Your Pixel may be charging at half speed with the wrong power brick

Many Pixel owners may be charging their phones at half speed without knowing it. Google does not include a power adapter in the box, so people grab whatever is lying around the house. According to How-To Geek, the fix is a new charger that matches what the phone needs, and it often costs under $20.

What is going wrong

Standard Pixel phones since the Pixel 7, plus the Pixel Fold, need a USB-PD PPS charger rated 30 watts or higher to reach peak speed. PPS is a feature listed in a charger's specs. A Pixel 8 and a Pixel 11 Pro follow the same rule here. Chargers that meet it are sold at just about any retailer.

The Pro XL exception

Pro XL models can charge at up to 45 watts, but an ordinary 45-watt adapter will not get them there. They need a charger with an unusual 21V PPS profile. In product listings, look for "3.3V–21V" or "5V–21V" in the fine print. Google's own Pixel adapter fits, though it costs somewhat more.

Pixel A-series phones are simpler. They reach top speed with a USB-PD adapter of the right wattage. The Pixel 10a is the one exception and needs PPS like the standard models.

Wireless and car charging

Wireless charging wastes more energy than a cable. Older non-magnetic pads can waste up to 40%, and newer Qi2 and Qi2.2 pads up to 20%. Because of that loss, a wireless pad that tops out at 15 watts needs an adapter rated for 20 watts or more. Any inexpensive USB-C PD charger works, and PPS is not required.

In the car, built-in USB ports often deliver only about 5 watts. That keeps a phone alive during navigation but barely charges it. The article suggests a plug-in adapter for the 12V outlet, the old cigarette lighter socket, with USB-C PD and PPS. It cites 200-watt options on Amazon for roughly $30. Some newer cars have ports that give 15 watts.

What to do

Charger specs are usually printed on the brick itself. If they are not, look up the model on a store site such as Amazon and read the listing. Multi-port chargers split their power when several devices are plugged in. For charging many devices at full speed, the article suggests a 100-watt PD charger with PPS.

• Standard Pixels: 30 watts or more, with PPS.
• Pro XL models: a 21V PPS charger for the full 45 watts.
• Wireless pads: a USB-C PD charger of 20 watts or more.
• Car: a 12V adapter rather than the built-in USB port.

Pixel 11 phones also offer an Extreme Charging Mode in Quick Settings. It speeds up charging when the battery is below 50%. It needs a 30-watt PPS adapter, or a 45-watt 21V PPS adapter on the Pixel 11 Pro.