The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are premium smartphones with excellent features, but some users have faced frustration with slow charging or no charging at all. Given how important fast and reliable charging is to daily use, this issue can be a major inconvenience.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why your Pixel 6 might be charging slowly or not charging at all, and provide actionable solutions to fix the problem.
Pixel 6 Charging Specifications (What to Expect)
Before diagnosing any issue, it’s important to understand what the normal charging performance should be for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro:
- Wired Charging (USB-C PD 3.0): Up to 21W (Pixel 6) and up to 23W (Pixel 6 Pro)
- Wireless Charging: Up to 21W (Pixel 6 Pro) with Pixel Stand (2nd Gen), slower with standard Qi chargers
- Battery Capacity: 4,614 mAh (Pixel 6), 5,003 mAh (Pixel 6 Pro)
- No charger included in the box, so you must use a compatible USB-C PD 3.0 charger to get full-speed charging.
If your Pixel 6 is charging slower than these specs, or not charging at all, the following sections will help identify and resolve the issue.
Common Reasons Why Pixel 6 May Charge Slowly or Not at All
Incompatible or Underpowered Charger
The Pixel 6 requires USB Power Delivery (PD) 3.0 with PPS (Programmable Power Supply) to achieve optimal speeds. If you’re using:
- A charger with lower wattage (e.g., 5W or 10W)
- A charger without PD support
- A generic or older USB-A to USB-C charger
… then the phone will charge slowly or not at all.
Even if the cable fits, it doesn’t mean it’s delivering the right power.
Faulty or Non-Certified USB-C Cable
Not all USB-C cables support fast charging or high-speed data. A cheap or damaged cable can:
- Limit charging speed
- Cause charging failures
- Trigger power delivery errors
Use an eMarked USB-C cable or the official Google USB-C to USB-C cable.
Dirty or Damaged Charging Port
Dust, lint, or moisture in the charging port can block the connection between the cable and your phone.
Signs of this issue include:
- Cable not fitting snugly
- Phone not recognizing the charger
- Intermittent or no charging
Software Glitches or Background Activity
Sometimes, software bugs or apps running in the background can interfere with charging.
Examples:
- Battery management issues
- Overheating causing throttled charging
- Recent updates introducing temporary bugs
Battery Health or Thermal Throttling
Fast charging automatically slows down if:
- Your phone is too hot (over 40°C)
- You are actively using the phone while charging
- You’re charging wirelessly and the charger is not optimized
Battery management software may throttle charging speeds to protect battery health.
Incorrect Wireless Charging Setup
If you use a non-Pixel wireless charger, charging speed will max out at 10W or lower.
Only the Pixel Stand (2nd Gen) can deliver up to 21W wireless charging to the Pixel 6 Pro and 15W to Pixel 6.
Positioning also matters—misalignment can prevent charging altogether.
How to Fix Pixel 6 Charging Issues
Step 1: Use the Right Charger and Cable
- Use a charger that supports USB PD 3.0 with PPS (at least 30W output)
- Use the original Google USB-C to USB-C cable, or buy an eMarked USB-C cable
- Avoid USB-A to USB-C adapters, as they often don’t support fast charging
Step 2: Clean the USB-C Port
- Power off the phone
- Use a toothpick or SIM tray ejector to gently remove lint or dust
- Blow compressed air to clear any particles
- Avoid inserting metal objects that can damage the port
Step 3: Check for Software Updates
- Go to Settings > System > System update
- Install any available updates
- These may include bug fixes related to power or battery management
Step 4: Reboot and Use Safe Mode
Restart your phone or enter Safe Mode to check if third-party apps are interfering with charging:
- Press and hold the power button
- Tap and hold Power off > Tap OK to reboot into Safe Mode
If fast charging works in Safe Mode, a third-party app may be the culprit.
Step 5: Monitor Temperature and Background Usage
- Avoid charging while using the device for gaming or video streaming
- Remove phone case if overheating
- Don’t charge in direct sunlight
Use Settings > Battery > Battery usage to identify battery-draining apps.
Step 6: Try Another Charger and Cable
If the issue persists:
- Test with a different certified charger and cable
- Try charging another device with the same charger
- If both fail, it confirms a hardware or accessory issue
When to Seek Professional Help
If your Pixel 6 still won’t charge properly after trying all fixes:
- It may have a defective charging port or battery
- Contact Google Pixel Support
- Visit a Google-authorized service center if under warranty
Symptoms indicating a hardware failure:
- No charging symbol even with a working charger
- Frequent disconnections or overheating
- No fast charging even with official Google accessories
Conclusion
The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro support fast and efficient charging, but they rely on a specific combination of hardware, software, and accessories to work as intended. If your device is not charging fast or not charging at all, it’s often due to:
- Incompatible or faulty accessories
- USB-C port contamination
- Software bugs or background processes
- Wireless charging misalignment
- Hardware issues requiring service
To get the best results:
- Always use Google-recommended chargers and cables
- Keep your device and port clean
- Ensure you’re not overheating the device while charging
By following these steps, you can restore proper charging function and keep your Pixel running reliably throughout the day.
