The Best Power Banks of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
If I have the choice between a device that uses conventional batteries or one that uses rechargeable batteries, I’ll always go with rechargeable. But that means I need to maintain that device, which is why a portable power bank comes with me on nearly every trip. Over the past month, I’ve tested a dozen of the top rated power banks, and from that initial pool, I’ve narrowed it down to the six best power banks.
It doesn’t matter if I’m spending time outdoors or traveling, I’ll need to recharge something, and will inevitably use a power bank. My picks for the best power banks have been used while in the outdoors as well as for everyday use and holiday travel. They’ve juiced up headlamps, GoPros, my iPhone, and even other power banks. After all that field testing, here are my findings and recommendations for the best power banks.
- Best Overall:Anker PowerCore Slim 10,000 mAh
- Best Solar:BigBlue 28-Watt Solar Charger
- Best for Fishing:Anker Solar
- Best Small:Goal Zero Flip 12
- Best for Backpacking:Anker PowerCore Essential 20,000 mAh
- Best for iPhones:Anker Powercore Magnetic 5K
How I Tested the Power Banks
I tested the power banks in three ways: First, I timed how long it takes them to fully charge and how many times they fully charged my iPhone 11 Max. Then over a one-month period I carried these portable chargers during outdoor activities in several states, on long road trips, and a fishing trip in North Carolina. During that month I subjected them to heat, cold, and water to test their durability. Finally, I weighed and measured each power bank to provide you with accurate specs.
Here are the attributes I used to evaluate the power banks:
- As advertised (Do the chargers do what the manufacturer advertises?)
- Number of charges and charge time (How many times does it charge a phone? How long does it take to charge?)
- Use in the field (Is it practical to use while hunting, fishing, camping, hiking or backpacking?)
- Durability (Can it hold up to abuse?)
- Weight (Ounces are pounds, and pounds are pain.)
Best Overall: Anker PowerCore Slim 10,000 mAh
Key Features
- 10,000 mAh
- 3-hour charge time
- Charges an iPhone twice
- One USB port
- Micro USB and USB-C input
- Weight: 8.4 ounces
- Length: 6 inches
- Width: 2.75 inches
- Depth:.5 inch
Product Overview
If you’re looking for an all-around solution, consider the PowerCore 10,000 mAh. It’s a happy medium between a small charger like the Goal Zero Flip 12 and the PowerCore 20,000 mAh. If you are going out for the day or an overnight trip, it provides plenty of juice with two phone charges. It’s also light and small enough to not take up space in a pack or
The Anker PowerCore went through three key tests: a timed charge, testing how many times it would charge my iPhone 11 Pro Max, and using the power bank in the field. One of my favorite features of this power bank is how fast it charges. In a few hours, you can bring it from dead to fully juiced and ready to hit the field. It’s fast charging ability also makes it an excellent candidate to pair with a solar panel like the BigBlue 24 watt.
In my testing, the Anker PowerCore charged my phone twice. That’s two times with the phone on and in use. So, if you keep your phone off while it’s charging, you can expect the power bank to last longer—Anker rates it at two-and-a-quarter iPhone 12 charges. I most often use this charger when I’m going to be out all day and will need to charge my phone once, along with another device like a GoPro. It would also be ideal for a two-to.three day camping trip where you need to charge your phone twice.
The Anker PowerCore is slim and light enough that you can carry it in a for everyday carry. It’s also perfect for carrying in a daypack or sling bag. Mine has been with me hunting, fishing, and traveling—it’s yet to let me down.
Best Solar: BigBlue 28-Watt Solar Charger
Key Features
- 25 Watt
- 3 USB ports
- Charges a phone in about 3 hours of full sun
- Charges a 10,000 mAh power bank in 6 hours
- Weight: 1 pound 9 ounces
- Length: 11.125 inches
- Width: 6 inches
- Depth: 1.375 inches
- Size
Product Overview
There are a lot of portable solar chargers on the market, and they range in price as much as they do in effectiveness. The BigBlue is the best solar power charger that actually works and it’s affordable. You have to manage your expectations when it comes to these small solar panels and while three hours to bring a phone to full charge seems like a lot, I think it’s pretty impressive.
