Guides

Why Is My Phone Charging Backwards?

Published

3 months ago

June 21, 2025

Introduction

Nowadays, everyone is attached to their phone. From having conversations with friends to getting regular updates, it is necessary to have a mobile. Charging our phone is one of the simplest of our daily routines.

If our phone starts charging backward then it is concerning for us because our life is totally dependent on our phone. It can happen due to many reasons. In these situations the users are confused on how to solve this issue and what reasons are behind the issue.

This article will talk in detail about why the phone charges backwards,what things are causing it to charge it in a certain way and some possible solutions.

The phrase charging backward means that your battery percentage is dropping even if your phone is connected to the charger. Normally our battery percentage rises whenever we connect our phone with that charger. It feels like the phone is connected to the charger and you are not even using it but the battery percentage is constantly dropping. Some of the most common reasons for this issue are.

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**Common Causes of Charging Backward & Recommended Actions**
Cause Category	Specific Issue	How to Check	Underlying Reason	Recommended Fix
Charger Power	Low-wattage or weak charger	Compare charger rating vs. phone requirement (e.g., 5W vs. 20W)	Charger cannot supply enough current; phone consumes more than provided	Use manufacturer-recommended high-power charger (match or exceed required watts)
Charging Cable	Damaged or substandard cable	Inspect for fraying, bent connectors, loose fit	High resistance or intermittent connection reduces power delivery	Replace with high-quality, certified cable matching phone specs
Apps & Processes	Power-hungry apps running (games, streaming) or background syncing	Check battery usage stats; close heavy apps before charging	Apps consume more power than charger supplies, causing net drain	Close/force-stop high-consumption apps; disable unnecessary background services
Screen Usage	High brightness or screen-on during charging	Observe brightness level; check if screen active while charging	Screen draws significant power, outpacing charger output	Lower brightness or turn off screen during charging sessions
Background Processes	Sync, location services, push notifications continuously running	Review background activity in settings; monitor CPU/wake patterns	Continuous background load increases power draw	Disable nonessential background sync; restrict location usage when idle
Charging Port	Dirty, loose, or damaged port	Visually inspect port; wiggle cable gently to test stability; note slow charge	Poor electrical contact increases resistance or intermittent charging	Clean port carefully (compressed air or soft brush); repair/replace port if faulty

**Charger & Cable Specs: Matching Phone Requirements**
Component	Ideal Specification	Check Method	Action if Mismatch
Wall Charger	Output rating ≥ phone’s required wattage (e.g., 18–30W for modern smartphones)	Read charger label for volts (V) and amps (A), compute watts (V×A)	Replace with certified fast charger matching phone’s spec
USB Cable	Supports required current (e.g., USB-C PD cable rated ≥3A for fast charge)	Use official cable or check packaging/specs for current rating	Use high-quality cable certified by phone maker or reputable brand
Power Adapter Port	Clean, undamaged USB port delivering stable voltage/current	Inspect port physically; test with known-good cable & charger	Clean contacts; repair or replace adapter if port faulty
Power Source	Stable wall outlet or quality power bank providing sufficient output	Try multiple outlets; ensure power bank supports pass-through charging	Avoid weak USB ports (e.g., old PCs); use reliable power source

**Usage Factors Affecting Charging & Mitigation Steps**
Usage Factor	Effect on Charging	How to Detect	Mitigation
Active Screen While Charging	High power draw; may cause net discharge	Screen-on duration long; battery % drops despite charger	Turn off screen or avoid heavy usage during charge
Background Apps (Streaming, Gaming)	Continuous CPU/GPU use drains battery faster than charge	Check battery usage graph; see apps consuming >30% while charging	Close or pause such apps; use airplane mode (with Wi-Fi off) if urgent
Sync & Location Services	Frequent wake-ups and GPS use increase drain	View background activity stats; notice high “awake” time	Temporarily disable sync or location services during charging
High Screen Brightness	Significant drain; charger may not keep up	Brightness set near maximum; battery drops while screen on	Lower brightness or use auto-brightness; charge in dark mode/off-screen
Heavy Notifications or Updates	Frequent wake & data transfer drains battery	Notice frequent wake events; sudden CPU spikes in battery stats	Disable auto-updates or schedule them outside charging periods

**Troubleshooting Workflow for Charging Backward**
Step	Action	Check/Condition	Next Step
1	Verify Charger & Cable	Is charger wattage ≥ phone’s requirement and cable in good shape?	If no: replace charger/cable, then retry. If yes: proceed to Step 2.
2	Check Device Modes & Settings	Airplane Mode off, Do Not Disturb off, correct network if using VoIP?	If misconfigured: fix setting, retry charging. If correct: proceed to Step 3.
3	Close Power-Draining Apps	Are streaming/gaming apps or heavy background processes active?	If yes: close them, observe battery behavior while charging. If no or issue persists: proceed to Step 4.
4	Adjust Screen & Background Settings	Screen brightness high or background sync/location active?	If yes: lower brightness, disable sync/location temporarily, retry. If no change: proceed to Step 5.
5	Inspect Charging Port & Device Hardware	Port dirty or loose? Device overheating?	If port issue: clean or repair port, then retry. If hardware OK and still backward charging: proceed to Step 6.
6	Test with Alternate Power Source	Try different outlet, power bank, or wireless charger (if supported)	If charges normally: original source faulty; replace it. If still backward: proceed to Step 7.
7	Check Battery Health & System Logs	Battery health degraded? System warnings in diagnostics?	If battery failing: consider battery replacement. If unclear: backup data and consult technician or authorized service center.

