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We’ve all been there. You have to leave the house in 10 minutes and you suddenly realize your iPhone battery has dwindled down to 20 percent. Not sure how your device is going to last you an entire day, you quickly hook it up to charge — or you figure you can charge it to your computer when you arrive at your destination. Don’t be surprised if these actions only leave you frustrated as you realize that battery is still taking forever to power up. There are fast charging solutions that will serve you well and get your phone up to speed much quicker, but it’s just as important to be aware of some common charging mistakes you could be making. This is the unexpected charging mistake tech experts say you should never make.
Relying On A Wireless Charger
When wireless chargers stormed onto the season, many smartphone users rejoiced. Finally: a hands-free charging solution with fewer cumbersome cables that actually looks sleek on your nightstand or desk. Why would you ever go back to traditional charging? While there are definite pros to wireless chargers and there’s no reason to knock them, they are NOT your best solution if you need to charge your phone quickly. In fact, if your iPhone requires charging at at least 5 watts, it will take 30 to 80% longer to charge it using a wireless charger. In short: it’s NOT the most effective way to charge your device when time is of the essence.
But there are plenty of tips you can keep in mind if fast charging is a priority.
Turn On Airplane Mode
The number one tip experts rely on when they need speed on their side is to enable Airplane Mode, which is a setting that disables cellular radio, Wifi, and Bluetooth — basically, putting your phone down for a nap while it charges so that it has less activity to deal with and can charge quickly. To turn on this feature, go to Settings and tap on Airplane Mode. Other good ideas include actually turning your phone off while it charges and keeping your hands off your phone so that you resist the temptation to use it while it’s being charged.
Use The Right Wall Charger
There are plenty of chargers you can purchase on Amazon that cost nothing and will power your device — eventually. But the best quality charger for your iPhone is one that is Apple-certified. You can, of course, buy these charging cables and chargers through Apple, but you can also find reliable third-party sources, including brands like Anker, that are slightly more affordable. Make sure the charger your purchase is equipped to handle your phone model.
