There are few things more frustrating than reaching for your device only to discover the battery is dead or dying, especially when you need your phone for an important call or message. In these instances, knowing how to charge your phone fast can dramatically change the outcome of your day. Luckily, there are several methods you can try whenever you need to quickly revive your phone or other electronic devices.
1. Make Use of a Fast Charger
The most obvious strategy involves using a device known as a fast charger. As the name implies, these devices allow you to charge your phone at an accelerated rate compared to older cords and receptacles. The threshold for fast charging is slightly different depending on your phone manufacturer. For instance, Samsung classifies fast chargers as anything that outputs over 25 watts. Apple only requires a charger to output 18 watts in order to earn the fast label.
It is also worth noting that your phone must be compatible with fast charging for these devices to work. As long as you have a designated smartphone, you should be all set. The enhanced charging output requires safety features to avoid short-circuiting or frying your phone while it is plugged in.
2. Ensure Your Device Is Turned Off While Charging
A common mistake to make is leaving your phone on while you are charging it. The energy needed to run the device counteracts the additional power coming from the charging unit. Depending on how many apps you have going and the screen brightness, you may even lose power despite being connected to a charger.
If you must keep your phone powered on in anticipation of an important call, drop the screen brightness and close those background apps. Your phone likely has settings that preserve battery life as well. Turn off all non-essential services, leaving just enough functionality for that pivotal call. You can use airplane mode to save even more juice should you know that the call will not be until later in the day.
3. Avoid Using Oversized USB Hubs
While it is typically assumed that bigger means better, it’s not always the case when it comes to USB charging. The more ports a USB hub has, the less power may be diverted to each one. This means that plugging your phone into one of these devices can hamper the speed at which you can recharge. If you are using a fast charger, a slow USB port will completely negate the bonus effects associated with the higher electrical output.
Before using a large USB hub with multiple ports, make sure it has at least one designated charging slot. These specialized charging ports ensure you get the full effect of your fast charger setup. A quick search of a USB hub’s specs will provide the answers you need. You can also verify how many charging ports a product has by contacting the customer support line with the model number you are interested in. Alternatively, you can try a dedicated power station for your devices. Power stations allow you to charge multiple electronics simultaneously without losing any speed.
4. Bring an Old Laptop Out of Retirement
Believe it or not, older laptop models are more conducive to phone charging than cutting-edge machines. This is because modern architecture attempts to increase energy efficiency to improve the laptop’s own battery. This is great for when you are actively using your computer, but the technology fails to consider how many users charge their phones via their laptop’s USB ports.
Older models with less energy efficiency features will not limit the amount of power that flows to the devices you plug in. If you have an old laptop collecting dust, plug it back into an unused electrical socket to see how fast it can charge your devices. Chances are, you will see vastly superior results compared to your current notebook.
5. Keep Your Phone Away from Heat
Smartphones and other electronics work best in the absence of heat. This is why so many computers and high-end phones use fans or other cooling measures to enhance performance. Keeping your phone out of extreme temperatures will not only help your battery last longer but will also increase the efficiency at which your device charges.
6. Acquire a Dedicated Wall Charging Power Adaptor
The best method for quickly charging your phone is to plug it into a USB power brick. These power bricks need a wall outlet and additional cord to work properly, but they facilitate the highest power output of any charging solution. A wall outlet can transfer 2.1W to your devices on average. A laptop’s USB port can typically charge your battery with a single Watt of power. As for wireless chargers, the best ones only offer 10W to your devices.
How to Charge Your Phone Fast
With the above tips, you can restore your phone’s battery in a few hours or less. Of course, this depends upon the charging method used and the size of your device’s battery. Massive 6000 mAh batteries last longer on a single life but also require extended charging periods to fill back up. When in doubt, turn off your phone and plug it into the nearest wall. If these options are not available to you, plan ahead so that your less efficient charging methods will be enough to keep your screen on during life’s pivotal moments.
