What you can actually do when you don't have the right charger
If you have lost or forgotten a charger, you have a few real options depending on what device and battery you are dealing with. The most practical routes are borrowing a compatible charger, using a USB cable with a power source you already have, or in some cases building a temporary power source from household items. What works depends on whether your device uses a standard connector (like USB-C or micro-USB) or a proprietary one, and whether the battery is removable.
The honest part: some of these methods work better than others, and some can damage your battery if done wrong. A phone with a USB-C port is far easier to charge without its original charger than a device with a custom connector. A removable battery gives you more options than a sealed one.
Key Takeaways
- If your device has a standard port like USB-C or micro-USB, any charger using that same connector will work, even if it came with a different device.
- Borrowing a charger from a friend with the same device type is the safest option and the least likely to damage your battery.
- USB power banks and car chargers designed for your device type work as well as wall chargers and are easier to find if you are away from home.
- Makeshift charging methods like solar chargers or DIY circuits can work for emergencies but carry real risks of overcharging or short circuits.
- If your battery is removable, you can charge it separately in a universal battery charger instead of charging it inside the device.
Borrowing a charger that matches your port type
The fastest and safest option is to borrow a charger with the same connector as your device. If you have a phone with USB-C, any USB-C charger will work — it does not have to be from the same brand. The same is true for micro-USB, Lightning (Apple), or any other standard connector. The charger does not even have to be designed for phones; a USB-C charger from a laptop or tablet will charge a phone just fine.
Ask friends, family, or coworkers if they have a spare charger. If you are at work, check with IT or facilities — many offices keep spare chargers for common devices. If you are traveling, hotels often have chargers at the front desk, and some airports have charging stations or shops that sell universal chargers.
The reason this is safe: your device controls how much power it draws from the charger. A charger rated for higher power will not damage a phone that only needs lower power. Your phone simply takes what it needs.
Using a power bank or car charger you already own
If you have a USB power bank (a portable battery pack), check whether it has a USB-C, micro-USB, or Lightning output port. If it matches your device, plug in and charge. Power banks are designed to charge phones and tablets, so this is a safe option. The charge will be slower than a wall charger, but it works.
A car charger with the right connector also works. Plug it into your car's 12-volt outlet and connect your device. This is useful if you are driving or stuck in a car for a while. Car chargers typically deliver the same power as wall chargers, so charging speed is comparable.
If your power bank or car charger has a USB-A port (the older rectangular connector) but your device needs USB-C or micro-USB, you can buy a cheap adapter cable. These cost a few dollars and work reliably. A USB-A to USB-C cable, for example, lets you use any USB-A charger with a USB-C device.
Removing and charging a replaceable battery separately
Some devices — particularly older phones, some cameras, and handheld gaming devices — have batteries you can remove. If yours does, you can take the battery out and charge it in a universal battery charger, a device designed to charge loose batteries of various sizes.
Universal chargers are sold online and at electronics stores. They typically cost $15 to $40 and work with AA, AAA, 9-volt, and other common battery sizes. Some also handle camera batteries and phone batteries with the right adapter. This method is useful if you are at home or near a store, because you need to buy the charger first.
To do this: power off your device, remove the battery (usually by opening a panel on the back), place the battery in the universal charger, and plug the charger into a wall outlet. The charger will show when the battery is full. Then reinsert the battery into your device.
Solar chargers and emergency charging methods
Solar chargers exist and do work, but they are slow and only practical if you have several hours of direct sunlight and are willing to wait. A small solar panel charger might deliver enough power to charge a phone halfway in a full day of sun. They are useful as backup for camping or emergencies, but not for getting a quick charge in a city.
Some people build temporary chargers from batteries and wires, but this carries real risks. If you connect the wrong wires to the wrong terminals, you can short-circuit the battery, cause it to overheat, or damage your device. Unless you understand electronics, this is not worth the risk. A damaged battery can fail suddenly or become a fire hazard.
If you are truly stuck without any charger and no way to borrow one, a solar charger is safer than a DIY circuit. It is slow, but it will not damage your device.
What not to do: chargers that can damage your battery
Do not use a charger with the wrong voltage or connector type. A charger designed for a different device might have a connector that physically fits but delivers the wrong power. For example, some older devices used barrel connectors that look similar but carry different voltages. Using the wrong one can fry your device's charging circuit.
Do not leave a device charging unattended for days on end, especially with a charger that is not designed for it. Modern phones have safeguards against overcharging, but older devices or devices with damaged batteries can overheat if left plugged in too long. If you charge overnight, that is fine — just do not leave it plugged in for 48 hours straight.
Do not charge a wet device. If your phone got wet, let it dry completely before plugging it in. Charging a wet device can cause a short circuit inside the battery or charging port.
Checking if a charger is safe to use
Before you use a borrowed charger, check three things. First, does the connector physically fit? If it does not slide in smoothly, do not force it. Second, does the charger have the same connector type as your device? USB-C, micro-USB, and Lightning are the three most common. Third, if the charger has a label, does it list a voltage? Most phone chargers are 5 volts. If the label says something very different (like 12 volts or 19 volts), it is probably designed for a laptop or other device and you should not use it on a phone.
If you are unsure, ask the person who owns the charger what device it came with. If it came with a phone or tablet similar to yours, it is safe to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge my phone with a laptop charger?
Only if the laptop charger has a USB port or a connector that matches your phone. Most laptop chargers have barrel connectors and deliver 19 or 20 volts, which will damage a phone. But if your laptop charger has a USB-C port and your phone also uses USB-C, it is safe — laptop chargers often deliver more power than phone chargers, so your phone will charge faster.
Is it safe to charge overnight with a borrowed charger?
Yes, as long as the charger is the right type for your device. Modern phones have circuits that stop charging once the battery is full, so leaving it plugged in overnight will not overcharge it. The main risk is if the charger is damaged or the wrong voltage — in that case, do not use it at all.
What if my device has a proprietary charger I cannot find?
Check online retailers and the device manufacturer's website. Proprietary chargers are usually more expensive than standard ones, but they are still available. If the device is very old, the manufacturer may no longer make the charger, but third-party makers often sell compatible replacements. Read reviews before buying to make sure it is reliable.
Can I use a fast charger on a device that normally uses a slow charger?
Yes. Your device will draw only the power it needs, so a fast charger will not damage it. The phone will charge at its normal speed, not faster. Fast chargers are useful if you have multiple devices and want one charger that works for all of them.
What is the difference between a power bank and a charger?
A power bank is a portable battery that stores charge and can charge your device when you are away from a wall outlet. A charger plugs into a wall outlet and delivers power directly to your device. Both work, but a power bank is slower and eventually runs out of charge itself.