It could be really confusing to see the charging sign on your phone when connected to your charger only for your battery percentage to remain at the same level for hours or in fact drop steadily. If you’re a heavy user then you must have encountered this on one or two occasions (see https://www.hovatek.com/blog/how-to-fix-an-android-phone-that-automatically-goes-off-or-shuts-down-frequently/ ) but that isn’t to say that light users are exempted from this puzzling phenomenon.
Lets look at it from a less-techy perspective for a moment. If you connect your charger (which is supposed to increase battery levels) but the battery levels are dropping instead, then it must either mean that the phone isn’t being charged at all or the battery is being consumed faster than its being charged. Now that we’ve established this, lets proceed.
Why is my Android phone discharging despite being connected to a power source?
Common causes of this issue are:
- Faulty power source: If you’re charging using a PC (via USB cord) or from a faulty power source then this is possible
- Faulty USB port: A loose, cracked or broken phone USB port could be a cause
- Faulty charger: If the charger is faulty or not powerful enough then you can expect something like this
- Buggy ROM: If you flashed a custom ROM / Firmware upgrade with power efficiency bugs then you have another possible culprit
- Heavy usage during charging: If you’re running processor / battery intensive processes during charging then you have another possible cause
- Faulty battery: Some batteries have problems retaining charge after extensive use
How do I fix an Android phone that doesn’t charge (or discharges) when connected to power?
Some fixes you should consider include:
- Ensure the USB jack and USB port are making firm contact
- Try a different charger (a 2 amps charger is a good place to start)
- Avoid heavy usage during charging
- Consider changing the USB port if it looks loose, cracked or damaged in any way
- Try a different power source
- Flash the stock ROM back to the phone (see https://www.hovatek.com/blog/how-to-unbrick-fix-a-bricked-android-device/ and also https://www.hovatek.com/blog/how-to-upgrade-an-android-smartphone-or-tablet-operating-system-os/ )
- Consider using an external (like desktop) charger to be sure the battery is OK
What can I do to prevent future occurrence?
- Avoid over-charging your device
- Avoid charging your device using a PC
- Employ good battery management practices (see https://www.hovatek.com/blog/how-to-make-an-android-phones-battery-last-longer/ )
- Do not rotate the USB jack during charging or force it into the USB port
Hovatek….just a button away!
I have an android one called fleazf5….it discharges while charging..please what do I do..and immediately it reaches 40%..it decreases by seconds until it reaches 0%…
Have you tried the recommendations in the guide?
pls i havetechno y4 that cant boot anymore and i dont know y it suddenly when off just like that some told me to flash i did but it refuse to on.and some said it could be the software pls what do you think may be the problem and how cani fix it sir thanks 08144942932
We can help. Have you registered at the Hovatek Forum?
My techno c8 suddenly start charging slow ,what can I do that
You should have the USB port checked
Hi am using infinix zero 2 when i connect it to my pc it doesn’t show up to access my files, only shows charging. Help pls
Follow the guide @ https://forum.hovatek.com/thread-15777.html
am using konka w550 whoever I plug it .it show charging sign but it discharge
Have you tried the fixes above?
Hello…My Infinix Zero fell back down from a 60cm height. It was on when it fell but powered down and stayed that way since yesterday, what do I do? It hasn’t fallen before from such height
I advise you have a hardware technician take a look at it
Good day
My tecno y4 suddenly stopped powering on. It shows ”experience smart life” and remains that way.
Also, it shows a lightning bolt in the battery when the charger is connected.
I have changed battery and charger but i still have the same issue.
The rom of the phone is the one dat came wit the phone.
Please, come to my rescue.
How exactly did this start? More details would be helpful
I’m using a Techno f7, when charging, it suddenly reaches 100% in a short while, buh it drains like the ticking seconds of a clock (so fast).
you should change your battery
infinix zero, when ever i plug it in, it’ll show sign of charging but go off immediately. Holding the volume increase button makes the screen flash light and go off again.
Have you tried taking out and reinserting the battery?
Yes. I have done that. Didn’t work.
connect the phone to a PC with battery inside. Does it keep making the connection-disconnection sound?
Yes. It makes the connection and disconnection sound
The battery is most likely drained. You’ll need to boost it
Yes. It makes the connection and disconnection sound
I have a rooted SAFARICOM branded Vodaphone Smart Tab 3g. It charges ok but only when powered off; ît won’t charge if on.. I’ve tried different chargers and cables. Any suggestions?
You mean while on, the battery level remains constant or even drops while charging?