Question Moto G Stylus Not Charging Via Desktop USB 3.1 Type C port

[needhelp1923]

Hi, I just got a brand new Stylus 5G 2023 today. Everything seemed cool, until I hooked it up to my computer desktop's USB C port to transfer files and charge it. Right when I connect it, the TurboPower thing pops up. On the lock screen, it shows charging symbol, and the battery shows the lightning bolt. HOWEVER, Ampere app shows it is NOT charging and in the settings, the battery says 'Connected, Not Charging'.
I have checked all my settings, my desktop, etc. My Moto 5G Ace charges on it fine, no problem, as do other things.
The weird thing is that in the USB settings at the top, it has a thing about a popup, for When Connected to a Device. Right under that it says 'Charging Only if Turned Off'. Why?? What does that mean? I have never heard of any phone having to be turned off in order to charge when connected via USB. I have searched all over the Internet about this issue and could not find anything on it at all, which makes me think I am the only one?
Can anyone help me? I want to love this phone, but this is driving me nuts. And yes, I have tried different cables, etc. I will say that when I connect it to one of the USB-A ports, it charges, but really slowly. So I was thinking the port, but as I said, everything else charges on it fine.
Please help!

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Is there an Optimized Charging option turned on?

https://www.reddit.com/r/MotoG/comments/11sn01b/moto_g_power_2022_connected_not_charging_phone

 

[needhelp1923]

Hi, thanks, I have had that both on and off, but that is supposed to only apply to when it is over 80pct, which it has not been...been around 30pct....and it charges while on other ports/chargers. Using the same cables. Other devices will charge off the usb port, so I know that works.

 

[B. Diddy]

Strange -- the official support page says the exact opposite ("NOTE: The moto g stylus 5G (2023) always charges the battery with the device powered on. This is normal behavior and is not an problem with the device.)

Properly charge the moto g stylus 5G (2023)| Motorola Support US

Visit the customer support page to view user guides, FAQs, bluetooth pairing, software downloads, drivers, tutorials and to get repair and contact us information.Properly charge the moto g stylus 5G (2023)

en-us.support.motorola.com

Can you show us a screenshot of the USB options when you connect via USB, swipe down the notifications, and tap the USB option?

 

[needhelp1923]

Hi, thanks, I can, but I believe I now understand that item to mean it will default to charging only with that item (the popup) toggled off. And yes, I read that too, that it should always charge. But it just will not charge when connected to usb 3.1 type C. Was hoping that I was just missing something.

 

[needhelp1923]

It charges using the same cords when connected to a charging block on type c. So why would it just NOT charge (it is recognized, I can transfer files, etc) on the desktop port? Again, the crazy thing is that it shows charging in all other ways...the lock screen, the battery icon at top right, etc. But it is not charging per the dropping battery, Ampere, and the Battery menu in settings.

 

[B. Diddy]

As a test, can you try different USB-C cables? I know that this one works on your other phone, but it's still worth testing multiple cables in case there's something specifically glitchy with this cable and this phone.

 

[needhelp1923]

I have ordered two more cables, but the odd thing is that it charges fine on those same cables when connected to a charging brick.

 

[B. Diddy]

The thing about USB-C cables is that there are a lot of fly-by-night manufacturers that do a pretty shoddy job with the components and wiring within these cables. If your cable isn't from a well-known and well-respected manufacturer, this becomes more of a factor. Read this article for more information: https://hackaday.com/2023/02/07/all-about-usb-c-manufacturer-sins/. Whether this is the root cause of your issue or not is unclear to me, but the main point is that not all USB-C cables are created equal.

 

[Mooncatt]

Most computer USB ports are designed for data transfer, not charging. They will supply basic USB power at 500-1000mA, but that isn't enough to charge modern phones while also powered on. I know MSI has motherboards that can do double duty for charging on one of their USB headers, but they advertise it for iPhones and not sure if it's proprietary or works for Android as well. Unless you know for sure your PC has a high power USB header/port for phone charging, i would assume it's simply not feasible.