Here’s the context of my testing. I tested this solar panel in the fall when the sun sits low in the sky. The first hour of the charge the panel received partial sun. I managed the position of the panel throughout the day to keep it aligned with the sun.
The first test was to see how long it took to charge a Goal Zero Flip 12, which is good for one full phone charge. That test took three hours, which is how long it takes to charge the Flip 12 when plugged into the wall. The next test was to see how long it takes to charge my pick for the best power bank, the PowerCore 10,000 mAh. After six hours in the sun the power bank was at full power.
When you’re in the field, you probably don’t have time to sit around for six hours waiting for a power bank to charge. But, that’s not the best way to use this charger. In my opinion, using the solar panel to maintain battery life rather than fully charge a device is the best use. For example, if you are glassing in the morning, you can roll out your solar charger and plug in a device. Let’s say you stay put for just an hour, that’s enough time to charge a phone 30 percent. By charging your devices a little at a time throughout your time in the field you can make your powerbank or batteries last much longer.
Best for Fishing: Anker Solar
Key Features
- Water resistant
- Solar charging
- 20,000 mAh
- Two USB ports
- One USB-C port
- Needs to be charged overnight
- Charges a phone four times
- Weight: 1 pound
- Length: 6.875 inches
- Width: 3.625 inches
- Depth: 1.125 inches
- Takes a long time to fully charge
- Heavy
Product Description
I used the Anker Solar on a few upland bird hunting trips and a trip chasing false albacore in North Carolina making this the best power bank for fishing. While chasing albies, we had one bad weather day with a lot of chop. If I wasn’t wearing a rain suit, I would have been drenched. The Anker Solar was subjected to the same salt spray and it handled it just fine. It also had plenty of power to keep my phone, and GoPros fully charged during the ten hours of fishing. After I got off the boat, I grabbed a quick dinner before heading out on kayaks for fishing dock lights at night. That few hours wasn’t enough time to get the Anker Solar back to even half charge, which is the main downside.
If you plan to use this charger for backpacking or hunting, the weight and bulk are something to consider. The Anker PowerCore 20,000 mAh is considerably lighter and smaller, but it lacks the solar charging and weather protection the Anker Solar offers. Personally, I’d rather take the PowerCore for those applications, and think the Solar shines for fishing applications.
One of the questions you probably have is: does the solar panel on this powerbank work? If you plan to use the solar panel to fully charge your power bank, you’ll be waiting a while. I tested the solar charging capabilities by placing the power bank in full sun for six hours and did not see a measurable difference in charge. However, I think if you keep this charger in the sun all day, the battery will last longer than if you didn’t have the solar panel. So, consider it more of a battery extender, rather than a charger like the BigBlue.
Best Small: Goal Zero Flip 12
Key Features
- 3,350 mAh
- One USB port
- One full phone charge
- Three-hour charge time
- Weight: 2.6 ounces
- Length: 3.75 inches
- Width:.625 inch
- Depth:.625 inch
Why it Made the Cut
This power bank weighs nothing, has a small footprint, and has enough juice to completely charge your phone.
Product Description
This Goal Zero small power bank won’t take up space in your pack and has enough juice to bring your phone from dead to fully charged. For overnight or day trips, it’s my top choice. I also like keeping this best small charger in my carry-on to keep my phone charged while traveling.
The biggest con is that its square shape makes it uncomfortable to carry in a front But, it’s at home in a cargo. fanny pack, or day pack. My favorite features of the Flip 12 are it charges quickly and it doesn’t need a charging cable—the USB is built in. I also think it’s a great companion to a solar panel like the BigBlue.
Best for Backpacking: Anker PowerCore Essential 20,000 mAh
Key Features
- 20,000 mAh
- Up to five phone charges
- USB-C and Micro USB input
- Two USB output ports
- 11 hours to fully charge the power bank
- Weight: 12 ounces
- Length: 6.25 inches
- Width: 2.875 inches
- Depth:.5 inch
Product Description
This is a power house for charging devices. Whether you’re on a short trip where you need to charge a bunch of devices or a long trip where you need to just keep a phone juiced, this is the best power bank. It weighs less than a pound and it’s easy to carry thanks to its slim profile and beveled corners.
