While the charging process might seem mostly physical (you plug the charger into the wall, your phone to the charger, and electricity flows through and builds a charge), there are also several software/firmware factors involved as well. That is why updates can cause issues. But then there are those who received brand new S8s that wouldn’t fast charge, which is pretty incomprehensible and unacceptable. We will tackle all of these problems.
Problem 1: After Android 6 Upgrade
If things were going okay until Marshmallow came along, try the following solutions.
Solutions:
1. Use the Original Charger & USB
Try the charger that came with the Samsung. If that charger isn’t available, or won’t work on any device, just make sure you are using a charger designed for fast charging your device.
2. Enable Fast Charging
Go to Settings > Battery and turn on the Fast Charging feature. This setting may become disabled during the upgrade.
3. Check Outlet
There is a fourth possible culprit besides your Samsung charger, and the Android 6 update—test another outlet to see if the one you were using might be the problem.
4. Discontinue Use While Charging
Give your Samsung a chance to refuel. Optimal conditions for fast charging include a device that is powered off, or at the very least, a screen that’s turned off.
5. Try a Different USB/Charger
Although stock is usually best, it could be the problem. See if using a different USB cable or charger from the same or similar device works. Try each alternative independently. If neither one works, at least you know the issue is truly your Samsung device/software.
6. Update
You can always check for and apply updates by going to Settings > About device > System Updates, and then following on-screen instructions. If the initial update caused the issue, subsequent releases may fix it.
7. Check Position/Remove Case
Make sure the Samsung is centered on its charger and remove any possible barriers.
Problem 2: After Android Nougat Update
Solutions:
1. Enable Fast Charging
Same story; different update. Go to Settings > Battery and turn on the Fast Charging feature. This setting may become disabled during the upgrade.
2. Wipe Cache Partition
See previous. When the Samsung logo displays, release only the Power key. When the Android logo appears, release the remaining keys. Use the Volume Down key to navigate to Wipe Cache Partition, and the Power key to select it.
3. Check Outlet
Test another outlet to see if the one you were using might be the problem.
4. Turn Off Screen/Phone
Fast charging can’t even be used when the screen is on, and will work better when you turn your phone off altogether. This is an easy to fix fast charging issues with Samsung phones.
5. Try Alternate Cable
There have been reports of faulty USB cables, so your problem might even be a hardware issue.
6. Check Physical Connections
Make sure the USB cable is plugged in completely to the charger, and the wall charger securely to the wall outlet.
7. Get Warranty Replacement
If your device is under warranty, or even if it isn’t, see what Samsung or your carrier will do to help you.
Problem 3: Brand New Samsung Not Fast Charging
This is the epitome of frustrating.
Solutions:
1. Factory Reset
First, backup your Samsung to retain any changes you might have made. If you’ve made none, skip this step. To backup and reset all in one, go to Settings > Backup & reset. Tap on Backup my data. Then go to Factory data reset, Reset my Device, and Erase Everything.
2. Ensure Connections are Secure
Make sure the charger fits snugly to the charging port on the device.
3. Get a Replacement
Seriously, this is a new phone. You shouldn’t have to deal with this.
4. Switch Off Samsung/Use Airplane Mode
Fast charging works best when the device is turned off, or at the very least, in Airplane Mode.
Problem 4: Fast Charging Only Works Sometimes
If your Samsung is capable, but doesn’t always fast charge, try these steps.
Solutions:
1. Switch Screen/Phone Off
You can’t expect your device to fast charge while you are using it. Let it rest. It should, however, still slow charge.
2. Turn Off Features
Turn off those features that drain your phone of charge when you want the opposite. We’re talking about Wi-Fi, mobile data, Bluetooth, and GPS to name a few.
3. Flash Stock Firmware
Custom ROMs can be awesome, but they aren’t always conducive to certain features—like fast charging. Flashing even stock firmware isn’t without risk, however, so backup your data first. You can use programs like Odin or Smart Switch, depending on your device and level of comfort. We have many, many articles about how to flash firmware on our site, and most likely we have such an article for your device in particular if you search for it.
