Why Is Wireless Charging So Slow? (And How to Fix It)

Wireless charging is a convenient way to power your devices. You place your phone on a pad and it charges without needing to plug in a cable. But many users share a common question: why is wireless charging so slow? This article explains the main reasons for this delay. We will also cover practical steps to improve your charging speeds.

 

 

Why Does My Wireless Charger Charge So Slow?

Wireless charging, which uses magnetic induction, is naturally less efficient than a wired connection. This is due to some energy is being lost as heat. However, several common issues can make this problem worse.

1. Misalignment

One common reason for slow wireless charging is that the phone isn’t lined up right. Both your phone and the charger have small copper coils that need to match up. If the phone sits even a little off-center, the coils don’t connect well, and charging becomes slower.

2. Phone Case Interference

Your phone case can be the problem. Power must travel through the case to reach your phone. A thick case, especially one over 5mm, is often too thick for the magnetic field to work well.

Other case-related issues include:

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Cases with metal plates.

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Cases with pop sockets or ring holders.

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Cases with credit cards stored in the back.

Metal is a major problem for wireless charging. It can block the connection and become hot, which is a safety risk.

3. A Weak Power Adapter

Using the wrong power adapter is common. Your new 15W "fast" wireless charger may not include a wall adapter (the "brick"). If you plug it into an old 5W adapter, the charger will not get enough power.

The wireless charger can only output as much power as it receives. A 15W wireless charger needs a powerful adapter, often one that provides 20W or more (like a Quick Charge 3.0 or USB-C PD adapter). Check the power requirements for your charging pad and use an adapter that matches them.

4. Phone and Charger Incompatibility

Devices have different standards. Your phone might not support fast wireless charging, even if your charger offers it. For example, some phones may be limited to 7.5W, even on a 15W Qi pad.

Similarly, your charger might not be optimized for your phone. Better charging stations, like the Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad), can detect the device. They provide the maximum safe power that the phone can accept, whether it's an iPhone, a Samsung, or a Google Pixel.

 

 

5. Too Much Heat

Wireless charging naturally creates some heat as it transfers power. That’s normal, but phone batteries don’t handle high temperatures well.

To stay safe, your phone slows down charging when it gets too warm. This is why it may charge fast at first, then slow down. If you’re charging in a hot room or under direct sunlight, it can get even slower.

How to Speed Up Wireless Charging

If you are wondering, "Why is my wireless charger charging slow?", try these fixes.

Method 1. Re-center Your Phone

Be careful when you place your phone on the pad. Put it directly in the center. Move it slightly until your phone's screen confirms it is charging. For Apple users, a MagSafe charger helps solve this by using magnets to snap the phone into the correct position.

Method 2. Take Off the Case

Try removing your phone case and placing the phone directly on the charger. If it charges faster, the case is slowing it down. Look for a case labeled “wireless charging compatible.” These are usually thin, made of plastic or TPU, and don’t have metal parts that block the signal.

Method 3. Use the Right Power Brick and Cable

This is important. Your charger needs the right power source.

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Find the input requirements printed on the bottom of your wireless charger (e.g., "Input: 9V/2A").

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Use a wall adapter that can supply this power. A 5W/1A cube will not work. A 20W USB-C PD adapter is a good choice for most fast wireless chargers.

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Use the cable that came with your charger. A low-quality cable can also fail to deliver enough power.

Method 4. Keep Things Cool

Heat reduces charging speed. To improve your charging, keep the phone and charger in a cool, well-ventilated area. Do not leave it on a sunny windowsill. Also, avoid using your phone for demanding tasks like streaming video or playing games while it is on the charging pad.

 

 

Method 5. Update Your Software

Phone manufacturers sometimes release software updates to improve battery health and charging. Keep your phone's operating system (iOS or Android) updated.

How Much Slower Is Wireless vs Wired? Knowing When to Use Cables

When you ask, "why is my phone charging slow on wireless charger?", the simple answer is: it is part of the technology. Wireless charging is about convenience, not raw speed.

A wired connection is a direct physical link. Nearly all the power from the cable goes into your battery. Wireless charging loses 20-50% of its power as heat during the transfer.

This means a "15W" wireless charger is not as fast as a "15W" wired charger. Here is a general comparison.

Charging Method	Common Wattage	Typical 0-50% Charge Time
Old Wired (USB-A)	5W	~90 minutes
Standard Wireless (Qi)	5W - 7.5W	~80 minutes
Fast Wireless (MagSafe/Qi)	10W - 15W	~50-60 minutes
Fast Wired (USB-C PD)	25W - 65W+	~25-30 minutes

As the table shows, even the so-called fast wireless chargers are still about twice as slow as the latest fast wired chargers.

When to Use Wireless:

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Overnight: Place it on your nightstand. It will be 100% by morning, and the slow speed can be better for long-term battery health.

[if !supportLists]· [endif]At Your Desk: Use a stand to keep your phone charged and visible for notifications while you work.

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Convenience: When you want to easily pick up and put down your phone without plugging in a cable.

When to Use a Cable:

[if !supportLists]· [endif]You need power quickly: You need to leave in 20 minutes and want as much battery as possible.

[if !supportLists]· [endif]While using your phone: For gaming, video calls, or GPS, a cable keeps your phone charging steadily. Wireless charging usually can't keep up with heavy use.

Conclusion

So, why is my iPhone charging slow on wireless charger? It often happens because of heat, poor alignment, thick cases, or a weak power adapter. Wireless charging also loses some energy as heat, which makes it slower than cables.

Wireless charging focuses on convenience rather than speed. It works best for quick top-ups or keeping your phone charged through the day.

New chargers, like the Anker Prime Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1 Stand), help solve these issues. It supports Qi2 25W ultra-fast MagSafe charging, uses a TEC cooling system to keep the surface below 36°C, and includes three charging modes—turbo, sleep, and balanced—for faster, safer, and more efficient charging.

FAQs

How can I speed up my wireless charging?

To improve speeds, start with your power source. Use a high-quality power adapter (20W+ or as recommended by the charger's manufacturer). Remove any thick cases, pop sockets, or items containing metal.

Also, make sure the phone is perfectly centered on the charging pad. Keeping the phone cool and avoiding heavy use (like gaming) while charging will also prevent a slowdown.

How long does a 15W wireless charger take?

A 15W wireless charger can often charge a modern smartphone from 0% to 50% in about 50 to 60 minutes. A full 0-100% charge will usually take 2 to 3 hours.

Keep in mind that "15W" is the charger's maximum output. The phone may only accept 7.5W or 10W, and the speed will slow down if the battery gets too warm.

Is wireless charging slower with a case?

Yes, a case can slow down wireless charging. Thick cases (usually over 5mm) create too much distance between the charger and the phone's coil. Cases with metal plates, pop sockets, or credit card holders can also block the connection.

This interference makes the transfer less efficient, which results in slower speeds and extra heat. Always look for a case marked as "wireless charging compatible."

How to speed up wireless charging on iPhone?

The best way to speed up charging on a compatible iPhone is to use an Apple-certified MagSafe charger. This ensures perfect alignment and allows for 15W charging speeds. You must pair this with a 20W or higher USB-C power adapter.

If you are using a standard Qi charger, make sure your iPhone is perfectly centered and remove any thick cases.