Charging iPhone X: A Guide to Outlets, Computers, and More

The iPhone X is a powerful device, but it needs a charge to keep going. The iPhone X has a 2716mAh battery, which is relatively large compared to other smartphones.

To charge your iPhone X, you'll need a compatible charger and cable. The iPhone X comes with a USB-C to Lightning cable, but you can also use a wireless charging pad.

You can charge your iPhone X using a standard 5-watt charger, but be aware that it will take longer to charge. A 12-watt charger or higher is recommended for faster charging.

You can charge your iPhone X in several ways.

The fastest way to charge your iPhone X is with a USB-C power adapter and an accompanying USB-C to Lightning cable, which activates a "fast-charge" feature that charges the iPhone to around 50% in 30 minutes.

Insert the Lightning end of the Lightning-to-USB cable into the port at the base of the device, then plug into the power adapter.

You can also charge your iPhone X wirelessly, but this method is slower than wired charging. Wireless charging is convenient, especially for long periods of time, like at your desk or overnight.

To charge wirelessly, place your iPhone X on a Qi wireless charger, but make sure it's a 7.5W charger or higher for faster charging.

If you're using a third-party wireless charger, it's best to stick with a charger that specifically states it's compatible with Apple's 7.5W charging.

Most cases work with wireless charging, but those with rear magnets or made from aluminum won't work.

For older iPhone models, you'll need an accessory like an Aircharge MFi iPhone case to use wireless charging.

You can charge your iPhone X via a power outlet by plugging the Lightning end of the Lightning-to-USB cable into the port at the base of the device and then plugging into the power adapter. This method allows you to use your device while it's charging.

Battery life and charge cycles vary by use and settings, so it's best to use the original charger and battery to maintain optimal battery performance. This will help your battery last longer over time.

Wireless charging is a convenient option that's slower than wired charging, but it's perfect for charging your iPhone X for a lengthy period of time. In fact, 7.5W wireless charging is faster than 5W wireless charging, and it's worth getting a 7.5W+ charger for faster charging.

For more insights, see: Fast Charging on Iphone X

You can charge your device via a power outlet, but be aware that battery life and charge cycles vary by use and settings.

Insert the Lightning end of the Lightning-to-USB cable into the port at the base of the device, then plug into the power adapter.

Using the original charger and battery is recommended to maintain optimal battery performance over the life of your device.

Charging with a standard 5W power adapter and USB-A to Lightning cable is relatively slow, taking 30 minutes to charge to 21 percent and 60 minutes to charge to 39 percent.

There are more efficient charging options available, including 12W equivalent third-party charging options with multiple ports and other conveniences.

Consider reading: Iphone X R Battery Life

To charge your device via a computer, simply insert the Lightning end of the Lightning-to-USB cable into the port at the base of the device.

Make sure your computer is plugged in and powered on, as charging your device won't work if your computer is turned off or in sleep mode.

Insert the USB end of the Lightning-to-USB cable into an open USB port on the computer, and your device should start charging right away.

Here's an interesting read: Iphone X Charging Port Replacement Cost

If your iPhone is having charging issues, try another Lightning cable and charger, preferably Apple original or MFi certified units.

The Lightning cable 8-pin connector should be sitting flush with the housing and completely inserted. If it's not, there could be lint/dust/debris inside the port impeding a proper connection.

You can clean it out with a toothpick, fine point tweezers or a dental pick, but be careful not to damage the pins inside the Lightning Port.

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A weak battery is often the culprit behind charging issues, so it's worth checking its condition before replacing it. Use a battery utility like coconutBattery (for Mac) or 3uTools (for Windows) to test the battery prior to removal.

If the battery is in good condition, you can use a USB Ammeter to determine if the phone is really drawing current when it says it's charging. If it isn't drawing current, then you may need to change the Lightning/Charge Port.

Here are the steps to troubleshoot charging issues:

If a new battery and charge port still don't resolve the issue, it's possible that the problem lies with the logic board or a faulty IC (Tristar) responsible for communicating with the charging device.

If you're buying a wireless charger, it's worthwhile to get a 7.5W+ charger that offers faster charging for the iPhone.

In my testing, I found that 7.5W wireless charging is indeed faster than the standard 5W wired charging method, and even slightly faster than 5W wireless charging.

Additional reading: Do Iphones Charge Faster When off

However, it's not just about getting a charger that supports 7.5W charging - you need to make sure it's from an approved manufacturer, as Apple may have put restrictions in place to limit 7.5W charging to its own branded products.

For example, on the Amazon page for the Choetech charger, which claims to be 7.5W, there's a message from Apple saying that 7.5W wireless charging is only supported by approved manufacturers.

If you want confirmed 7.5W wireless charging, go with the Belkin, the Mophie, or another charger that specifically states that it's compatible with Apple's 7.5W charging.

I also tested third-party wireless chargers, and found that the Choetech 5W charger was much slower than the Belkin at 5W, so slow that I wasn't sure it was an accurate representation of 5W charging.

In fact, the Choetech charger only managed to charge my iPhone from 1% to 35% in 60 minutes, which is much slower than what you'd expect from a standard 5W charger.

Case thickness, on the other hand, doesn't seem to have a significant impact on charging speed, at least not in my testing.

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