What to do when you don't have the right charger
If your charger is broken, lost, or incompatible with your device, you have several real options before the battery dies. The fastest route depends on what device you have, what chargers are nearby, and how much battery you have left right now.
The most reliable methods are borrowing a compatible charger, using a universal charging cable, or finding a public charging station. Each has different trade-offs between speed, safety, and what you need to do to make it work. Some methods drain your battery faster than others, and some carry small risks if done wrong.
Key Takeaways
- A USB-C, Micro-USB, or Lightning cable from another device may work if your phone or tablet uses the same port type, even if the charger brick is different.
- Public charging stations at libraries, coffee shops, airports, and malls are free and usually available during business hours, though they may be slower than home chargers.
- Car chargers, portable battery packs, and universal charging cables are inexpensive backup options that work across multiple device types.
- Charging from a computer USB port is slow but safe and works in a pinch if you have access to a laptop or desktop.
- Wireless charging pads work only on compatible phones and tablets, but they are useful if your charging port is damaged.
Borrow a cable or charger from someone nearby
The simplest solution is often the one in front of you. If a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor has a charger that matches your device's port, you can use it right away. The cable and charger brick do not have to be the exact same brand — what matters is the port type.
Check what port your device uses. Most Android phones and tablets use USB-C or Micro-USB. iPhones and iPads use Lightning connectors. If someone nearby has a charger with the same port, you can borrow it without risk. The charger will deliver power at whatever speed it is designed for, which is safe for your device.
If you borrow a charger, return it as soon as your battery is charged enough to get through your day. Many people rely on their own chargers and will need them back quickly.
Use a public charging station
Libraries, coffee shops, airports, shopping malls, and community centers often have charging stations or outlets you can use for free. This is a good option if you need to charge for an hour or more and do not have access to a home charger.
Call ahead or check the location's website to confirm they have charging available and what hours they are open. Bring your own cable if you can — public stations sometimes have cables, but they may be damaged, slow, or incompatible with your device. If you use a public outlet, stay with your device or keep it in sight. Do not leave it unattended for long periods.
Charging at a public station is slower than charging at home because the outlets may deliver less power, and the cables may be worn. Plan for 50 percent to 100 percent more time than you would need at home.
Charge from a computer or laptop
If you have access to a desktop computer or laptop, you can plug your device into a USB port on the computer itself. This works with any device that has a USB cable — you just need the right cable for your port type.
Computer USB ports deliver power slowly, usually at about one-quarter the speed of a wall charger. A full charge can take four to six hours. This method is safe and does not damage your device, but it is best used when you have time to wait or when you need to charge overnight.
Your device will charge faster if the computer is plugged into power rather than running on battery. If the computer goes to sleep, charging may slow down or stop, so check your computer's sleep settings before you leave it unattended.
Buy or borrow a portable battery pack
A portable battery pack (also called a power bank) is a small device that stores electrical charge and can charge your phone or tablet without needing an outlet. They range from the size of a lipstick to the size of a deck of cards, and they cost between $15 and $50 depending on capacity and speed.
Portable battery packs come with built-in cables or USB ports where you can plug in your own cable. Some have USB-C, some have Micro-USB, and some have both. If you buy one, choose a model with the port type that matches your device. If you borrow one, check that it has the right port before you leave.
A portable battery pack can charge your phone once or twice, depending on the pack's capacity and your phone's battery size. They are useful to keep at home or in a bag as a backup. Charge the battery pack itself whenever you are near an outlet, so it is ready when you need it.
Use a car charger if you are driving
If you are in a car, a car charger plugs into the vehicle's 12-volt outlet (the socket that used to be called a cigarette lighter). Car chargers are inexpensive — usually $10 to $25 — and they charge your device at roughly the same speed as a wall charger.
Buy a car charger with the right port for your device, or buy a universal car charger that has multiple ports. Keep it in your car so it is there when you need it. Charging while you drive is safe and does not damage your device or your car.
If you are borrowing a car, ask the owner if they have a charger you can use. Many car owners keep one in the glove compartment or center console.
Try wireless charging if your device supports it
If your phone or tablet has wireless charging, you can charge it on a wireless charging pad without plugging in a cable. Most newer iPhones and many Android phones support this feature. Tablets rarely do.
Wireless charging pads cost $15 to $40 and plug into any wall outlet. You straightforward place your device on the pad, and charging begins. Wireless charging is slower than cable charging — it usually takes 50 percent longer — but it is convenient if your charging port is damaged or if you want to charge without handling cables.
Wireless charging works through a thin case, but thick cases or metal cases may block the signal. If charging does not start, try removing the case or moving the device to a different spot on the pad.
Charge more slowly using a USB cable alone
If you have a USB cable that matches your device's port but no charger brick, you can still charge by plugging the cable into any USB power source. This includes computer USB ports, car USB ports, or even some USB wall outlets designed for charging.
Charging this way is very slow — often taking six to eight hours for a full charge — but it works in a pinch. The cable itself does not store power; it only carries power from the source to your device. Make sure the source is actually providing power before you assume nothing is happening.
This method is safe for your device. USB cables are designed to carry power safely, and your device will not be damaged by slow charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any charger with my phone?
Only if it has the same port type. A USB-C charger works with any USB-C device, a Lightning charger works with any iPhone or iPad, and a Micro-USB charger works with older Android devices. The brand does not matter, but the port must match. Using the wrong port type can damage your device.
Is it safe to charge from a public outlet?
Yes, as long as you use your own cable or a cable provided by the location. Public outlets are safe to use. The main risk is leaving your device unattended, so keep it in sight or in your bag while it charges.
Why does my device charge slowly from a computer?
Computer USB ports deliver less power than wall chargers. A wall charger usually delivers 5 to 20 watts, while a computer USB port delivers 2.5 to 5 watts. This is normal and does not damage your device — it just takes longer.
What should I do if my charging port is damaged?
If your port is cracked, loose, or not accepting a cable, wireless charging is your best option if your device supports it. Otherwise, you will need to have the port repaired or replaced by a technician. In the meantime, a portable battery pack can keep your device running.
How long does a portable battery pack last?
A portable battery pack can charge your phone once or twice, depending on the pack's capacity and your phone's battery size. A small pack (5,000 mAh) charges most phones once. A larger pack (20,000 mAh) can charge a phone three to four times. Check the pack's capacity before you buy.