Guidance to charge your gadgets

You might believe that charging your devices is as easy as plugging them in at night and unplugging them in the morning. In reality, it's more complicated than that. With our advice, you can charge your devices more quickly and affordably.First of all, despite the words becoming common, there is no such thing as an "Android charger" or an "iPhone charger." The three most common charging port types are microUSB, USB-C, and lightning.

Plugging away

Therefore, you might be able to get by by borrowing a suitable cable from another device until you can buy a replacement if you lose the charging cord for your phone or have left it at work.

You can probably use another that you already possess if you merely misplaced your phone's charger and not the charging cord. Either USB-A ports or USB-C ports are utilized by all smartphone charging connectors. Not only is USB-A the most commonly used port on charging plugs, but it is also the type of USB connection that is frequently seen on computers and is hence popularly recognized simply as USB.The most prevalent form of charging port you'll come across is a USB-A port. Lightning and USB-C connectors have a similar appearance; however, USB-C ports may be identified by their visible "prong," which is a standard feature of all USB ports. As a result, many charging cords include a microUSB, Lightning, or USB-C connector on the device end and a USB-A connector on the charger end.

Therefore, when purchasing replacement or extra units, it only makes sense to select a charging plug with a USB-A connector, as it can charge nearly anything. However, there is a very strong reason to select a charger with a USB-C connection if your phone, tablet, or computer supports a Lightning or USB-C connector: rapid charging.

Fast charging

The time it takes to fully recharge a flat battery will often be cut in half via fast charging. However, it must be supported by both your phone and your charging cable.Fast charging is done according to the USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) industry standard. All you need is a charging cable with USB-C connections on both ends and a charging outlet with a USB-C port to charge Android phones that support it.Under a variety of brand names, including QuickCharge, SuperCharge, Pump Express, and VOOC, certain Android phone makers provide proprietary USB-PD substitutes for sale.These are said to provide even quicker charging speeds; however, you must use the proper charging socket for your phone because the necessary connectors are frequently incompatible with one another. However, they are all USB-PD compatible, so you can always rely on that.Contrary to widespread opinion, quick charging is also beneficial for iPhones. The essential Lightning-to-USB-C cable is only included in the package with the iPhone 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, and all later iPhones, but you can purchase one separately and use it with any iPhone, dating all the way back to the iPhone 8.You don’t have to miss out if you own an older iPhone.

According to independent research by Macworld US, charging an iPhone via an iPad charger significantly reduces charging times, sometimes even to USB-PD levels with some iPhones. This is advantageous, regardless of whether you currently own an iPad charger or wish to purchase one in order to avoid paying for a Lightning-to-USB-C cord.

Charging top tips

You may securely utilize your USB-C laptop charger to recharge your phone as long as you're using a USB-C charging connector and cable from a reliable brand. However, not all USB-C charging outlets and cables made specifically for phones can sustain the higher wattages needed by laptops, so the reverse won't always be feasible.

Smartphone lithium-ion batteries do not enjoy extreme heat or cold. Researchers advise against charging your phone in temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit or above 35 degrees Celsius.It takes longer for your phone to achieve 100% charge than, say, 50% since batteries don't charge at a consistent rate. There is no need for concern because this behavior is usual.Consider charging your phone only to 80% in order to extend the battery's useful life, especially if you work from home more often than you do outside.