 

[needhelp1923]

Most computer USB ports are designed for data transfer, not charging. They will supply basic USB power at 500-1000mA, but that isn't enough to charge modern phones while also powered on. I know MSI has motherboards that can do double duty for charging on one of their USB headers, but they advertise it for iPhones and not sure if it's proprietary or works for Android as well. Unless you know for sure your PC has a high power USB header/port for phone charging, i would assume it's simply not feasible.

Hi, thanks, I have a Dell XPS 8940....I thought that 3.1 type C could handle that, no?

 

[Mooncatt]

Hi, thanks, I have a Dell XPS 8940....I thought that 3.1 type C could handle that, no?

USB naming and specs are a bit of a hot mess right now, but the short answer is USB 3.1 only defines the speed rating. The Type C designation is just the connector type only, though some speed and power designations can require Type C. I.e. Full Power Delivery connections are all type C, but not all Type C devices are Power Delivery capable. You'll need to check your manual to see if high power charging an option, but the default answer is no unless specifically mentioned in the specs.

 

[needhelp1923]

Thanks, it is weird because my moto one 5g ace charges from it just fine...and the new phone also indicates turbopower is connected....so it is 'seeing' the power, but it is just not being delivered. I have posted about this at Dell now as well to see if they have input. Thanks!

 

[needhelp1923]

Well, I have bought 3 new cables...still no joy. Strange thing is, it will charge fine from type A ports...albeit VERY slowly. But I have tried it on two different machines now, a desktop and a laptop, and it will not charge from USB C ports. Any other thoughts, or should I just return the phone?

 

[Mooncatt]

Is there a reason you are wanting to charge specifically by pc/laptop instead of a dedicated charging block?

 

[needhelp1923]

Hi, no...I am just worried that since it is not charging via PC, that could be an indicator of a problem with the phone. I just got it a couple days ago and can return it if it is indeed a problem. I am worried it means some issue with the port, or an underlying battery/circuitry issue.

As an update, I have since uninstalled all usb controllers and re-installed. Removed all usb peripherals and tried just the phone. Nothing works. However, I finally saw it start charging once the phone was locked. The second I unlock the phone, it stops. Thinking it was the screen drawing too much power, I had the screen time out without locking, but it still would not charge. So it seems that it will not charge on Type C while unlocked. I do not have any idea as to why. Does anyone here know if this is a thing? I have never seen another phone NOT charge via usb type c just because it was unlocked.

 

[Mooncatt]

Hi, no...I am just worried that since it is not charging via PC, that could be an indicator of a problem with the phone.

I wouldn't consider this a phone problem unless it wouldn't charge, period, even from a dedicated charging block and with multiple cables.

However, I finally saw it start charging once the phone was locked. The second I unlock the phone, it stops.

When you say it stops when unlocking the phone, do you mean that the charging indicator goes away? If this is the case, try unlocking without moving the phone and cable, which could help diagnose a connection problem.

Or are you saying the charging indicator is still active but simply not providing enough power to charge? This would fall in line with what I've been saying already about computer ports not really being meant for phone charging in the first place unless it specifically says it can.

 

[needhelp1923]

Hi, so it still shows as charging when I unlock it...shows turbopower connected, lightning bolts, etc. But the battery section in settings shows again as 'connected, not charging'.

Wouldn't the draw, though, be the screen if it were due to pulling more than the port can handle? That is why I had the phone screen time out without locking. But it still does not charge. I mean, would the lock feature change the wattage draw, regardless of the screen, etc?

 

[Mooncatt]

My guess, and it's only a guess, is that the phone goes into a low power mode when the screen is locked. In other words, not running as many background processes. If the screen is unlocked but off, the phone may assume you'll be using it again at any time and keeps everything going. When locked, it may assume you're done with it for a while and no need to keep itself at the ready.

My screen locks any time it's off, so it's not something I've personally tested or experienced.