The biggest con of the 20,000 mAh PowerCore is it takes a long time to fully charge. But, the negatives end there. The two USB ports allow you to simultaneously charge two devices. I used it to charge my phone and headlamp each night during a weekend outing. During a November fishing trip, I left the 20,000 mAh PowerCore outside in freezing temperatures. The power bank didn’t lose a bit of charge, which has been my experience with all my Anker power banks in cold weather. Granted, my cold weather in Virginia is different from Fairbanks, Alaska’s cold weather.
Best for iPhones: Anker Powercore Magnetic 5K
Key Features
- Wireless charging
- USC-C output and input
- 5,000 mAh
- Charges in three hours
- Charges a phone once
- Magnetic charging works with iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max
- Weight: 4.6 ounces
- Length: 3.625 inches
- Width: 2.437 inches
- Depth:.625 inch
Product Description
The PowerCore Magnetic 5K is a great size for everyday carry. It’s super lightweight and charges a phone fast using a USB-C charger. But, don’t buy this charger unless you have an iPhone, preferably a 12 variant, and a compatible magnetic case. If you don’t have a compatible magnetic case, you’ll have to remove your case to use the magnetic feature and you’ll be disappointed in the strength of the magnet.
But, if you do invest in a magnetic case, it’s a great wireless charger for outdoors use. Other wireless chargers aren’t practical for outdoor use because they need to be laid flat to maintain contact with your phone. But, the magnetic power bank from Anker snaps to your phone and stays connected even in a cargo or your best backpack. You get the benefit of not needing to bring a charging cable and a continuous charge while you use your phone. I find this charger is ideal for all day sits, or days when I’m running OnX continuously.
How to Choose a Power Bank
Power banks are a lot like other outdoor gear, there’s a trade off between features and weight. You can get more capability, but you’ll pay for it in size and weight. You’ll have to decide how much capability you need and how much weight you’re willing to carry.
Here are more things you’ll need to consider when buying a power bank or solar charger.
What is a mAh and how much do I need?
A spec you’ll often see is mAh, which stands for milliamps hour. The mAh spec is a measurement of power over time, the higher the mAh the more power the battery contains. To fully charge a phone you’ll need 3,000 to 5,000 mAh.
Watts
A watt is a measurement of rate of energy transfer. So, when shopping for portable solar chargers keep in mind that the more wattage the more power the panel can provide. I’d recommend at least a 24-watt solar charger.
Are solar chargers practical?
If you’re in an area where you can provide a solar charger full sun, and leave it all day to charge a power bank or device, they are practical. But, you can’t expect a solar charger that fits in your to work well because you need surface area to effectively charge.
I found small solar panels to work best for maintaining battery life, rather than being used to fully charge a device. The main issue is that portable solar panels are small, and can only gather so much electricity. What they can do is lengthen your phone or power bank’s life. When you stop to glass or cook lunch, lay out your panel and let it charge the device for a few hours. Even if it’s a few percent increase in battery life, it’s free energy and a few percent here and there can add up over a week’s trip. If you get an extra 25 percent out of our powerbank I count that as a win.
Solar panels are also bulky and heavy. For example, the BigBlue weighs 1.5 pounds, and the 20,000 mAh PowerCore weighs less than a pound. You can pack two 20,000 mAh charges that would charge a phone ten times total and weigh the same as a BigBlue.
Waterproof power banks
Why didn’t I include any waterproof power banks? The rugged power banks that are fully waterproof and shock resistant come at the penalty of being heavy and bulky for the amount of power they provide. I’d much rather drop my power bank in a dry bag than carry the extra weight of a waterproof power bank. It’s also worth pointing out that while your waterproof power bank might survive a submersion, your phone won’t.
FAQs
Q: Which capacity of power bank is best?
A 10,000 mAh power bank is a good balance between charging ability (two phone charges) and size.
Q: Which brand power bank is best?
Anker makes the best power banks for everyday use. Goal Zero makes great power banks specific for the outdoors.
Q: How do I choose a good power bank?
First decide how much capacity you need and the physical size of the charger you’re willing to carry. Then you can look at the available options with your required specifications.
Q: What is the difference between a power bank and a portable charger?
They are synonyms and serve the same functions.
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Advertising does not influence our gear reviews and it never will. While we always FOCUS our coverage on standout products—because we want our readers to be aware of the latest and greatest gear—we also cover the flaws and quirks of any given product.
