USB charger can't keep up with phone

I have noticed that my USB cable can't charge the phone as fast as the phone needs, at least when running Google Maps for navigating, or when streaming music via Bluetooth.

Is the USB port low on power, or could it be my older phone (Samsung S4) or the cord?

 

Could be the cable. Get the thickest gauge cable with the shortest length absolutely necessary.

See old USB would be alright as these phones were low voltage ~5v and didn't need high amperage to charge. As the phones get more aggressive and USB charging rates go up we need better and better cables to reliably carry that voltage.

 

Broken

 

More than likely it's heat related. The phone will change it's rate of charge based on how hot it's getting. If I mount my phone on the vent with the heat on, it won't charge at all. Try keeping your phone cool. Also, it could be dirty inside which would cause it to run hotter.

 

So, a charger plugged in to the cigarette lighter might be better?

 

The built in USB is only 1amp which is a slow charge for new smart phones. You will need to use your own 12 volt adapter with a 2amp output

 

What he said.

 

The built-in Usb port not made to charging the phone. It is to use as data port for media player and firmware upgrade. The port only provides up to 500mA (standard industry specifications).
If you have your smartphone screen on at all time then you need at least 1A just to provide enough power for that application,

 

AmazonBasics Dual-Port USB Car Charger for Apple & Android Devices - 4.8 Amp/24W, Black/Red

$9 Amazon Basics 24W Two-Port USB-A Car Charger for Phones (iPhone 15/14/13/12/11/X, Samsung, and more), non-PPS, Black/Red

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072C7R4CD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_13E.zbJTJWE6T

This is the charger I have been using for years now. Both ports are two amps so a passager can also charge their phone quickly. And to keep the clutter down its plugged into the 12 volt port in the center console.

 

Get one of these (Edit: or the one above that I didn’t see while looking for it):

https://www.amazon.com/AUKEY-Charger-Output-iPhone-Samsung/dp/B00M6QODH2?th=1&psc=1

 

Wal-Mart has 12v to USB adapters for $5

 

...this is the best one, it has the added benefit of getting to mall crawl for it!!

 

Says the guy with a street-bound PreRunner.

 

That USB port on the dash is for INPUT......!!

 

Not sure if this unit has been posted but it's voltmeter and USB charger, been running one for about 6 mos:

$10 LIHAN Dual USB Car Charger, 4.8A Output, 12/24 Volt USB Adapter Plug for Cigarette Lighter Voltage Meter, Compatible with iPhone,iPad, Samsung Galaxy, LG, Google, Black

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M9IKYVH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

i have similar. very nice to monitor electrical system voltage (typically 13.7VDC) when not using usb ports. when using usb ports (on mine anyway) the readout is useless.