9 Essential Tips to Fast-Charge Your iPhone and Keep It Powered Up

Imagine this: you’ve got your keys, your wallet, and you’re all set for a fun night out. But there’s a problem – your iPhone battery is clinging to life at just 1%. It seems you forgot to charge it last night.

Don’t head out without a charged phone. You need it to capture and share all those fun moments. Let’s talk about how to charge your iPhone quickly and efficiently. This guide is part of “12 Days of Tips,” designed to help you maximize your tech, home, and health this holiday season.

Charging your iPhone isn’t just about plugging it in. There are several factors that influence how fast your battery charges. Follow these tips to ensure you’re getting the most out of your charging time.

1. Upgrade Your Charger
   The fastest way to charge your iPhone is with a fast charger – specifically, a 20-watt power adapter paired with a USB-C to Lightning or USB-C to USB-C cable (for iPhone 15 models). If you have an iPhone 8 or later, you can charge from 0% to about 50% in just 30 minutes with a fast charger. Even a 10-minute charge can significantly boost your battery. Apple no longer includes power adapters with new iPhones, but you can buy a 20-watt adapter from Apple or Amazon.

2. Use MagSafe for Faster Wireless Charging
   For wireless charging, Apple’s MagSafe charger combined with a 20-watt power adapter is your best bet. It provides 15-watt charging for iPhone 12 and later models. A half-hour charge with MagSafe can bring a dead iPhone to around 30%. Other Qi wireless chargers only offer up to 7.5 watts, which is much slower.

3. Avoid Charging with Your Computer
   Charging your iPhone via your computer might seem convenient, but it’s much slower than using a wall charger. Computers, whether using USB-A or USB-C ports, don’t provide the same power output as wall adapters. Stick to wall chargers for faster results.

4. Minimize Phone Usage While Charging
   If you want your iPhone to charge quickly, avoid using it while it’s plugged in. Activities like streaming videos or playing games will slow down the charging process. Let it rest to speed up the charge.

5. Turn Off Your iPhone for a Faster Charge
   Turning off your iPhone while charging can significantly speed up the process. If plugging it in turns it back on, power it down after it’s connected to the charger.

6. Switch to Airplane Mode
   If turning off your phone isn’t an option, switch it to airplane mode to disable power-draining functions like cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. This helps your phone charge faster.

7. Adjust Settings for Faster Charging
   Utilize settings that conserve battery to speed up charging. Enable low power mode, switch to dark mode, and lower screen brightness to reduce power consumption while charging.

8. Disable Optimized Battery Charging
   Apple’s Optimized Battery Charging feature slows down charging to reduce battery wear. If you need a quick charge, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health and turn off Optimized Battery Charging.

9. Consider Replacing Your Battery
   If your battery’s health is significantly degraded, it might be time for a replacement. A new battery can improve overall performance and charging speed. Check Apple’s iPhone Battery Service website for replacement costs.

By following these tips, you can ensure your iPhone charges faster and more efficiently, so you’re always ready for a night out.

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