You can charge your phone with a different charger, a computer, a power bank, or even another phone
Your phone will charge with almost any USB cable and power adapter that match its port type — you do not need the original charger. The key is matching the port: USB-C phones need USB-C cables, Lightning phones need Lightning cables, and older Micro-USB phones need Micro-USB cables. Any charger with the right port will work, whether it came with a different phone, a tablet, or something else entirely.
If you have lost or broken your charger, you have several working options right now. Some are faster than others, and some work only if you have other devices nearby. This guide walks you through each one so you can pick what works for your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Any charger with the correct port type will charge your phone — the brand does not matter, and you do not need the original.
- USB-C is the fastest and most common port on newer phones; Micro-USB is older and slower; Lightning is Apple-only.
- A computer's USB port charges your phone slowly but works in a pinch, and you can leave it plugged in overnight.
- Power banks hold a charge and let you charge your phone anywhere, making them useful if you are away from outlets.
- Some phones can share battery with each other using a cable, though this drains the donor phone quickly.
Buying a replacement charger that matches your port
The fastest solution is to buy a new charger with the correct port. Walk into any electronics store, pharmacy, or big-box retailer and ask for a charger that fits your phone's port type. You can also order one online and have it arrive within a day or two. A basic charger costs between $10 and $25 depending on the brand and how fast it charges.
When you buy, check your phone's port before you leave the store. Plug the charger in and make sure it fits snugly and your phone recognizes it — you will see a charging symbol on your screen. If the port feels loose or your phone does not show the charging symbol within a few seconds, try a different charger. A charger that does not fit properly can damage your phone's port over time.
Faster chargers (marked 20W, 30W, or higher) will charge your phone quicker than slower ones (5W or 10W), but any charger will work. If you charge overnight, a slower charger is fine. If you need your phone charged in an hour, a faster one saves time.
Charging from a computer or laptop
Plug your phone into your computer's USB port with the correct cable, and it will charge — just very slowly. A computer's USB port provides less power than a wall charger, so your phone might charge at one-quarter the speed or slower. This method works best if you can leave your phone plugged in for several hours or overnight.
Newer computers with USB-C ports charge faster than older ones with regular USB ports. If your computer has both types, use the USB-C port. Your phone will show a charging symbol, though it may say "charging slowly" on the lock screen. This is normal and not harmful — your phone will still charge fully, just more slowly.
This method works anywhere you have a computer: at home, at work, at a library, or at a friend's house. You do not need to buy anything if you already have the right cable.
Using a power bank to charge on the go
A power bank is a portable battery that holds a charge and lets you charge your phone without an outlet. You charge the power bank from a wall outlet when you are home, then carry it with you. When your phone battery runs low, you plug your phone into the power bank instead of searching for an outlet.
Power banks range from small (fits in a pocket, charges your phone once) to large (charges your phone three or four times). They cost between $15 and $60 depending on size and speed. Buy one with a USB-C port if your phone has USB-C, or the port type that matches your phone.
To use a power bank, plug your phone's cable into the power bank's output port, then plug your phone into the other end of the cable. A light on the power bank will show how much charge it has left. When the power bank is empty, plug it into a wall charger to refill it. Power banks are useful if you travel, spend long days away from outlets, or want a backup when your charger breaks.
Sharing battery between two phones
Some newer phones can share their battery with another phone using a cable. This is called reverse charging or battery sharing. If you have two phones and one has a full battery, you can use a cable to charge the other one from the first phone's battery.
To try this, connect both phones with a USB-C cable (the phone with the full battery and the phone that needs charging). On the phone with the full battery, look in Settings for an option like "Battery Share" or "Wireless PowerShare" and turn it on. Your phone will drain quickly — expect to add only 10 to 20 percent to the other phone before the donor phone's battery gets too low to continue.
This method works only if both phones support it and both have USB-C ports. It is useful only in an emergency when you have another phone nearby with a full battery. It is not a long-term solution because it drains the donor phone so fast.
Charging from a car charger or portable outlet
If you are in a car, a car charger plugs into your vehicle's 12-volt outlet (the round socket, sometimes called a cigarette lighter) and charges your phone while you drive. Car chargers cost $10 to $30 and come with a USB port or USB-C port. Plug your phone's cable into the car charger's port, and your phone will charge at normal speed.
Some cars have built-in USB ports in the dashboard or center console. If yours does, plug your phone's cable directly into that port — no separate charger needed. Check your car's manual to find where the USB ports are located.
If you are away from a car and a computer, a portable outlet (sometimes called a power inverter) can plug into a car's 12-volt outlet and provide a regular wall outlet. You can then plug a standard wall charger into it. These are more expensive ($40 to $100) and are useful mainly if you travel long distances by car.
What to avoid when charging without your original charger
Do not use a charger with a visibly damaged cable, frayed wires, or a cracked plug. A damaged charger can overheat, damage your phone's battery, or cause a fire. If a charger looks broken, throw it away and buy a new one.
Do not force a cable into your phone's port. If it does not slide in smoothly, stop and check that you have the right port type. Forcing the wrong cable can bend the metal pins inside your phone's port and make it impossible to charge later. If you are not sure which port your phone has, look it up online or ask at a store before you buy a charger.
Do not leave your phone charging in extreme heat or cold. Charging in a hot car or in freezing temperatures can damage the battery. Charge your phone indoors at room temperature when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a charger from a different phone brand?
Yes, as long as the port matches. A Samsung charger works with any phone that has a USB-C port, including iPhones with USB-C. The brand does not matter — only the port type. Check your phone's port before you buy to make sure they match.
Will a fast charger damage my phone's battery?
No. Modern phones are designed to work with fast chargers safely. A fast charger will charge your phone quicker without harming the battery. If you prefer slower charging, you can use a slower charger instead — your phone will work fine either way.
How long does it take to charge a phone from a computer?
Charging from a computer's USB port typically takes two to four times longer than charging from a wall outlet. If a wall charger takes one hour, a computer might take three to four hours. Overnight charging from a computer works well if you have the time.
Can I charge my phone with a phone charger from 10 years ago?
Only if it has the same port type as your current phone. Older phones used Micro-USB, which is different from the USB-C or Lightning ports on newer phones. If the old charger's port does not match your phone's port, it will not fit. Check your phone's port before trying an old charger.
What is the safest way to charge without the original charger?
Buy a new charger from a reputable store that matches your phone's port type. This is the safest and fastest option. If you need to charge right now, use a computer's USB port — it is slow but safe. Avoid very cheap chargers from unknown sellers, as they may overheat or damage your battery.