If you own an iPhone running iOS 26, you might have noticed a new feature on the lock screen — it now shows an estimated time to charge up to 80%. However, if your iPhone displays a “Slow Charger” message instead, it means your power source isn’t delivering enough power for fast charging.
Why your charger may be slow
A “Slow Charger” message typically means you’re using an older or low-powered adapter and cable. To take advantage of fast wired charging, you’ll need a USB-C power brick rated for at least 30 watts and a compatible USB-C cable.
Modern iPhones, including the iPhone 17 series, come with larger batteries than models from five years ago. If you’ve recently upgraded from an older Lightning-equipped iPhone, there’s a good chance your old charger isn’t keeping up.
For instance, a traditional USB-A charger — the one with the rectangular port — can deliver a maximum of just 7.5 watts and often only 5 watts. With that, fully charging an iPhone 17 could take over three hours.
How to get fast wired charging
With the right accessories, iPhones support sustained charging speeds between 20 watts and 30 watts. At that rate, you can reach about 50% battery in under 30 minutes.
The brand of the power adapter generally doesn’t matter much, as long as it supports USB Power Delivery (PD). Apple’s new Dynamic Charger is slightly more efficient in terms of energy use and speed, but the difference is marginal. Reliable third-party brands such as Anker, Belkin, or Ugreen also offer great options at lower prices.
Wireless charging options
The “Slow Charger” label can also appear when using wireless charging, especially with first-generation Qi pads that deliver less than 10 watts. To achieve fast wireless charging, look for MagSafe-certified chargers or devices marked with the Qi2 standard logo. The latest iPhones support wireless charging speeds of up to 25 watts.
For example, Belkin’s official MagSafe charger supports up to 25 watts and includes an extra spot for AirPods. If you’re on a budget, a basic 15-watt Qi pad will still provide reliable charging, just at a slower speed.
You don’t always need to upgrade
Even if you see the “Slow Charger” message, your phone remains completely safe. A lower wattage only affects charging speed, not battery health or safety. If you primarily charge overnight, your current charger is perfectly adequate.
But if you prefer faster recharging — say, to quickly top up during the day — investing in a proper USB-C fast charger or a certified MagSafe pad will make all the difference. Whether wired or wireless, the key is to ensure your charger meets modern iPhone power standards.
