iphone 12 Pro Max 2 seconds charging delay

Been having this issue ever since the first day I received my brand new iphone 12 Pro Max. Using the USB C to Lightning cable that came with the package, and pairing it with Apple 20W USB-C power adapter, when I plug it in there's like a 2 seconds delay before my iphone recognizes it and vibrates and charging symbol appears. I'm now using iOS 14.3, same issue. It definitely takes longer than normal to recognize and start the charging. Checked charging port, it's clean no dust or debris. Tested plugging directly into the wall outlet, same issue. Used an Apple 29W charger brick, same issue. Tried shutting down and restarting my iphone 12 Pro Max, same issue. Tested my iphone 12 Pro Max with an Apple 5W charger brick and the charging starts instantly. Plugged in with my lightning cable in my car, and the charging was instantaneous. What could be causing this issue? is this a software issue?

iPhone 12 Pro Max, iOS 14

Posted on Dec 20, 2020 2:57 PM

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Lawrence Finch

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Posted on Dec 23, 2020 9:02 AM

I guess I wasn’t clear enough. The 20W USB-C adapter negotiates with the phone to determine the voltage and current that the phone needs; that takes a second or two. USB-A adapters have only one current and one voltage setting, so they don’t need to do that. But you have to allow time for the phone and the adapter to choose the right parameters if you are using a 20 Watt USB-C adapter.

Try charging the 12 using the charger that came with your iPhone 8. I’m willing to bet there will be no delay because it doesn’t need to negotiate the charging parameters.

If the 2 second delay really bothers you don’t use the 20 watt adapter, and there will be no delay.

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36 replies

Mar 10, 2021 2:11 PM in response to Teddy9203

You might find it illuminating to read the thread you posted to.

Dec 23, 2020 8:43 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

As an owner of iPhone 8 and been using it for a couple of years before I upgraded to iPhone 12 Pro Max, my experience with iPhone 8 is that it will vibrate instantly and charging symbol appears right away as soon as I plug in the charger, and it doesn't have the longer than normal 2 seconds delay.

Jan 2, 2021 1:08 AM in response to perfectworld9

I have the same problem. I just purchased a iPhone 12 pro max 3 days ago. It takes around 2 seconds for the charger to identify the phone. When I had my iPhone 7 Plus and recently my iPhone 11 pro max it would instantly charge it without a delay.

I am using the iPhone brand charger that I used for my 11 pro max. This is frustrating because I paid over 1,000 for this phone. I do not care how small this is. It shouldn’t be doing this.

Jan 2, 2021 1:20 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

This is not correct. My iPhone 11 Pro Max came with a 20 W usb-c adapter as well as my iPad 2020 pro...both charge instantaneously. Therefore, so should my iPhone 12 pro max.

This seems to be a software issue. There is no excuse for this to happen, regardless of how small.

Jan 2, 2021 7:49 AM in response to OroroStorm

That is perfectly correct. Your 11 and your iPad only support two charging protocols, the 12 and iPad support 6. But as I said in another post, if the 2 second delay in starting to charge is the most important feature of the device for you then get rid of it and go back to your 11.

BTW, your 11 came with a 13 watt charger, not a 20 watt.

Jan 12, 2021 3:11 PM in response to OroroStorm

So now I know I'm not alone, a lot of people if not everybody is experiencing this charging delay problem with the iPhone 12/12 Pro Max. I really wonder if iOS 14.4 will address this issue if this is even a software issue to begin with. A $1200 phone should not be doing this as many people said. Apple needs to fix it, as it's really annoying waiting for the phone to recognize the charger.

Jan 24, 2021 8:51 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

I have the same issue on plug charge delay on my iphone 12 pro max. And, I have issued with iPhone 12 Pro Max for a few times when I charged my phone and it shown charged. After a several minute without doing anything the phone discharge with minor vibration indicator. I immediately checked my charge status, it shown discharge. I further check power brick and cable maybe it loose or something but everything fine. At first time, I have unplugged and plugged it again and it charged until full. At second time, it happened again, but I didn’t unplug. I suddenly lock screen of the phone. Immediately, it charged continuing.

Chan993

Level 1

4 points

Jan 25, 2021 11:40 PM in response to perfectworld9

I have the iPhone 12 Pro Max and I have the exact same issue.

It’s noticeable as you say. I thought it was just myself but it’s good to read this is common. Hopefully the new update rectifies this, I may speak to Apple Support anyway to see if this is supposed to happen.

Mar 19, 2021 6:52 AM in response to perfectworld9

I’ve got the same issues, however in addition to that, my phone will randomly stop charging altogether and I’ll have to unplug the cable and plug back in again. Using the USB-C lead that came with it and an 18w apple charger bought from the Apple store. This isn’t a hardware issue, as this is a replacement 12 mini I’ve got and the last one had the exact same issue. Cmon Apple, you can do better! And why won’t you just put your hands up and acknowledge all these issues with the (seemingly rushed out with poor testing) 12 series...

Dec 23, 2020 7:56 AM in response to MoonJ.

The cable in my car is the USB to lightning cable. In my room, I'm using the USB-C to lightning cable that came with my iphone 12 Pro Max, paired with Apple 20W adapter, and there's 2 seconds delay.

Dec 27, 2020 11:30 PM in response to perfectworld9

Me too I have an Iphone 12 and when i connect the charger it takes 2-2.5 secs to recognize it’s connected to a charger

Dec 28, 2020 6:38 AM in response to hesham298

I’ve explained why a couple of times. If you don’t like it get rid of your phone and buy one that starts charging instantly, if that is the most important feature of a phone to you.

Dec 28, 2020 1:57 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

Maybe i should just stop worrying about these little stuff

Dec 28, 2020 2:39 PM in response to hesham298

That would be my advice.

Two maxims for happiness:

Don’t sweat the small stuff
It’s all small stuff

😏

Jan 11, 2021 11:29 PM in response to perfectworld9

Mine does the same thing, charging is still super fast and my charge holds. 8 hour shifts can go by and my phone drops from 100% to like 95%. It isn’t causing any problems, but it’s noticeable.

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iphone 12 Pro Max 2 seconds charging delay