The fastest way to charge your tablet is to use the charger that came with it, plug directly into the wall (not a computer), turn on airplane mode, and let the battery sit unused while it charges.

Most tablets charge slowly when you use them at the same time—the processor and screen draw power while the charger is trying to fill the battery, so the net gain is small. Stopping all activity cuts charging time roughly in half. The wall outlet matters too: a USB port on a computer or car charger delivers far less power than a wall socket, which is why tablets often charge slower when plugged into those sources.

The charger itself makes the biggest difference. Tablets need more power than phones, and using the wrong charger—or a phone charger—will charge your tablet much more slowly. The charger that shipped with your tablet is designed for its battery size and chemistry, so that is always your best choice.

Key Takeaways

  • Use the original charger that came with your tablet and plug it directly into a wall outlet, not a computer or car charger.
  • Turn on airplane mode and close all apps before charging to stop the processor and screen from drawing power while the battery fills.
  • Avoid using your tablet while it charges; even light use like reading or messaging slows charging by 25 to 50 percent.
  • A tablet battery charges fastest when it is warm but not hot; if the device feels hot to the touch, let it cool before plugging in again.

Use the correct charger and power source

The charger matters more than most people realize. Tablets have larger batteries than phones and need chargers that deliver more power, measured in watts. A phone charger typically delivers 5 to 10 watts; a tablet charger usually delivers 12 to 30 watts depending on the model. Using a phone charger on a tablet will work, but it will charge very slowly—sometimes taking twice as long.

Check the wattage printed on your original charger. If you have lost it, look up your tablet model online and search for the original specifications, or contact the manufacturer. Third-party chargers marked with the same wattage as the original will charge at similar speeds, but the original charger is always the safest choice for your battery's long-term health.

The outlet itself also matters. A wall socket delivers full power. A USB port on a computer delivers only 0.5 to 1 amp, which is why tablets charge slowly when plugged into a laptop. A car charger is often limited by the vehicle's electrical system. For the fastest charge, always use a wall outlet.

Turn on airplane mode and close running apps

When your tablet is on and in use, the processor, screen, and wireless radios are all drawing power from the battery at the same time the charger is trying to fill it. This creates a tug-of-war where the charger cannot deliver its full power to the battery. Turning on airplane mode disables Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular radios, which stops them from searching for signals and consuming power.

Close any apps that are running in the background. On most tablets, swipe up from the bottom of the screen (iPad) or swipe down from the top and tap the app switcher (Android) to see which apps are open. Swipe them away or close them one by one. Streaming apps, email, and messaging apps are the biggest power drains because they refresh constantly.

The screen is the single largest power consumer on any tablet. Lowering the brightness to the minimum or turning the screen off entirely will cut charging time noticeably. If you need to use your tablet while it charges, dim the screen as much as you can tolerate.

Avoid using your tablet while charging

Using your tablet while it charges—even for light tasks like reading or messaging—slows the charging process by 25 to 50 percent. Gaming, video streaming, or any task that uses the processor heavily can slow charging by even more. The charger's power is split between running the device and filling the battery, so less power goes into the battery.

If you must use your tablet while charging, keep the task light: reading text, checking email, or browsing. Avoid video, gaming, or anything that makes the device warm. The longer you can leave the tablet untouched, the faster it will charge.

Keep your tablet cool while charging

Batteries charge fastest at moderate temperatures, around 50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 35 degrees Celsius). Heat slows the chemical reaction inside the battery and can damage it over time. If your tablet feels hot to the touch while charging, unplug it and let it cool for 15 to 30 minutes before plugging in again.

Do not cover your tablet with a blanket, pillow, or case while it charges. These trap heat and prevent air from flowing around the device. Charge on a hard, flat surface like a table or desk where air can circulate. If your tablet gets warm during charging, that is normal—but if it gets too hot to hold comfortably, something is wrong and you should stop charging.

Check for battery health issues

If your tablet has charged slowly for months or years, the battery itself may be wearing out. Lithium batteries lose capacity over time, and a very old battery may charge more slowly even with the correct charger and power source. Most tablets show battery health information in the settings menu.

On iPad, go to Settings, then Battery, then Battery Health & Charging. On Android, the location varies by manufacturer, but search "battery health" in Settings. If the battery health is below 80 percent, the battery is aging and may need replacement. If health is above 80 percent, the battery is still good and the slow charging is likely caused by one of the factors above.

If your tablet is very old and the battery is worn out, replacing the battery is often cheaper than buying a new device. Contact the manufacturer or a repair shop for pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does leaving my tablet plugged in overnight damage the battery?

Modern tablets stop charging once the battery reaches 100 percent, so leaving it plugged in overnight will not overcharge it. However, keeping the battery at 100 percent for long periods does cause slow wear over months and years. If you charge overnight regularly, unplugging as soon as the device is full will extend battery life slightly.

Will a fast charger damage my tablet?

A charger with higher wattage than the original will not damage your tablet if the connector fits properly. Your tablet's charging circuit only draws the power it needs, so a 30-watt charger will not harm a tablet designed for 12 watts. However, always use the original charger if you have it, because it is tested and may provide to work safely with your specific model.

Why does my tablet charge faster when it is cold?

Cold slows the chemical reaction inside the battery, which actually makes charging slower, not faster. If your tablet seems to charge faster in a cold room, it is probably because you are not using it while it charges, or because the charger is working more efficiently without heat buildup. Avoid charging a very cold tablet; let it warm to room temperature first.

Can I use a different brand charger if it has the same wattage?

Yes, a third-party charger with the same wattage and connector type will charge your tablet at similar speeds. However, the original charger is always the safest choice because it is designed specifically for your tablet's battery. If you buy a third-party charger, choose one from a reputable brand and check the reviews.

Does airplane mode really make a difference in charging speed?

Yes, airplane mode can cut charging time by 10 to 20 percent because it stops the radios from searching for signals. The difference is smaller than stopping all use, but it is noticeable. For the fastest charge, airplane mode plus not using the tablet is the best combination.