What Charger Your iPhone 13 Actually Needs

iPhone 13 uses USB-C to Lightning cable with a USB-C power adapter

The iPhone 13 charges through a Lightning port, which is the small connector on the bottom of the phone. Apple includes a USB-C to Lightning cable in the box, but does not include a power adapter. You need a separate USB-C power adapter — the kind with a USB-C port where you plug in the cable.

This is different from older iPhones, which came with a USB-A to Lightning cable (the wider, flat connector). If you have cables from an iPhone 12 or earlier, those cables will not work with the iPhone 13 unless you also have a USB-C adapter to plug them into.

Apple sells official USB-C adapters in 20W, 35W, and 67W versions. You do not need the most powerful one — a 20W adapter charges the iPhone 13 at normal speed. The higher wattages are useful if you charge multiple devices at once or want faster charging on a larger device like an iPad.

Key Takeaways

The iPhone 13 comes with a USB-C to Lightning cable but no power adapter, so you must buy an adapter separately.
You need a USB-C power adapter, not the older USB-A adapters that came with previous iPhones.
A 20W USB-C adapter is sufficient for normal charging speed on the iPhone 13.
Third-party USB-C adapters from brands like Anker and Belkin work just as well as Apple's official adapters and often cost less.
If you have an older iPhone cable with a wider USB-A connector, it will not work with the iPhone 13 without a USB-C adapter.

Why Apple switched from USB-A to USB-C

For years, iPhones used a Lightning port paired with USB-A adapters — the rectangular connector that was standard on most electronics. USB-C is smaller, faster, and reversible (you can plug it in either way without looking). It is also the connector standard on most Android phones, tablets, and laptops.

Apple began moving to USB-C on iPhones starting with the iPhone 15 in 2023. The iPhone 13, released in 2021, still uses the Lightning port but switched the cable to USB-C on the adapter end. This means you can use the same cable and adapter across more of your devices if you own other USB-C products.

What adapters work with iPhone 13

Any USB-C power adapter will charge an iPhone 13, whether it is made by Apple or another brand. The cable that matters is the USB-C to Lightning cable — that one must have Lightning on the phone end. The USB-C side is standard across all brands.

Common third-party options include Anker, Belkin, and Amazon Basics USB-C adapters. These are cheaper than Apple's official adapters and perform the same function. Look for one rated at least 20W if you want normal charging speed, or 30W or higher if you plan to charge other devices at the same time.

Avoid very cheap adapters with no brand name or reviews. A poorly made power adapter can damage your phone's battery over time or fail suddenly. Stick to brands with clear product reviews and a warranty.

Fast charging and wireless charging on iPhone 13

The iPhone 13 supports fast charging up to 27W with a compatible USB-C adapter and cable. To reach that speed, you need both a high-wattage adapter (at least 30W) and the official Apple USB-C to Lightning cable, or a third-party cable certified by Apple's MFi program.

The iPhone 13 also supports wireless charging using any Qi-certified wireless charger — the kind you place the phone on without plugging in a cable. Wireless charging is slower than wired charging and does not require any special adapter, just a wireless pad you can buy separately.

Common mistakes when charging iPhone 13

The most common mistake is trying to use an old USB-A to Lightning cable with the iPhone 13. These cables are not compatible with USB-C adapters. If you have a drawer full of old iPhone cables, they will not work unless you buy a USB-A to USB-C adapter to go between the cable and the power outlet — but that is awkward and defeats the purpose of switching to USB-C.

Another mistake is buying a very cheap USB-C cable without checking if it is certified. Uncertified cables can fail quickly or deliver power inconsistently. Look for cables labeled as MFi-certified (Made for iPhone) or buy directly from a brand with good reviews.

Some people also assume they need the most expensive adapter. A 20W adapter is genuinely sufficient for the iPhone 13. You only need 30W or higher if you are charging multiple devices or want the fastest possible charging speed, which makes a difference of only a few minutes.

Where to buy the right cable and adapter

Apple's official USB-C to Lightning cable and adapters are available on Apple.com and at Apple Stores. A 20W adapter costs around $19, and the cable alone costs around $19.

Third-party options are widely available at electronics retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart. Anker and Belkin USB-C adapters typically cost $10 to $15 for a 20W model. Make sure the product listing clearly states it includes a USB-C port and is rated for at least 20W.

If you already own a USB-C adapter from another device — a laptop charger, iPad charger, or Android phone charger — you can use that with the iPhone 13 cable. The adapter is the part that plugs into the wall; the cable is the part that connects to the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old iPhone charger with the iPhone 13?

Only if it is a USB-C adapter. Old USB-A adapters (the wider rectangular connectors) will not work with the iPhone 13 cable. If you have a USB-A to Lightning cable, you would need to buy a USB-C adapter separately, which is more expensive than just buying a new USB-C cable and adapter together.

Is the USB-C to Lightning cable included in the iPhone 13 box?

Yes, the cable is included, but the power adapter is not. You must buy a USB-C power adapter separately. This is why many people are surprised when they unbox a new iPhone 13 and cannot charge it right away without buying an adapter.

Do I need an Apple charger or can I use a different brand?

Any USB-C power adapter works with the iPhone 13. Third-party brands like Anker and Belkin are safe and cheaper. Just make sure it has a USB-C port, is rated at least 20W, and comes from a brand with good reviews. Avoid very cheap adapters with no reviews or brand name.

What is the difference between 20W, 35W, and 67W adapters?

The wattage determines how fast the adapter can deliver power. A 20W adapter charges the iPhone 13 at full speed. A 35W or 67W adapter charges at the same speed but can power multiple devices at once, or charge larger devices like iPads faster. For just an iPhone 13, 20W is enough.

Can I use a wireless charger with iPhone 13?

Yes. The iPhone 13 supports Qi wireless charging, which works with any Qi-certified wireless charger pad. You do not need a special adapter — just place the phone on the pad. Wireless charging is slower than wired charging and you buy the pad separately.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.