Final Thoughts on the Best Power Bank
The best power bank for you is going to be the one that best fits your specific needs. If you’re a whitetail hunter that just needs something for an all day sit, then the 10,000 mAh PowerCore is going to work well for you. If you spend all your time on a boat and need a power bank to keep your GoPros charged and not slow down if it gets wet, the Anker Solar is perfect. The key is deciding what features best fit how you’ll use your power bank and then choose the charger that best matches your requirements.
- Best Overall:Anker PowerCore Slim 10,000 mAh
- Best Solar:BigBlue 28-Watt Solar Charger
- Best for Fishing:Anker Solar
- Best Mini:Goal Zero Flip 12
- Best for Backpacking:Anker PowerCore Essential 20,000 mAh
- Best for iPhones:Anker Powercore Magnetic 5K
Scott Einsmann is Outdoor Life’s gear editor. He oversees the gear team’s editors and writers who are subject matter experts in bows, knives, hunting, fishing, backpacking, and more. He lives in Richmond, Virginia with his wife and two bird dogs.
Apollo Max Power Bank review: The fastest battery pack to recharge your iPhone 11 Pro and everything else
Bottom line: The Apollo Max Power Bank may only have a 10000mAh capacity, but it features 60W USB-C Power Delivery output to quickly charge up your iPhone 11 Pro, iPad Pro, MacBook, and anything else. It also has an 18W Quick Charge 3.0 USB-A port, so all of your bases are covered.
Pros
- Recharges quickly
- 60W USB-C Power Delivery output
- 18W Quick Charge 3.0 USB-A port
- Includes carrying pouch and power cable
- Has cooling layers for heat dissipation
Cons
- – Expensive
- – Only 10000mAh capacity
- – 100W power adapter only has one USB-C port
You can always trust i.
Our team of Apple experts have years of experience testing all kinds of tech and gadgets, so you can be sure our recommendations and criticisms are accurate and helpful. Find out more about how we test.
Even though I’m using the iPhone 11 Pro and am still in awe of its long-lasting battery life, I still prefer to have some extra battery packs with me just in case. I’m no stranger to power banks and battery cases (like the Apple Smart Battery Case that I reviewed), but the common problem is that they always take a long time to charge especially larger capacity batteries.
So when I saw that Apollo Max is a power bank that can recharge in 19 minutes flat, I was intrigued. Only 19 minutes? That’s impossible, I thought. But boy, I was wrong, and the Apollo Max is my favorite little power bank I carry with me everywhere these days, especially when I’m out at Disneyland.
The fastest power bank you’ll find
Apollo Max Power Bank: Features
Yes, I was skeptical at first too, but those insane charging speed claims from Elecjet? They’re actually very accurate, and yes, I was amazed too when I first started using it.
The Apollo Max is efficient at power management
First, the battery pack itself can go from zero to 100 in 19 minutes. I have tested this out with the provided 100W power adapter, and it holds up. I timed it, and the percentage indicator located between the two ports steadily climbed up at a constant pace. Before 20 minutes, it was already back at 100 percent full. Compared to other battery packs that take a few hours, this is a huge and welcome change.
Now, how about charging up other devices? I mostly use the Apollo Max to charge up my iPhone 11 Pro when it’s running low, and it has enough juice to charge it up about two full times. During my tests, I started out with a 100 percent full Apollo Max and my iPhone 11 Pro was at 26 percent. In 58 minutes, the Apollo Max went to 59 percent, and my iPhone 11 Pro was at 90 percent battery.
Since the Apollo Max has 60W USB-C PD output, you can also use it to rapidly charge up an iPad, MacBook, Nintendo Switch, cameras, and pretty much anything else you need. For a MacBook, it may not be enough to provide another full charge, but it is enough to extend your usage by a few hours. There is also a second port, though it’s only 18W USB-A, but it supports USB 3.0 Quick Charge for any compatible devices.
Apollo Max has dual batteries inside, so you can charge two devices simultaneously, as well as charge up the Apollo Max itself while charging other devices with passthrough charging. If you’re worried about it overheating, don’t worry, Elecjet has thought about that too. The power bank features a Graphene Composite cooling layer to promote heat dissipation, so there are no overheating issues.
