The Samsung Galaxy S21 is fully compatible with 2 types of fast charging capabilities: fast charging, and super fast charging. These charging features allow the device to charge from 0% to 100% within an hour. 

However, some users have reported unusually long charging times. This can happen due to slow chargers, faulty cables, defective ports, software glitches, or misconfigurations in the battery settings. 

To address this issue, we have created this guide that provides fixes to resolve this issue and ensure your device charges at the maximum possible speed.

Note: Solutions in this guide will work on any Samsung Galaxy S21 model (S21, S21 Plus, S21 Fe, and S21 Ultra models.) Editor’s note: We created these instructions using a Samsung Galaxy S21 running Android 13. Depending on your device’s software version, some steps and menu positions may look slightly different.

Editor’s note: We created these instructions using a Samsung Galaxy S21 running Android 13. Depending on your device’s software version, some steps and menu positions may look slightly different.

Fix 01: Verify the Charger and Cable

Your Samsung Galaxy S21 requires a 25W charger to achieve the best charging speed. This is because the fast charging starts at 15W and superfast charging requires power up to 25W to charge the device, which is the maximum speed the device can be charged at. 

Therefore charging speed depends on factors such as the quality and condition of the charger, the power supply it receives from the outlet, and the outside temperature.

1. Therefore, the first step to troubleshoot the slow charging issue is to verify the charger and cable.

Make sure that you are using a genuine Samsung charger and cable designed for your Galaxy S21. Replicas or incompatible chargers (made for other devices) can significantly reduce charging speed.

2. Try plugging your charger into a different outlet.

Use a main outlet rather than extension cords or power strips, as these can sometimes cause slow charging due to power fluctuations or lower power output.

3. Check your charger for any signs of damage.

Physical damages, such as cuts on cables or dented charging pins on the charger, affect the charging speed. If you notice any signs of damage, it’s best to replace the damaged component to fix the issue.

Fix 02: Clean the Charging Port

If there is dust and debris accumulated in your Galaxy S21’s charging port, electricity won’t pass from those points. This is why you should regularly inspect and clean the charging port of your Galaxy S21. 

To clean it you can use a can of compressed air or a small, soft brush to gently remove any visible dust (Be careful not to damage pins inside the port).

Here’s a step-by-step process on how to do this:

1. Power off your device completely.
2. If you’re using a can of compressed air, make sure to hold it at least an inch away from the port. Spray short bursts of air into the port.
3. If you’re using a brush, gently sweep it inside the port to dislodge any debris.
4. Once done, try charging your device again.

TIP: If you’re uncomfortable doing this yourself, it’s a good idea to take your device to a repair center to get this done.

Fix 03: Configure Battery Settings to Speed Up Charging Process

As we said before. Your Samsung Galaxy S21 comes with built-in fast charging and super fast charging features. However, these features need to be enabled in the battery settings to start functioning. 

This means even if you’re using a fast charging supported charger and cable, your phone won’t get charged at the expected speed if these features are disabled.

To check and enable these settings, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Settings app on your Samsung Galaxy S21.
2. Scroll down and tap on Battery and device care.

3. Tap on Battery.

4. Now, tap on More battery settings.

5. Here, you will find two options – “Fast charging” and “Super fast charging”. Make sure both these options are toggled on.

In the same settings menu, you’ll also find an option named Protect battery. This feature, when enabled, limits the battery charge to 85% to extend the lifespan of the battery. 

While this is a good feature for long-term battery health, it can slow down and stop the charging process. Therefore, consider turning it off if you want to charge your device up to 100% as fast as possible.

Fix 04: Change the Charger

Even if your charger and cable appear to be in good condition, they might be damaged internally. Therefore, try using a different charger and observe the estimated charging time on your phone’s screen to determine if the issue is with the original charger. 

If the new charger charges your device faster than the previous one, you need to purchase a new genuine Samsung charger (that supports 25W charging) to resolve the problem.

Fix 05: Do a Software Update

This issue could also be related to the software of your device. The Galaxy S21 runs on Android and it’s not uncommon for software glitches to cause problems like slow charging. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to keep your device updated with the latest software.

Samsung periodically releases software updates that include bug fixes, security improvements, and sometimes new features.  Therefore, if your Galaxy S21 is still charging slowly, do a software update to see if it resolves the issue.

To check for a software update:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to Battery and device care.
3. Scroll down and tap on Software update.

4. Tap on Download and install.

5. Your device will now check for any available updates. If there is an update available, tap on Install now.

Fix 06: Take Your Device to a Repair Center

If you’ve tried all the above fixes and still experiencing slow charging speeds, then you should take your device to a Samsung repair center. This is because, despite your best efforts, there could be an internal hardware issue that’s causing the issue. (faulty charging port, a malfunctioning battery, or even a problem with the device’s internal motherboard).

Check if your device is under warranty so you can get a free repair. If you don’t know the location of the nearest Samsung repair center, contact Samsung customer service to find the location.

Wrapping Up

That’s it! We hope this guide helped you to resolve the slow charging issue of your Galaxy S21. So which method worked for you? Don’t forget to give us feedback before you leave!

Also, if you have any questions regarding this guide, feel free to leave a comment below. We will be there to assist you.

Have a nice day!