If your iPhone charges slowly with an Anker charger, frustration can set in quickly. You expect fast, reliable charging—but instead, you wait hours for your battery to fill. Many people assume their charger is broken or their phone is faulty. But often, slow charging has clear causes and practical solutions. In this guide, you’ll discover how to fix slow charging issues with an Anker iPhone charger, understand what affects charging speed, and learn steps to ensure your iPhone gets the fastest, safest charge possible.
What Causes Slow Charging With Anker Iphone Chargers?
Before you try to fix slow charging, it’s important to know why it happens. Many factors can impact how quickly your iPhone charges—even if you’re using a trusted brand like Anker.
- Low Power Output: Not all Anker chargers have the same wattage. If your charger provides less power than your iPhone supports, charging will be slower.
- Cable Quality and Length: Using a damaged cable or a very long cable can reduce charging speed.
- Dirty Ports: Dust or lint in the charger port can block a proper connection.
- Software Issues: Your iPhone’s software may restrict charging speed due to bugs or settings.
- Battery Health: An old battery or one with poor health charges more slowly.
- Background Activity: Running apps, updates, or high screen brightness can slow charging.
- Temperature: Charging slows if your phone or charger is too hot or too cold.
- Using Wireless Charging: Wireless chargers are usually slower than wired charging.
Not all slow charging problems are obvious. For example, some people never check their cable for damage, or forget that their iPhone needs a higher-watt charger for fast charging.
How Fast Should Anker Chargers Charge Your Iphone?
To know if your charger is slow, you need a reference. Let’s look at typical charging speeds.
| Charger Wattage | iPhone Model | Expected Charging Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 5W | iPhone 8 and later | ~20% in 30 mins |
| 12W | iPhone 8 and later | ~50% in 30 mins |
| 18W-20W (PD) | iPhone 8 and later | ~50% in 30 mins |
| Wireless (7.5W) | iPhone 8 and later | ~15-20% in 30 mins |
Fast charging starts at 18W and above, using Power Delivery (PD). If your Anker charger is below this, charging will be slower—even if the charger works perfectly.
Step-by-step Solutions For Slow Charging
Solving slow charging issues means checking each part of your charging setup. Follow these steps to find and fix the problem.
1. Check Your Charger’s Power Output
Many users don’t realize their charger is underpowered. Look at the charger’s label or product details.
- For fast charging, your charger must support at least 18W and Power Delivery (PD).
- Chargers rated below 10W are for older iPhones and will be slow for newer models.
If your charger is not strong enough, consider upgrading. Anker has several PD chargers designed for newer iPhones.
2. Inspect The Cable
Anker cables are known for quality, but cables can wear out.
- Check for visible damage—fraying, bends, or exposed wires.
- Test your cable with another charger and phone.
- Use Apple-certified (MFi) cables for best compatibility.
A surprising insight: Even small cable damage can drop charging speed by 50% or more. Also, very long cables (over 6 feet) can cause noticeable slowdowns.
3. Clean The Charging Port
Dust, lint, or dirt in your iPhone’s charging port can block the connection.
- Use a dry toothbrush or compressed air to gently clean the port.
- Never use metal tools; they can damage the port.
People often overlook port cleaning, but it can make a big difference—especially if you carry your phone in a pocket or bag.
4. Restart Your Iphone
Software glitches sometimes slow charging. Restarting your phone can clear temporary bugs.
- Hold the power button and slide to power off.
- Wait 10 seconds, then turn it on again.
This step is quick, and sometimes solves issues that seem hardware-related.
5. Update Ios
Apple releases updates to fix bugs and improve charging. Make sure your iPhone is running the latest iOS version.
- Go to Settings → General → Software Update.
- Download and install if an update is available.
If you skip updates, you may miss important fixes for charging problems.
6. Reduce Background Activity
Apps running in the background or system updates can slow charging.
- Close apps you’re not using.
- Turn on Low Power Mode in Settings → Battery.
- Avoid using your phone while charging.
For even faster charging, turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and set screen brightness to minimum.
7. Check Battery Health
If your battery is old or damaged, charging will slow down.
- Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Health.
- If Maximum Capacity is below 80%, consider replacing the battery.
Many iPhones with weak batteries charge slowly—even with the best charger.
8. Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Charging slows if your phone or charger is very hot or cold.
- Charge in a room temperature environment.
- Remove phone cases that trap heat.
- Don’t charge under blankets or direct sunlight.
Temperature is a hidden cause of slow charging—especially in summer or winter.
9. Try A Different Charger And Cable
If you’ve tried the steps above with no luck, test with another Anker charger and cable.
- If charging speed improves, your original charger or cable may be faulty.
- If not, the issue may be with your iPhone.
Some users miss this step, but it’s essential for diagnosing hardware problems.
10. Use Official Anker And Apple Products
Counterfeit chargers and cables can look identical to real ones but perform poorly.
- Buy from official stores or reputable websites.
- Look for Anker or Apple-certified (MFi) logos.
Unofficial products may charge slowly, or even damage your phone.
Comparing Anker Charger Models For Iphone
Choosing the right charger matters. Here’s a comparison of top Anker chargers for iPhone.
| Model | Wattage | Fast Charging | Port Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker Nano | 20W | Yes | USB-C | iPhone 8 and later |
| Anker PowerPort III | 18W | Yes | USB-C | iPhone 8 and later |
| Anker PowerPort 2 Elite | 24W (2 ports) | Yes (split) | USB-A | Older iPhones |
| Anker Wireless Charger | 7.5W | No | Wireless | Convenience, not speed |
For fastest charging, use Anker Nano or PowerPort III with a USB-C to Lightning cable. Wireless models offer ease, but not speed.