**Preventive & Maintenance Checklist for Reliable Charging**
Frequency	Task	Details
Weekly	Inspect Charging Cable & Port	Look for fraying, test fit; clean port of dust/debris
Monthly	Review Battery Usage	Check battery stats for unusual drain; close unused background apps
Monthly	Test Charger Performance	Verify charger output with phone; use original or certified replacement if slow
Quarterly	Update Software & Firmware	Install OS updates—may include battery/charging optimizations
Quarterly	Check Battery Health	Use built-in diagnostics or third-party apps; note significant capacity loss
As Needed	Replace Aging Battery	If battery health <80% or frequent backward charging persists, consider replacement

Because of Low Power Charger

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One of the most common reasons for any phone to charge backward is because of the low power or weak charger. Every phone has a range of different types of charging power so they need this charging power to charge effectively. Chargers are typically measured in watts that are combined with volts and current output.

It happens because if the charger has lower power than the phone then the charger will not be able to keep up with the phone’s energy. So the phone has more energy from the charger which causes it to charge backwards.

For example if someone uses a 5W charger for a phone that needs a 20W charger then it can easily result in slow charging or even charging backwards.

white iphone 5 c on brown wooden table

Damaged Charging Cable

It is usual and normal for the charging cables to be damaged and it can result in the rate of charging. Every phone has a range of different types of charging power so they need this charging power to charge effectively.

If someone uses a cable that is made by a cheap company then it can be damaged easily and cause the phone to charge backward. Charging cables are typically measured in watts that are combined with volts and current output. It happens because if the charging cable has lower power than the phone then the charger will not be able to keep up with the phone’s energy.

So the phone has more energy from the charging cable which causes it to charge the phone backwards.

Some Apps Using More Power

Some apps like streaming platforms or high quality games need a higher amount of energy for charging that can affect the phone power rate. Sometimes it happens that we forget to close the apps and if these apps are running behind when the phone is charging it means that they are consuming more power than our charger can provide which can cause it to charge backwards.

There are also some other apps that continue to use location or power even if they are not running which can cause battery deficit. These are the reasons that are behind your phone charging backward so it’s important to double check if any high quality app is running on your phone if the phone is plugged in.

Screen Brightness Issue

Screen is one of the most power consuming parts of our phone. High brightness can cause the phone to charge backwards by draining the battery quickly especially when we are using the phone. Sometimes it happens that we forget to close the apps and if these apps are running behind when the phone is charging it means that they are consuming more power than our charger can provide which can cause it to charge backwards.

There are also some other apps that continue to use location or power even if they are not running which can cause battery deficit. It happens that the charges sometimes cannot keep up with the high quality demand power that phone requires.

It is advisable not to keep the phone in the maximum brightness because it drains the battery quickly but it also has a negative effect on our eyes and mind.

Check Background Processes

There are some background processes in our phone that continuously run even if we are not using them. Like notifications, updates or data syncing activity. It happens that the charges sometimes cannot keep up with the high quality demand power that phone requires.

It is advisable not to keep the phone in the maximum brightness because it drains the battery quickly but it also has a negative effect on our eyes and mind. These apps can use a large amount of battery which can lead to battery designing and causing charging backwards.

If your phone is continuously being used then it can affect the charging in a great way and can cause battery issues in your device.

Charging Port Issue

Charging port can be damaged easily by even a minor convenience like dust because it interrupts the connection between the phone and the charging cable. It can result in extremely slow charging if the charging port is not working properly. It also happens at sometimes the charging port cables are damaged so they do not make proper connection with the charger which can cause the phone to charge backwards.

These apps can use a large amount of battery which can lead to battery designing and causing charging backwards. If your phone is continuously being used then it can affect the charging in a great way and can cause battery issues in your device.

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Certain Ways to Fix this Issue

There are many ways through which we can solve this problem at home without causing our phone to be damaged.

Using a High Power Charger

It is important to have a high quality charger in order to fix the charging issue with your device. Sometimes it happens that the phone comes with a low quality charger. Every phone has a range of different types of charging power so they need this charging power to charge effectively.

Chargers are typically measured in watts that are combined with volts and current output. It happens because if the charger has lower power than the phone then the charger will not be able to keep up with the phone’s energy.

Having the Right Charging Cable

It is necessary to have a good charging cable that has no damage to ensure fast charging. It is usual and normal for the charging cables to be damaged and it can result in the rate of charging. Every phone has a range of different types of charging power so they need this charging power to charge effectively.

If someone uses a cable that is made by a cheap company then it can be damaged easily and cause the phone to charge backward.

Close Power Consuming Apps

Before charging effectively, it is necessary to close apps that consume battery fast. Close any app that you think isn’t necessary before plugging in your phone.

Conclusion

Charging our phone is one of the simplest of our daily routines. If our phone starts charging backward then it is concerning for us because our life is totally dependent on our phone. It can happen due to many reasons. In these situations the users are confused on how to solve this issue and what reasons are behind the issue.