How to Tell If Your Phone Is Charging Properly
How to Tell If Your Phone Is Charging Properly
We’ve all been there — you plug in your phone, walk away, and come back later only to realize it’s still sitting at 3%. What gives? Just because you’ve connected your phone to power doesn’t always mean it’s charging effectively. From worn-out cables to tricky power sources, there are several reasons why your battery might not be refilling the way you expect.
Let’s walk through how to confirm your phone is really charging — and what to do if it’s not.
Look for the Charging Symbol
When you plug your phone in, the first thing to check is the charging symbol.
iPhones: Look at the battery icon in the top right corner. If you see a lightning bolt inside the battery icon, it means the phone is charging. On the lock screen, you may also see the words “Charging” or “Battery Charging.”
Android Phones: Most Androids also show a lightning bolt near the battery icon at the top of the screen. Many will display a charging percentage or message on the lock screen, like “Charging rapidly” or “Charging slowly.”
No symbol? Try the following:
Unplug and plug the charger back in, firmly.
Check that both ends of the cable are fully inserted — especially if using a detachable USB cable.
Switch to a different outlet, charging brick, or cable.
Even if the symbol appears, it’s worth double-checking your battery is actually going up.
Check Your Battery Percentage Over Time
This is a simple test that’s surprisingly effective:
Note your battery percentage before plugging in.
Wait 10–15 minutes.
Check again.
If your phone isn’t increasing in battery — or if it’s going down — something is wrong. This could indicate a faulty cable, a weak power source, or even a deeper issue with your phone’s charging port or battery.
Want help figuring out what’s normal for your device? Visit techpals.org — TechPals can walk you through what to expect and help spot red flags.
Test with a Different Cable or Charger
Cables wear out over time, and even if they look fine on the outside, internal damage can prevent them from working properly. The most common cause of slow or failed charging is a bad cable.
Try this:
Swap in a different charging cable (preferably a newer one)
Use a different wall adapter or charging brick
Plug into a different outlet
Avoid charging from your laptop, which usually provides less power than a wall socket
If your phone charges fine with a different setup, you’ve found the problem. If not, it might be the phone itself.
Need help picking a reliable replacement charger? TechPals has you covered — just head to techpals.org.
Restart Your Phone
Sometimes, your phone’s software just needs a fresh start. A simple restart can:
Refresh your phone’s battery reporting
Help it recognize a charger that wasn’t detected before
Clear out small bugs or temporary glitches
To restart most phones:
iPhone: Press and hold the side button and a volume button, then slide to power off.
Android: Press and hold the power button, then tap “Restart” or “Power off.”
After restarting, plug the phone back in and watch for the charging icon.
Clean the Charging Port
Pocket lint, dust, and dirt can build up inside your charging port and prevent your phone from making a solid connection.
Signs your port may need cleaning:
You have to wiggle the cord to get it to charge
The cable doesn’t feel secure or clicks loosely
You’ve tried different cables and nothing works
Use a flashlight to look inside the port. If you see debris:
Power off your phone
Gently clean it with a wooden or plastic toothpick
Avoid metal objects that can damage the port
If you’re nervous about doing this yourself, TechPals can help — safely.
Use the Right Charging Method
Some newer phones support fast charging, but only when paired with compatible cables and adapters. Others charge more slowly depending on how they’re plugged in.
Fast charging tips:
Use the original charger that came with your phone, if possible
If replacing it, look for “PD” (Power Delivery) or “QC” (Quick Charge) certified gear
Avoid super-cheap, off-brand chargers that might not work correctly — or safely
TechPals can help you shop smart. We even offer product suggestions — check out our guide at techpals.org.
Common Charging Myths — and the Truth Behind Them
There’s a lot of conflicting advice out there about how to charge your phone properly. Some of it is outdated, some is misunderstood, and some is just plain wrong. At TechPals, we get a lot of questions about phone charging — so we’re here to bust some common myths and help you feel more confident about keeping your battery in good shape.
Let’s take a closer look at the most widespread charging myths — and the real facts behind them.
Myth 1: Leaving your phone plugged in overnight ruins the battery.
Truth: It’s a common worry — that charging overnight will “overcharge” your phone and slowly kill the battery. The good news? That’s not how modern smartphones work. Nearly every phone made in the last decade includes a smart charging system. When your phone reaches 100%, it stops pulling power from the charger.
That said, there’s a partial truth in this myth: If your phone gets too hot while charging — say, because it’s under a pillow, on a warm bed, or next to another heat-producing device — that excess heat can affect your battery health over time. Lithium-ion batteries don’t like heat, and frequent overheating may shorten battery lifespan.
TechPals Tip: Charge your phone on a hard, cool surface like a table or countertop. If you do charge overnight, keep it out of your bed and away from blankets or anything that might trap heat.
