Your tablet charging very slowly? Here's how to fix

Is your tablet taking forever to recharge? You're not alone — slow charging is one of the most common frustrations for tablet users. Before you panic, remember that a slow charge can be caused by many different factors, from a tiny bit of lint in the charging port to a software setting that keeps the screen awake.

This guide first analyses the most likely reasons your tablet charges slowly, then walks you through practical, safe fixes you can try right away. Follow the steps in order: start with the simplest, least invasive checks and move toward the more technical solutions only if the earlier ones don’t help.

Why tablets charge slowly: the main causes

Inadequate charger or cable: Chargers differ in voltage and current (amps). A low-power charger or a damaged cable will deliver less current and slow charging.
Poor cable or port connection: Bent or frayed cable wires, loose connectors, or dirt and lint in the tablet’s charging port reduce contact quality and slow current flow.
Using the tablet while charging: Running apps, streaming video, or gaming while charging can use more power than the charger supplies, so the battery recharges very slowly or not at all.
Background apps and services: Syncing, location services, automatic backups, or large app updates can consume power during charging and extend the time to full.
Battery age and health: Lithium batteries degrade over time. Older or failing batteries charge more slowly and hold less capacity.
Overheating: When a tablet gets hot, charging circuits may throttle current to protect the battery, slowing the charge rate.
Wrong charging standard: Some tablets support fast charging technologies that require a compatible charger and cable. Using an incompatible charger forces the tablet to charge at a slower standard.
Faulty charging port or internal hardware: A damaged USB-C or Lightning port or internal charging circuitry can reduce charge speed or prevent proper charging.
Software bugs or firmware: System-level issues can interfere with charging behavior; an OS bug may let background tasks run uncontrolled or misreport battery state.
Wireless charging limitations: If you use wireless charging, pads often deliver less power than wired fast chargers and are sensitive to alignment and cases.

How to fix it — quick checks (do these first)

Use the original or a high-quality charger and cable: Start with the charger and cable that came with the tablet, or choose a reputable brand with the right output. For many tablets, look for a charger that supplies at least the manufacturer’s recommended amps and voltage.
Try a different outlet and cable: Switch wall sockets and try a different USB cable. USB cables can look fine but have broken wires inside.
Inspect and clean the charging port: With the tablet powered off, use a soft brush or a toothpick gently to remove lint or debris from the port. Do not use metal tools aggressively — be gentle to avoid damage.
Disconnect accessories and cases: Remove charging-case covers or magnetic accessories and try charging without them; bulky cases and misaligned stands can interfere, especially with wireless chargers.
Charge while the tablet is off or in airplane mode: Power off the device or enable airplane mode to reduce power draw and speed up charging.
Close background apps: Force-close heavy apps (video, games, large downloads) and pause backups or syncs while charging.

Intermediate fixes — if simple checks don’t help

Check for system updates: Install the latest OS and firmware updates. Manufacturers often release fixes that improve battery management.
Calibrate the battery: Once in a while let the battery drain to around 5–10% then charge to 100% without interruption. This can help the OS estimate battery state more accurately (it won’t fix a physically degraded battery).
Limit background syncing and location services: Turn off automatic sync, large cloud backups, and GPS while charging, or restrict them to Wi-Fi only.
Check battery health (if available): Some tablets show battery health or cycle count in settings. If health is poor, replacement may be necessary.
Avoid using cheap USB hubs: If you charge through a hub or laptop USB port, try wall charging. Laptop ports and unpowered hubs often supply far less current.

Advanced steps and hardware fixes

Test with a high-power charger: If your tablet supports fast charging, test with a recommended fast charger and a quality cable rated for the amperage. If charging improves, the original charger was the bottleneck.
Inspect for port damage: If cables don’t fit snugly or the connector wiggles, the port may be damaged. A loose or broken port requires repair by a technician.
Replace the battery: For older tablets with degraded battery health, a battery replacement can restore charging speed and capacity. Have replacements fitted by an authorized service provider when possible.
Factory reset as a last resort: If software bugs persist and you’ve backed up your data, a factory reset can fix deep system issues. Only do this after other fixes fail.
Professional diagnosis: If hardware faults (burn marks, swelling, heat) or persistent failures occur, seek professional repair. Don’t attempt complex internal repairs unless you’re trained.

Safety tips and final notes

Never use a visibly damaged charger or cable; replace them immediately.
If the battery bulges, leaks, or the tablet gets unusually hot, stop using it and seek professional help — these are signs of a hazardous battery.
Avoid cheap, unbranded fast chargers that lack safety features; choose reputable manufacturers that follow industry standards.

When to seek professional help

Get professional support if you suspect hardware damage (bent connector, liquid exposure), the tablet is still warm while charging, or the battery swells. Authorized service centers can safely replace batteries, repair charging ports, or diagnose motherboard issues that DIY repairs can’t safely address.

Also consider warranty or manufacturer support if your tablet is still covered — they may repair or replace it at low cost.

Small habits help too: charge your tablet at moderate temperatures (not in direct sun or freezing cold), avoid leaving it plugged in at 100% for long periods, and use high-quality chargers and cables. These practices extend battery life and keep charge behavior predictable.

Conclusion

Slow charging is usually fixable with a few quick checks: try a known-good charger and cable, clean the port, and reduce the tablet’s power draw while it charges. These steps solve most common cases without tools or repairs.

If those steps don’t help, the issue is often hardware-related (a failing battery or damaged port) or requires a compatible fast charger and cable. In those situations, a battery replacement or service centre visit will usually get your tablet back to normal charging speed.