How to Charge Your Phone or Tablet Faster

Optimizing Your Charging Time

The efficiency of charging isn't uniform across all methods. When your smartphone or tablet has a low battery and charging time is constrained, specific strategies can maximize the power gained.

The following recommendations are broadly applicable to devices that charge via USB. This includes cameras, computer accessories, and a wide range of other portable electronics.

Understanding Charging Factors

Several elements influence how quickly a device charges. These include the power source, the cable used, and the device's charging circuitry.

Using the correct charger and cable is essential for optimal charging speeds. A lower-wattage charger will take significantly longer to replenish the battery.

Tips for Faster Charging

• Use the Original Charger: The charger that came with your device is specifically designed for its power requirements.
• Avoid Charging from Computers: USB ports on computers typically provide less power than wall chargers.
• Turn Off Your Device: Completely powering down the device during charging allows for the fastest possible replenishment.
• Enable Airplane Mode: If you can't turn off the device, activating airplane mode minimizes background activity and speeds up charging.
• Keep it Cool: Excessive heat can slow down charging and potentially damage the battery. Avoid charging in direct sunlight or near heat sources.

Cable Considerations

The quality of the USB cable also plays a role. Damaged or low-quality cables can restrict the flow of power.

A shorter cable is generally more efficient than a longer one, as there is less resistance to the electrical current. Consider using a shorter, high-quality USB cable for faster charging.

Battery Health and Charging

While maximizing charge is important, maintaining long-term battery health is also crucial.

Avoid consistently letting your battery drain to zero, as this can reduce its lifespan. Partial charges are often preferable to full discharge cycles.

Avoid Charging Devices Directly From Your Computer’s USB Ports

Related: Understanding USB-C: The Benefits of USB Type-C

Connecting smartphones and tablets to a computer using a USB cable enables charging, however, the charging speed will generally be slower compared to utilizing a dedicated charger. Older USB specifications, namely USB 1.0 and 2.0, limit a standard USB port’s power delivery to a maximum of 0.5A.

USB 3.0 improves upon this, typically providing 0.9A. Dedicated charging ports, conversely, are often capable of supplying up to 1.5A. The USB 3.1 standard, often associated with the newer USB Type-C connector, can support up to 3A of power.

Power Output Differences Explained

Consider the iPhone 6, which was originally supplied with a 1A charger. Charging this device from a standard USB 3.0 port results in only 0.9A being delivered. An older USB 2.0 port will provide even less, at just 0.5A.

Many contemporary Android phones and other portable devices are designed to accept more power than a typical computer’s USB port can offer. Consult your device’s specifications to determine its maximum power draw capability.

For quicker charging, it is advisable to bypass your computer’s USB port and connect your phone or tablet to a dedicated wall charger.

While a high-power USB port found on newer computers may suffice for some devices, a dedicated charger remains the preferable option when rapid charging is required.

Credit: Laptop with USB connectors and USB cable on a white background close-up

Optimizing Your Charging Speed

Often, a simple upgrade can significantly reduce your device's charging time. Instead of relying on the original charger, consider utilizing a charger with a higher power output.

As an illustration, the iPhone 6 was initially supplied with a 1A (5W) charger. However, connecting it to the 2.1A (12W) charger designed for iPads results in a quicker charging process. To expedite iPhone 6 charging, an iPad charger is the preferable option.

It's important to note that not all devices will benefit from a more powerful USB charger. The device’s internal capabilities determine whether it can utilize the increased power.

Understanding USB Charging Standards

USB charging is generally standardized, ensuring compatibility and safety. Connecting a device to any USB charger won't cause damage or malfunction.

Instead of forcing power, the device intelligently draws only the amount of power it's designed to handle. Some devices are limited to the power provided by their original charger, while others can accept and utilize a higher amperage for faster charging.

Employing a charger with greater capacity is generally safe. While it won’t harm the device, it may lead to a noticeable reduction in charging time.

The Importance of a Quality USB Cable

The performance of USB cables can vary significantly. To ensure optimal functionality, it is recommended to utilize the cable originally supplied with your device.

Aftermarket, low-cost USB cables may not be capable of delivering the complete power output required. This can result in considerably slower charging times for your smartphone or tablet.

Potential Issues with Inferior Cables

• Reduced Power Transfer: Some cables restrict the amount of power reaching the device.
• Slower Charging Speeds: This limitation directly impacts how quickly your device replenishes its battery.
• Data Transfer Limitations: Lower quality cables can also hinder data synchronization speeds.

Therefore, prioritizing a reliable USB cable is crucial for efficient charging and data transfer. Using the original cable guarantees compatibility and full performance capabilities.

Optimizing Your Phone's Charging Speed

It might appear self-evident, however, utilizing your device while it’s charging can significantly impede the charging rate. Engaging in power-intensive activities, such as playing graphically demanding games, while the phone is connected to a power source will increase energy consumption.

Consequently, the charging process is slowed down as the power input is partially offset by the device's usage.

For situations requiring a rapid charge, enabling airplane mode or completely powering off the device is suggested. While effective, these options may be impractical for users who need to remain accessible.

Extending Power with Portable Solutions

While an external battery pack doesn't inherently accelerate the charging process, it provides a convenient solution for maintaining power levels. These packs allow you to replenish your phone or tablet's battery while you're away from a traditional power source.

Certain external battery packs are engineered as protective cases, seamlessly integrating with your device. This eliminates the need to carry a separate charging unit, offering a streamlined experience for users constantly on the move.

Alternatively, a universal car charger offers a practical way to charge your devices during commutes. Simply connect your phone or tablet to the charger while driving to ensure continuous power.

Leveraging Quick Charge Technology

Many contemporary devices are equipped with "Quick Charge" functionality, a technology developed by Qualcomm. This feature is integrated into numerous Android phones and tablets utilizing Qualcomm chipsets.

Quick Charge enables significantly faster charging from a depleted state, gradually reducing the charging rate as the battery approaches full capacity. This can potentially deliver over 50% battery charge within just 30 minutes.

To utilize Quick Charge, both your device and the charger must support the technology. It's important to note that a dedicated Quick Charge charger may be sold separately as an accessory.

The expectation is that similar fast-charging capabilities will become more widespread across various manufacturers and devices in the future, leading to greater standardization.

Currently, this technology is predominantly found in higher-end Android smartphones and tablets.

Image Credit: Alan Levine on Flickr, Carmen Shields on Flickr