Myth 2: You have to let your battery fully die before charging again.
Truth: This advice goes back to older battery technology (like nickel-cadmium batteries), which could develop a “memory effect” that made them lose capacity if not fully discharged. But your phone likely uses a lithium-ion battery, and those work differently.
In fact, lithium-ion batteries actually perform best when they’re kept between about 20% and 80% charged. Repeatedly draining your battery to 0% and then recharging can stress the battery and reduce its overall lifespan.
TechPals Tip: Try to top up your battery when it dips to around 20–30%. You don’t need to obsess over exact numbers, but regular, partial charges are better than full drain-and-charge cycles.
Myth 3: Closing all your apps will make your phone charge faster.
Truth: While it seems logical that closing apps would lighten your phone’s workload and help it charge more quickly, that’s not always the case — and in some situations, it can actually slow things down.
When you force-close an app, your phone may need to work harder to re-open it later, using more power than if you had just left it paused in the background. Also, most phones are designed to manage background activity efficiently. Apps that aren’t in use are usually suspended and don’t consume much battery unless they’re actively doing something like playing music, tracking your location, or refreshing content.
TechPals Tip: If you’re trying to speed up charging, use Low Power Mode (iPhone) or Battery Saver Mode (Android), and reduce your screen brightness. These settings are much more effective than closing every app manually.
Myth 4: Wireless charging damages your phone.
Truth: Wireless charging is safe for your phone when using a certified charger. Some people worry that it produces too much heat or charges inefficiently, but the differences are usually minor — and wireless chargers are tested for safety just like regular ones.
That said, wireless charging can generate a bit more heat than wired charging, especially if your phone isn’t aligned correctly on the pad or you’re using a cheap charger that doesn’t follow safety standards. And it’s often slower than a good-quality wired charger.
TechPals Tip: If you're using wireless charging regularly, choose a reputable brand and make sure your phone sits correctly on the charging pad. If you notice it getting hot, switch to a traditional cable — or ask TechPals for help choosing a safe option at techpals.org.
Myth 5: It’s bad to use your phone while it’s charging.
Truth: You can absolutely use your phone while it charges. The device is designed for it. What can cause issues is using your phone for power-hungry tasks — like streaming HD video or playing intensive games — while plugged in. That might cause the phone to heat up more than usual, especially if your charger is also working hard to keep the battery full.
In extreme cases, excessive heat during charging + usage can slow the charging process or temporarily affect performance.
TechPals Tip: Light use while charging is totally fine. But if your phone feels hot, consider unplugging it or letting it cool off before continuing. And avoid placing it on soft surfaces like beds or couches while it’s plugged in.
Myth 6: Cheap charging cables are just as good as expensive ones.
Truth: While you don’t need to spend a fortune on a charging cable, there is such a thing as too cheap. Very low-cost cables — especially ones from unknown brands or with no safety certifications — may be poorly made, slow to charge, or even dangerous. Some don’t meet your phone’s voltage requirements and can overheat or damage the battery.
TechPals Tip: Look for cables labeled as MFi-certified (Made for iPhone) or that carry USB-IF certification for Android devices. If you’re unsure what to buy, TechPals can recommend safe, budget-friendly options at techpals.org.
Still Confused? TechPals Has Your Back.
Battery life is one of the most misunderstood parts of smartphone care. With all the myths floating around, it’s easy to get conflicting advice or feel unsure about what’s best.
That’s where TechPals comes in. We’re here to simplify the tech you use every day — including your phone, your chargers, and your habits. Whether you need help picking a safe accessory, diagnosing battery issues, or making sense of all the advice online, visit techpals.org. We’ll walk you through it — clearly, calmly, and step by step.
When to Get Professional Help
If you’ve tried everything — different cables, outlets, cleaning the port, restarting your phone — and your device still won’t charge, it may be time to get help.
Possible causes include:
A damaged charging port
A faulty battery
Internal motherboard issues
Visit your phone’s manufacturer or a trusted repair center. And if you want help understanding your options or finding a safe repair service, TechPals can guide you.
Final Tips to Keep Your Phone Charging Smoothly
Don’t wait until your battery hits 0% — charge earlier when possible
Avoid using your phone for power-heavy tasks while it’s charging
Store your charging cables carefully to avoid kinks or tears
If traveling, pack a backup cable and a portable charger just in case
Your phone is an essential tool — and keeping it powered is crucial. Whether you’re having trouble charging or just want to understand your options better, TechPals is here to help. We offer personalized advice, trusted recommendations, and friendly step-by-step support for everything from charging issues to privacy settings.
Still have questions? Visit techpals.org and let us walk you through it. We’re here to help you make sense of your tech — one helpful tip at a time.