4. Inspect Connections
Make sure connections aren’t damaged, and that they attach firmly.
5. Use Original Charger/Certified Fast Charger
If your Samsung works fine with an alternate fast charger, the issue is with your charger.
Problem 5: Only Cable Charges/Slow Charges
Normal charging is way too slow when you live on your phone. There have been reports of cable charging taking 5-6 hours.
Solutions:
1. Check Charger/Phone Alignment
Ensure the phone is in the correct position—in the center of the charger. You have to hit that sweet spot.
2. Reboot
This solution can be temporary; unfortunately, but it is easy and just might do the trick.
3. Enable Daydream
Go to Settings > Display and tap on Daydream. Choose your Daydream visual, then select More in the top right corner. Tap on Select When to Daydream. Ensure either While Charging or Both is selected.
4. Get a New Cable
Try a different USB cable, since some of the cables shipped with these devices have been found to be faulty.
Problem 6: Wireless Charging Pauses
Solutions:
1. Turn Off Some Features
Use the Smart Manager or manually shut off features like Wi-Fi, GPS, NFC, etc. that use a large amount of charge. One way to fix fast charging issues with Samsung phones is to temporarily eliminate those features that are defeating your purpose.
2. Remove Travel Adapter
Some have found a correlation between the travel adapter that came with the charger and this problem.
3. Wipe Cache/Master Reset
Try wiping the system cache first before you resort to a factory reset.
4. Drain Battery Before Charging
Let the Samsung’s charge drop to a maximum of 40% before charging.
5. Contact Samsung/Technical Support
Have your device checked by Samsung and/or a qualified technician.
6. Toggle Fast Charging Setting
Go to Settings > Battery > Fast Charging and toggle the switch.
Problem 7: Must Plug/Unplug First
Although simple, it gets tedious having to plug and unplug the charger in order to get it to work, and is an indication that maybe things aren’t as they should be.
Solutions:
1. Clean Charging Port
Use a can of compressed air if necessary.
2. Check Connections
Make sure the connection threads aren’t damaged, missing, or corroded.
3. Give Samsung Service a Visit
Have them check your microUSB port.
4. Turn Off Display/Switch Off Phone
It’s best to turn the device off to fast charge, but at minimum you should shut the screen off.
5. Try a Different Charger
Use a different adaptive charger.
6. Replace USB Cord
Many stock USB cables have been prone to damage.
7. Factory Reset
This is to eliminate any potential software-related issue with your Samsung.
Problem 8: If All Else Fails
The solutions for each problem above aren’t mutually exclusive; solutions listed under a different problem may still help your Samsung, so be sure to check them all out. However, if you still can’t get it to work, try these steps also.
Solutions:
1. Safe Mode
Rule out whether any third-party app is misbehaving and causing problems with fast charging. To access Safe Mode, power down your phone completely. Long-press the Power key and release when you see the Samsung logo, but immediately long-press the Volume Down key. The device will restart. You should now see Safe Mode to the lower left of your screen. This temporarily returns your Samsung back to its original state, sans any third-party apps, so that you can use the process of elimination to determine which app might be causing the issue.
2. Plug into Socket
Insert your charger directly into a wall outlet, and avoid using your PC or an extension cord.
3. Unplug and Plug Again
Even though it’s annoying, some fast charging may be better than none. Unplug the USB and plug it back in again.
4. Check Number of Pins
Verify that the connector end of your charging cable has five pins; not four. The connector with four pins doesn’t belong to the fast charging cable.
5. Use a Shorter Cable
The longer the cable, the more resistance the electricity encounters as it passes through. Try a cable that is high gauge instead.
Conclusion
So while not being able to use fast charging is definitely a first-world problem, but it’s still annoying. Hopefully your slow-charging suffering has come to an end. Have you found your own fix fast charging issues with Samsung phones that isn’t listed here? If so, let us know. If you have a serious problem, especially involving hardware, the best solution might be to contact Samsung support or the retailer for your Android. Featured Image Credit
