleshoot and fix slow charging on your iPhone 16, ensuring it charges at its fastest possible speed.

Additionally, now that faster charging speeds have been introduced to the iPhone 16 lineup, you could use some updated tricks and hacks to make your phone charge faster. Apple does not include a specific power adapter in the box, so not all of us know exactly how to achieve faster charging.

There are two ways to fast-charge your iPhone 16–wired and wirelessly. To do this, you’ll need these two things.

Fast charging via USB-C is the quickest way to power up your iPhone 16.

To maximize fast charging speeds via USB-C:

The iPhone 16 supports fast charging with a 30W or higher adapter. If you’re still using an older adapter, it’s time to upgrade. A 30W USB-C adapter paired with the iPhone cable that comes in the box can charge your iPhone 16 to 50% in around 30 minutes, giving you a noticeable improvement in charging speed.

The iPhone 16 comes with a USB-C to Lightning cable, but if you’re using an older cable or a third-party one, it might not support fast charging. Always stick to a USB-C to Lightning cable that can handle higher power throughput, ensuring your phone can charge at maximum speed.

A wired USB-C connection is generally faster and suitable for use at home, in the office, or when you have a lot of time on your hands. Having a wireless charging option is also convenient. Keep reading below.

For the best results, always opt for Apple’s official MagSafe charger or other certified brands. These chargers are designed to work seamlessly with your iPhone, delivering up to 30W of power and ensuring optimal speed. Non-certified or generic wireless chargers often can’t reach the same efficiency and may significantly slow down charging.

MagSafe uses magnets to align the charger with your iPhone’s charging coil perfectly. This alignment helps achieve faster and more efficient wireless charging.

If you’re using a case, make sure it’s MagSafe-compatible. Thick or non-certified cases can interfere with the charging process and slow it down.

Opt for slim iPhone 16 series cases with built-in MagSafe support. These cases ensure a strong magnetic attachment, allowing seamless charging without needing to remove the case. They also open up additional accessory options, like MagSafe wallets or mounts, all while maintaining a sleek, aesthetic look.

When your iPhone 16 is doing too much in the background—whether it’s downloading updates, refreshing apps, or syncing data—charging may slow down. To speed things up, put your iPhone in Airplane Mode or avoid using it while charging.

Disabling background app refresh and closing unused apps can also minimize power drain, helping your phone extend its battery life.

Try to unplug your iPhone once it reaches full charge. While modern iPhones manage battery health effectively, avoiding long periods of being plugged in, especially overnight, can extend the battery’s lifespan.

Software updates often include optimizations for battery and charging performance. Make sure your iPhone 16 is running the latest version of iOS. To do this:

• Got to Settings.
• Select General.
• Check Software Update.
• If your software is outdated, an update might help fix slow charging issues.

Charging your iPhone 16 in environments that are too hot or too cold can slow down the process and even harm your battery. Apple recommends keeping your iPhone within a temperature range of 32° to 95°F (0° to 35°C) for optimal performance. Charging outside of this range may cause your iPhone to temporarily limit charging speeds or stop charging altogether.

Charging your iPhone 16 from a laptop or a car’s USB port usually delivers slower results compared to using a wall adapter. These sources often don’t provide enough wattage for fast charging, so stick to a dedicated power adapter whenever possible.

This feature, enabled by default, helps reduce battery wear by learning your charging habits and only charging to 100% when you need it.

You can check or adjust this setting. To do this:

• Go to Settings.
• Click Battery.
• Select Battery Health & Charging.
• Turn on Optimized Battery Charging.

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