Common Mistakes That Cause Slow Charging
Even experienced users make mistakes that slow charging. Here are some to avoid:
- Using old chargers: Older Anker chargers may not support fast charging for new iPhones.
- Mixing brands: Using a non-Anker cable with an Anker charger can reduce speed.
- Ignoring battery health: Charging issues are often due to battery age, not the charger.
- Charging through USB ports on computers: These ports provide very low power—charging is much slower.
- Leaving phone in a case: Some cases trap heat, causing charging to slow or stop.
- Not cleaning ports: Even a small amount of lint can block charging.
- Charging with the screen on: Watching videos or gaming while charging slows down the process.
One overlooked insight: Many people think all USB ports deliver the same power, but computer USB ports often provide only 2.5W—far less than a proper Anker wall charger.
Diagnosing With Charging Apps And Tools
If you want precise data, apps and tools can measure charging speed.
- Use apps like Ampere (Android) or Battery Life (iOS) to check charging current.
- USB power meters plug between charger and cable, showing real-time wattage.
These tools help verify whether your charger and cable are delivering expected power.
When To Replace Your Anker Charger Or Cable
Anker chargers are reliable, but nothing lasts forever. Replace your charger or cable if:
- It gets unusually hot during charging.
- Charging speed drops even after cleaning and testing.
- The cable’s connectors are loose or damaged.
- The charger’s ports are physically broken.
If you notice sparks or burning smell, stop using the charger immediately.
How To Choose The Right Anker Charger For Your Iphone
Selecting the right charger ensures fast, safe charging. Here’s what matters:
- Check Wattage: Newer iPhones require 18W or higher for fast charging.
- Port Type: USB-C is needed for fast charging (PD); USB-A is slower.
- Cable Quality: Use an Apple-certified Lightning cable.
- Buy From Trusted Sellers: Avoid third-party or counterfeit products.
- Look For PD Support: Power Delivery (PD) is key for fast charging.
If you’re upgrading, compare models carefully. For more details, see Anker’s official website.
Troubleshooting Guide: Quick Reference
For easy reference, here’s a troubleshooting summary.
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Slow charging | Low-watt charger | Upgrade to 18W or higher |
| No charging | Dirty port or faulty cable | Clean port, replace cable |
| Charging stops randomly | Overheating | Remove case, charge in cool area |
| Charging only with screen off | Background activity | Close apps, turn on Low Power Mode |
| Slower wireless charging | Using wireless charger | Switch to wired charger |
Real-world Examples
Let’s look at a few common situations and how to solve them.
Case 1: Sarah uses an Anker Nano charger, but her iPhone 12 charges slowly. She discovers her cable is a cheap, non-certified brand. Replacing it with an Apple MFi cable restores fast charging.
Case 2: John’s iPhone 8 charges slowly with his Anker PowerPort III. He checks battery health and finds it’s at 75%. A battery replacement fixes the problem.
Case 3: Maria uses wireless charging for convenience but notices her phone takes much longer to charge. Switching to wired fast charging cuts charging time in half.
Charging Speed Vs. Battery Life: What’s The Impact?
You might wonder if fast charging hurts your battery. Apple and Anker design chargers to protect battery health.
- Fast charging uses higher voltage for the first 50%—then slows down.
- Charging with official chargers and cables won’t damage your battery.
- Avoid charging in extreme heat, which can shorten battery life.
A non-obvious insight: Charging speed naturally slows after 80% to protect battery health. This is normal—not a problem.
Expert Tips For Faster, Safer Charging
Here are some extra tips for getting the best from your Anker charger:
- Use original or Apple-certified cables.
- Charge in a cool, dry place.
- Remove thick cases while charging.
- Avoid charging from computer USB ports.
- Update your phone regularly.
- If you travel, bring a portable Anker charger with PD support.
Most users overlook the importance of software updates and environment. Both play a big role in charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is My Anker Charger Charging My Iphone Slowly?
Slow charging can be caused by a low-watt charger, damaged cable, dirty port, battery health, or background activity. Check each factor and upgrade to an 18W or higher PD charger for best results.
Can I Use Any Cable With My Anker Charger?
You should use Apple-certified (MFi) cables for maximum compatibility and speed. Cheap or damaged cables can slow charging or cause errors.
Does Wireless Charging With Anker Work As Fast As Wired Charging?
Wireless charging is convenient, but usually slower (7. 5W vs. 18-20W for wired). For fastest charging, use a wired charger and cable.
Will Fast Charging Damage My Iphone Battery?
No, Apple and Anker chargers are designed to protect battery health. Charging slows down after 80% to avoid damage. Avoid charging in extreme temperatures.
How Can I Check If My Charger Is Delivering Fast Charging?
Check the charger label for 18W or higher and Power Delivery (PD) support. You can also use charging apps or USB power meters to measure real-time charging speed.
A slow charging iPhone can be annoying, but with the right steps, you can fix the issue and enjoy fast, reliable charging with your Anker charger. Remember to check the charger’s wattage, use quality cables, keep ports clean, and pay attention to battery health.
With these tips, your iPhone will charge faster and stay healthy for years to come.
