iPhone 14 comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable, but no power adapter in the box

Apple stopped including a power adapter with iPhone 14 in 2022. You get a USB-C to USB-C cable inside the box, but you need to provide your own wall adapter — the brick that plugs into the outlet. This is true for all iPhone 14 models: the standard iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

If you already own an adapter that has a USB-C port on it, you can use that when ready. If you only have older Lightning cables or USB-A adapters from previous iPhones, you will need to buy a USB-C power adapter separately.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone 14 requires a USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB-C power adapter; neither comes in the box.
  • Any USB-C power adapter will work, including ones from other brands — you do not need an Apple-branded adapter.
  • Fast charging on iPhone 14 requires at least a 20-watt adapter; the Pro models support up to 30 watts.
  • Wireless charging still works with iPhone 14 and does not require any cable or adapter.
  • Older Lightning cables from iPhone 13 and earlier will not work with iPhone 14.

What wattage adapter you need depends on how fast you want to charge

iPhone 14 will charge with any USB-C adapter, but the speed varies by wattage. A 5-watt adapter (the smallest common size) will charge your phone, but very slowly — it may take several hours to reach 100 percent. A 10-watt adapter is faster but still not quick.

For practical daily charging, Apple recommends at least a 20-watt USB-C adapter. This reaches 50 percent charge in roughly 30 minutes on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max support up to 30 watts, which charges slightly faster, but the difference is small — you do not need to buy a 30-watt adapter unless you already own one.

You do not have to buy an Apple adapter. Any USB-C power adapter from any brand — Anker, Belkin, Samsung, or others — will work as long as it meets the wattage you want. Third-party adapters are often cheaper than Apple's official ones and perform the same function.

Wireless charging and MagSafe are built in and do not need a separate cable

iPhone 14 has Qi wireless charging built into the back. You can place it on any Qi-compatible wireless charging pad or stand, and it will charge without plugging in a cable. Wireless charging is slower than wired charging — it typically reaches full charge in 2 to 3 hours — but it is convenient if you leave your phone on a desk or nightstand.

iPhone 14 also has MagSafe, which is a ring of magnets around the wireless charging coil. MagSafe lets you attach magnetic accessories — cases, wallets, or car mounts — that snap into place and align properly for charging. MagSafe chargers are wireless chargers with a magnetic ring, so they work the same way as regular Qi pads but hold the phone in position.

Neither wireless charging nor MagSafe requires a separate cable beyond what you already have. You plug the wireless charger into a power outlet using its own cable, then place your phone on top.

USB-C is the same port used by many other devices

The shift to USB-C means iPhone 14 now uses the same charging port as most Android phones, iPads, MacBooks, and many other electronics. If you own a laptop, tablet, or Android phone, you may already have USB-C adapters and cables around your home or office.

This also means you can charge iPhone 14 with the same adapter you use for other devices, as long as the wattage is sufficient. A USB-C adapter that charges your laptop will charge your iPhone 14, though it may be larger and heavier than necessary for daily use.

Older iPhone chargers will not work with iPhone 14

If you have an iPhone 13, iPhone 12, or any earlier model, the charging cable is Lightning, not USB-C. Lightning cables will not physically fit into iPhone 14's USB-C port. You cannot use your old Lightning cable or adapter with iPhone 14, even with an adapter.

If you have multiple Lightning cables and adapters from previous iPhones, they will not transfer to iPhone 14. However, they will still work with any older iPhone you keep, so you do not need to throw them away.

What to buy if you do not have a USB-C adapter

If you need to buy a power adapter, look for one labeled "USB-C" or "USB-C PD" (Power Delivery). The wattage should be at least 20 watts for standard iPhone 14, or 30 watts if you want the fastest charging the Pro models support. Most USB-C adapters sold today are 20 watts or higher.

You will also need a USB-C to USB-C cable if you do not already have one. The cable that comes in the iPhone 14 box is the right one, but if you lose it or want a spare, any USB-C to USB-C cable works — you do not need an Apple-branded cable.

If you travel frequently or want to charge multiple devices, a multi-port USB-C adapter (one with two or three USB-C ports) lets you plug in several devices at once. These are sold by many manufacturers and are often cheaper than buying separate adapters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old iPhone charger with iPhone 14?

No, if it is a Lightning charger from iPhone 13 or earlier. Lightning cables do not fit iPhone 14's USB-C port. If your old charger has a USB-C port, it will work with iPhone 14.

Do I have to buy an Apple charger?

No. Any USB-C power adapter from any brand works with iPhone 14. Third-party adapters are often cheaper and perform identically. The only requirement is that it has a USB-C port and meets the wattage you need.

Is wireless charging slower than wired charging?

Yes. Wireless charging typically takes 2 to 3 hours to fully charge iPhone 14, while wired charging with a 20-watt adapter takes about an hour. If you need a quick charge, use the USB-C cable.

What wattage adapter do I actually need?

For daily use, 20 watts is sufficient for iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. The Pro models support up to 30 watts, but the speed difference is small. Anything lower than 20 watts will charge your phone but much more slowly.

Can I charge iPhone 14 with a laptop charger?

Yes, if your laptop charger has a USB-C port. Many modern laptops use USB-C, and their chargers will work with iPhone 14. The charger may be larger than necessary, but it will not damage your phone.