Apollo Max’s sleek aesthetic is sure to impress
As far as the appearance of the Apollo Max, it has a dark gray fabric exterior, and a brushed gray metal Band that goes around the edges. The power button is a slightly darker gray color than the metal Band, and between the two ports is an LCD screen (hidden under the Band) that displays the current percentage of the battery pack.
For a 10000mAh battery, the Apollo Max is actually quite heavier than most others of the same capacity. Despite that, the size is pretty slim and compact, as it’s only a little bigger than my iPhone 11 Pro. I have no issues fitting the Apollo Max into my daily purse or Tom Bihn Synik 22 backpack. It can even fit into the back of my girl jeans, so I’m sure there’s no problem if you wear pants with bigger s.
Why bother with other power banks anymore?
Apollo Max Power Bank: What I Like
After using the Apollo Max for the past few weeks, it’s definitely my go-to battery pack on-the-go. I never liked having to wait for my phone to slowly charge up with other power banks, and the Apollo Max definitely provides the fastest charge for my iPhone 11 Pro that I’ve seen.
So when I’m running low, I know I don’t need to wait long for it to get charge up and I’m ready to go once more. And if the Apollo Max is out of juice, I know it won’t take hours to get it full again, which is super nice.
However, in order to get the fastest recharge time for the Apollo Max, you do need to use the 100W power adapter that it comes with. However, this charger is on the larger size, so it may not be the most convenient to carry around. Still, you’ll get a decent recharge time with other high capacity power adapters.
And while the size is a bit large for the 10000mAh capacity, the Apollo Max is still slim and portable enough to not be too much of a hassle.
It’s pricey for only 10000mAh
Apollo Max Power Bank: What I Don’t Like
My biggest qualm with the Apollo Max is that it’s a bit pricey for what you’re getting. I mean, it’s 130 for just 10000mAh capacity, which you can find for much cheaper from other brands. But I suppose the super fast charging time makes it worth it, if you don’t mind paying for that convenience.
I also noticed that if you leave a cable in the Apollo Max after you’re done charging up your device, it will continue to drain the battery. This is what happened after my first time using it, so the next time I wanted to use it, the Apollo Max was completely empty. If you want to make sure that the remaining charge in the Apollo Max isn’t used up on nothing, then make sure that you pull that charging cable out once you’re done with it.
Fortunately, I was able to quickly recharge the Apollo Max after discovering that, and I never made that mistake again.
And while the Apollo Max comes with a 100W power adapter to get the fastest recharge speed, it’s on the bigger side, so it’s not as easy to carry with you everywhere. This is understandable, though, as you can only reach a certain size for so much power right now. But it is also annoying that it only has one USB-C port, so you can’t use it for charging up multiple things.
Recharge in no time at all
Apollo Max Power Bank: The Bottom Line
If you’re impatient and don’t like waiting around for your power banks to recharge, and want blazing fast charging output on-the-go, then the Apollo Max is definitely worth looking into. It’s fairly slim and compact enough to fit anywhere, so you always have it. The only drawback is the fact that the 100W power adapter it comes with is pretty big and unruly with only a single USB-C port, so you can’t charge up multiple things with it. But the Apollo Max still charges up reasonably fast with other power adapters if that’s all you have on hand.
Apollo Max is currently an Indiegogo project that is estimated to ship out in February 2020.
Rapid charge all the things
What Is A Power Bank Do You Need One for Your Phone?
With the amount of time we spend using our phones, the battery runs down, leaving us helpless. Since plugging in the phone to charge isn’t always feasible, we need a portable option to take with us when traveling or just dealing with our usual busy schedules.
The answer for many is a power bank.
Let’s learn all about power banks or portable battery packs today and see if you need one.
How Does A Power Bank Work?
A power bank’s built-in battery charges through an external power supply, such as a wall socket, then stores the energy in chemical form. When needed, the battery sends electrical energy to the connected device via the output port.
The process consists of three parts: energy absorbing, storing and releasing. It works similarly to a cell phone batter y, although a portable phone charger can be more complex and have more functions depending on its design.
What Is the Point of A Power Bank?
Power banks are rechargeable batteries like cell phone batteries. Back in those days, when our cell phone dies, we remove the back cover to replace a battery that’s full of juice. A power bank equals a battery pack. It charges your device on the go, especially when wall outlets are not available.
