The fastest way is to borrow a compatible charger from someone nearby

If your device's charger is lost, broken, or left behind, the quickest solution is to use someone else's charger that matches your device. Most phones and tablets use standard connectors — USB-C, Lightning (Apple), or Micro-USB — so a friend, family member, coworker, or even a retail store may have one you can borrow or buy on the spot.

Before you borrow or buy a replacement, check your device's manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm the exact connector type and the wattage it needs. Using a charger with the wrong connector will not work at all. Using one with significantly lower wattage will charge very slowly or not at all while the device is in use. Using one with higher wattage is usually safe for phones and tablets, though it may generate more heat.

A replacement charger for a phone typically costs $15 to $40 depending on the brand and where you buy it. Retail stores like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy stock chargers for common devices and can sell you one the same day. Online retailers take longer but often cost less.

Key Takeaways

  • A compatible charger from a friend or store is the fastest and most reliable option, and you only need to match the connector type and wattage.
  • A USB power bank can charge your device without a wall outlet and works with any charger cable you already own.
  • A car charger plugs into your vehicle's 12-volt outlet and charges while you drive, useful if you are away from home.
  • A solar charger or hand-crank charger works in emergencies when no power outlet is available, though both charge slowly.
  • A computer or laptop with a USB port can charge some devices through a USB cable, but the charge will be very slow.

Using a power bank when you are away from outlets

A power bank is a portable battery that stores charge and transfers it to your device through a USB cable. You charge the power bank itself at home or at any outlet, then carry it with you to charge your phone or tablet on the go. Power banks range from small (fits in a pocket, charges a phone once) to large (charges a phone three to five times), and cost $15 to $60 depending on capacity.

To use a power bank, plug your device's charging cable into the power bank's USB port instead of a wall charger. The power bank will deliver charge to your device until the power bank itself runs out. Most power banks have a button you press to turn them on, and an LED display or lights that show how much charge remains.

Power banks work with any USB cable, so if you have a cable but no charger, a power bank solves the problem without buying a new charger. The downside is that you have to remember to charge the power bank itself before you leave home, and it adds weight to carry.

Charging from a car's 12-volt outlet

A car charger plugs into your vehicle's 12-volt power outlet (the round socket, sometimes called a cigarette lighter) and charges your device while you drive. Car chargers cost $10 to $30 and come with a USB port where you plug in your device's cable, or with the cable built in. You can buy one at any gas station, auto parts store, or retailer.

Car chargers are useful if you spend time driving and need to charge without stopping at a store or home. They charge at the same speed as a wall charger, so your device will gain a meaningful charge during a drive of an hour or more. The limitation is that you can only use it while in the vehicle and while the engine is running (or the battery is on).

Before you buy a car charger, confirm that your vehicle has a 12-volt outlet. Newer cars sometimes replace this with USB ports built into the dashboard, in which case you can plug your cable directly into those ports without buying anything.

Solar and hand-crank chargers for emergencies

A solar charger is a small panel that converts sunlight into electrical charge and can power your device or charge a power bank. A hand-crank charger uses a mechanical crank you turn by hand to generate charge. Both work without any outlet or external power source, making them useful in emergencies, camping, or travel to remote areas.

Solar chargers are slow — a small panel in direct sunlight may take eight to twelve hours to fully charge a phone. Hand-crank chargers are even slower and require physical effort, but they work in any weather and at any time. Both cost $20 to $50 and are bulky compared to a power bank, so most people buy them only if they regularly spend time without access to outlets.

If you are in an emergency and have neither a charger nor access to a store, a solar charger is worth having on hand. If you are straightforward away from home for a few hours, a power bank or car charger is far more practical.

Charging through a computer or laptop

Many computers and laptops have USB ports that can deliver a small amount of charge to a phone or tablet. If you have a USB cable that matches your device's connector, plug one end into the computer's USB port and the other into your device. The device will begin charging, though very slowly — a phone might gain 5 to 10 percent charge per hour depending on the computer and cable.

This method works best as a temporary solution when you are already at a desk or table with a computer running. It is too slow to be practical for regular charging, and it drains the computer's battery if the computer itself is not plugged in. Newer computers with USB-C ports deliver more power than older ones with standard USB ports, so the charge speed varies.

If the computer is a laptop, make sure it is plugged into wall power before you charge your device from it. Charging from a laptop battery will drain the laptop quickly and leave you with two dead devices instead of one.

What to avoid when charging without a proper charger

Do not use a charger meant for a different device unless you have confirmed the connector and wattage match. A charger with the wrong connector will not fit, and forcing it can damage both the charger and your device. A charger with much lower wattage will charge so slowly that it may not work at all while you are using the device.

Do not leave a device charging unattended for very long periods using an unfamiliar charger, especially if the charger feels hot. Most modern devices have built-in protection against overcharging, but older devices or low-quality chargers may not. If a charger smells like plastic burning or becomes too hot to touch, unplug it when ready.

Do not attempt to charge a battery by connecting it directly to wires or terminals without proper equipment. This is dangerous and can cause the battery to overheat, leak, or catch fire. Always use a proper charger or power bank designed for your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge my phone with a charger made for a different brand?

Yes, if the connector type is the same. Most modern phones use USB-C, and many Android phones use Micro-USB. If two devices have the same connector, they can usually share a charger. Apple devices use Lightning connectors, which are not compatible with other brands. Check your device's manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm the connector type before borrowing a charger.

How long does it take to charge a phone with a power bank?

A power bank charges a phone at roughly the same speed as a wall charger — typically one to two hours for a full charge, depending on the power bank's capacity and your phone's battery size. A small power bank may charge your phone only partway before the power bank itself runs out of charge. Larger power banks can charge a phone multiple times before needing to be recharged themselves.

Is it safe to charge my device overnight with a borrowed charger?

It is generally safe if the charger is from a reputable brand and matches your device's connector and wattage. Modern phones have built-in protection that stops charging once the battery is full, so leaving it plugged in overnight will not damage the battery. If the charger feels unusually hot, smells like burning plastic, or is visibly damaged, unplug it and do not use it.

What is the difference between a USB-C charger and a Micro-USB charger?

They are two different connector types that are not compatible with each other. USB-C is newer, smaller, and reversible (you can plug it in either way). Micro-USB is older and has a specific orientation. Most newer Android phones and tablets use USB-C, while older Android devices use Micro-USB. Check your device's charging port to see which type you need.

Can I use a fast charger on a device that normally uses a slow charger?

Yes, in most cases. Modern devices negotiate with the charger to draw only the power they need, so a fast charger will not damage a device designed for slower charging. The device will straightforward charge at its normal speed. The exception is very old devices, which may not have this protection — if you are unsure, check the manufacturer's website or use a charger rated for your specific device.