The fastest way to charge is to use the original charger, turn on airplane mode, and close all apps running in the background

Your tablet charges fastest when three things happen at once: the charger delivers its full power, your tablet uses as little power as possible, and the battery isn't fighting against active processes. The original charger that came with your tablet is built to deliver the right voltage and current for your specific model—using a different charger, even one that looks similar, often slows charging because the tablet negotiates for lower power to stay safe. Turning on airplane mode cuts off all wireless radios (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular), which stops the tablet from searching for signals and refreshing apps in real time. Closing background apps removes the drain that keeps your battery working even while it's trying to charge.

The difference between these steps and doing nothing can be 30 to 50 percent faster charging time. A tablet that normally takes two hours to charge fully might reach 100 percent in 75 minutes with all three steps in place.

Key Takeaways

  • Use the charger that came with your tablet, as third-party chargers often deliver less power even if they fit the port.
  • Turn on airplane mode before plugging in to stop the tablet from using power to search for wireless signals and refresh apps.
  • Close all background apps by swiping them away from the app switcher, since running apps drain the battery while it charges.
  • Avoid using the tablet while it charges, as screen brightness and processing slow charging significantly.
  • Let the tablet cool down for 10 to 15 minutes if it feels warm to the touch before you plug it in.

Why the original charger matters more than you think

Every tablet has a power specification—the amount of electrical current it can safely accept. Your iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, or other model was tested and certified to work with a charger that delivers a specific voltage (usually 5V or higher) and amperage (measured in amps). The original charger is engineered to match that specification exactly.

A generic USB charger or one meant for a phone may have a lower amperage rating. When you plug a tablet into a charger that can't deliver full power, the tablet's charging circuit detects this and throttles back—it charges at whatever lower rate the charger can provide. This is a safety feature, not a limitation you can override. A charger labeled "5V/2A" will charge much slower than the original "9V/3A" charger, even though both fit the port.

If your original charger is lost or damaged, buy a replacement from the tablet manufacturer or a certified third-party maker that lists your exact model number. Avoid unmarked chargers from discount retailers, as they may not meet the power specification and could damage the battery over time.

Turn on airplane mode to stop background power drain

Airplane mode disables Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular radios simultaneously. While these are off, your tablet stops searching for networks, refreshing email, downloading app updates, and syncing data. Each of these tasks pulls power from the battery, which means the charger has to work harder to overcome that drain and actually add charge.

To turn on airplane mode: swipe down from the top of the screen to open the control center (or notification panel on Android), then tap the airplane icon. The icon will highlight or change color to show airplane mode is active. You'll see a small airplane symbol in the status bar at the top of the screen.

Leave airplane mode on for the entire charging session. You won't receive notifications, calls, or messages while it's active, but charging will be noticeably faster. Turn it off once the battery reaches 100 percent or when you need to use the tablet again.

Close background apps before you plug in

Background apps are programs running even when you're not actively using them. They refresh content, check for updates, play music, or track location. Each one consumes battery power. While your tablet is charging, these apps are still running and still draining, which forces the charger to split its power between charging the battery and feeding the apps.

To close background apps on iPad: swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or swipe down from the top right on newer models) to open the app switcher, then swipe up on each app card to close it. On Android tablets: swipe up from the bottom to open the recent apps screen, then swipe up on each app to close it. Close everything except the settings or home screen.

Some apps restart automatically after you close them—this is normal. The point is to stop them from running at the moment you plug in. If you want to be thorough, restart the tablet completely before charging: power it off, wait 10 seconds, then power it back on and when ready plug it in. A freshly restarted tablet has no background processes running.

Don't use the tablet while it's charging

Using the tablet while it charges—watching video, playing games, or even scrolling through email—forces the processor to work, which draws power from the battery. The charger then has to provide power for both the processor and the battery at the same time. This splits the charger's output and slows overall charging speed.

The screen is the biggest power consumer. At full brightness, the display can draw as much power as the charger is delivering, leaving nothing left to actually charge the battery. If you must use the tablet while charging, lower the screen brightness to the minimum comfortable level and avoid processor-heavy tasks like video or games.

The best practice is to plug in the tablet, set it down, and leave it alone until it reaches 100 percent. This takes the least time and is also gentler on the battery in the long run.

Let the tablet cool down if it feels warm

Batteries charge slower when they're hot. If your tablet feels warm to the touch—especially around the back or near the charging port—let it sit unplugged for 10 to 15 minutes before you plug it in. A warm battery is usually the result of recent heavy use (gaming, video streaming) or charging in a hot environment.

While the tablet cools, you can remove any case or cover, which traps heat. Once it feels cool to the touch, plug it in. Charging a cool battery is faster and safer than charging a warm one, and the overall time saved by cooling first often makes up for the wait.

If the tablet gets hot while charging—too hot to hold comfortably—unplug it when ready. Excessive heat during charging can indicate a problem with the battery or charger. Let it cool completely, then try charging again. If it heats up a second time, the battery or charger may need replacement.

Avoid wireless charging if your tablet supports it

Some newer tablets support wireless charging. Wireless charging is slower than wired charging because the power transfer through the air gap is less efficient. A tablet that charges in 90 minutes with a wired charger might take 2 to 3 hours with a wireless charger, even if the wireless charger is the official model made by the manufacturer.

If speed is your priority, always use the wired charger. Wireless charging is convenient when you're not in a hurry, but it's not the fastest option. The same rules explore: use airplane mode, close background apps, and don't use the tablet while it charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does charging to 80 percent instead of 100 percent make it faster?

Yes, slightly. Batteries charge fastest in the first 80 percent of their capacity, then slow down as they approach 100 percent. If you stop at 80 percent, the charging session ends sooner. However, you lose 20 percent of usable battery life per charge cycle. For daily use, charging to 100 percent is usually the right choice—the extra 20 minutes is worth the full capacity.

Can I use a fast charger made for phones on my tablet?

Only if the phone charger is rated for your tablet's voltage and amperage. Check the specifications on both the charger and your tablet's manual. A phone charger rated 5V/2A will charge a tablet slowly. A phone charger rated 9V/3A or higher might work, but using a charger not designed for your tablet carries a small risk of battery damage. The safest choice is always the original charger or a certified replacement for your specific model.

Why does my tablet charge slowly even with the original charger?

The charger may be damaged (check for bent pins or fraying), the charging port may be dirty or loose, or the battery itself may be degraded. Try cleaning the port gently with a dry cotton swab. If charging is still slow, the charger cable or battery may need replacement. If the tablet is more than three years old and was heavily used, battery degradation is common and normal.

Does closing apps really make a noticeable difference?

Yes, especially if you have many apps running. A tablet with 10 to 15 background apps running will charge noticeably slower than one with none. The difference is often 15 to 30 minutes over a full charge cycle. Airplane mode alone makes a bigger difference than closing apps alone, but combining both gives the fastest result.

Is it bad to charge my tablet overnight?

Modern tablets stop charging once they reach 100 percent, so leaving it plugged in overnight won't overcharge the battery. However, keeping the battery at 100 percent for hours does cause slow degradation over months and years. If you charge overnight regularly, consider unplugging the tablet once it reaches full charge, or use a smart charger that stops power delivery at 100 percent. For occasional overnight charging, there's no practical harm.