Why does my phone charge so slowly on a wireless charger?

Main answer · Wecent Editorial Team

Short answer: Wireless charging is slower than good wired charging, and several things slow it further: a low-power pad, a weak adapter, poor alignment, a thick case, heat and the phone’s own limit on wireless power. Use a stronger adapter, centre the phone, remove the case and check the phone’s maximum wireless speed. For a fast top-up, a cable is better.

Why wireless is slower

Energy is lost in the air gap between coils, and much of the loss becomes heat. Phones also accept less power wirelessly than by cable, to control heat.

Things that slow it down

• Pad rating. A basic pad may offer only a low power.
• Adapter. A weak or old adapter limits the pad.
• Alignment. If the coils are offset, power drops.
• Case and objects. Thickness and metal reduce the field.
• Heat. Warm phones slow charging.
• Phone limit. Each phone has a maximum wireless charging rate.
• Use while charging. Using the phone reduces the net gain.

How to speed it up

1. Check the phone’s maximum wireless power in its specifications.
2. Use a pad rated at or above that, with a suitable adapter.
3. Centre the phone, or use a stand that holds it in place.
4. Take off thick cases and objects.
5. Keep the phone and pad cool.
6. Avoid heavy use while charging.

Test the speed

Charge from a low level for thirty minutes, screen off, and note the percentage gained. Compare with a cable. That shows how much slower the pad is for your phone.

When wireless makes sense

Overnight and desk top-ups. When speed matters, plug in a cable.

For brands

State the maximum speed with named phones, and say that actual speed depends on the phone, adapter, case and position.

Quick summary

Wireless is naturally slower. Improve it with a good adapter, alignment, no case and a cool phone.

A realistic expectation

Even in the best case, wireless charging typically takes longer than a good cable. If your phone fills in an hour by cable, expect noticeably longer on a pad. If it takes several times longer, something is limiting it. Use the tests above to find which part, and fix that one first.

Where this answer says to confirm with Wecent, the detail is not published on the product page and has to come from the datasheet or the factory. General facts come from the regulators, standards bodies or device makers named in the text.