Battery packs can charge cell phones and other devices, such as laptops, speakers, and many others.
What are the Different Types of Power Banks?
Power banks vary in sizes, shapes, as well as the ways they charge or release energy.
The power bank size tends to be the most important criterion; the bigger the power bank, the higher the charging capacity (measured in mAh). capacity means more energy but also more weight.
Small-sized power banks (20,000mAh or below):
If you simply want a power bank to charge cell phones, 20,000mAh or below will do the job. The average battery capacity of recent cell phones is between 4,000 to 5,000mAh.
Large-sized power banks: (20,000mAh or above):
Anker powerhouse 120,000mAh
Although there are supposed 100,000mAh power banks on the market, their legitimacy is arguable. Larger ‘power banks’ range from between 40,000-60,000mAh and can be used to charge laptops, mini-fridges, and similar appliances and typically marketed towards campers. As you can imagine, those ‘power banks’ are usually the size of a car battery or bigger, clearly running counter to the purpose of a ‘portable’ phone charger.
After size, the next important consideration is how a power bank charges and releases energy.
Standard USB power banks:
The most common power bank works just like a USB charger. They charge using a USB charger or a built-in plug, and then they become the USB charger to recharge a device via a USB cable.
Wireless power banks:
Wireless power banks need to be charged through a USB cable, but they charge cell phones wirelessly, making the process more convenient. Unlike USB power banks that are restricted by cable type, wireless portable phone chargers can be used universally by all cellphones.
How Many Times Can A Power Bank Charge My Phone?
This depends on the capacity of the power bank and your mobile.
For example, the iPhone 11 battery has a 3,110mAh capacity. If the battery is flat and you charge it with a full 7,000mAh power bank, the power bank can charge the iPhone three times with 780mAh (7,000 – 31102=780mAh) remaining.
Well, this is only partially true. The general rule is that your power bank ‘s real capacity is around 2/3 of the theoretical capacity. A 10,00mAh power bank may only be around 6600mAh.
Are Power Banks Allowed on Planes?
Power banks are only allowed in carry-on luggage and should not exceed 100 watt-hours (Wh) per battery, around 26,315mAh. You will need to seek approval from the airline if your portable phone charger exceeds 100Wh, inevitably prolonging the check-in process.
How to Extend your Power Bank’s Life?
In a similar way to cell phone batteries, power banks have an average of 300-500 charge-discharge cycles. When a power bank uses up all its cycles, it needs to be thrown away, so ensuring you purchase a reliable, high capacity battery pack will elongate its charging life.
Your power bank‘s life is also affected by how you use it. To make your power bank last a little longer, follow the following tips:
Charge your power bank when you’re not using it:
Rechargeable batteries age whether you use them or not, but they do age slower with some charge in them. If you plan on storing it away, charge it first. And don’t leave it unused for a long time as batteries slowly discharge and will degrade and loose capacity by and by.
Don’t expose it to extreme temperatures:
Batteries work best at temperatures between 5 and 25 degrees. In extreme scenarios, the battery inside a battery pack will lose its energy faster and may even pose safety risks.
Don’t drop your power bank:
Just like your cell phone, your portable phone charger also contains a circuit board, battery, and other components, so handle it with care.
What Are the Advantages of Power Banks?
Different types of power banks have different advantages. But all in all, they share the following merits.
Less anxiety
Low battery anxiety is real. But, with a power bank with you wherever you go, rest assured that you won’t have to stress over your battery ever again.
Affordable
Getting a power bank is indeed an inexpensive way to charge your phone or other devices quickly. In fact, many own more than one power bank because they often find the one they take with them is empty when they are out and because quality power banks are very affordable.
Customizable
Power banks come in a variety of sizes, colors, and designs. You can buy one according to your needs and preference. Or even personalize it.
What Are the Disadvantages of Power Banks?
Like phone batteries, power banks last longer when they are active. In other words, you have to charge them frequently to expand their lifespan. But the problem is, you don’t use a power bank as often as your mobile. So you have to remind yourself to charge it from time to time. And that’s difficult, to be honest. You may not remember where you put it the last time when you finished using it.
Most of the time, you only reach for your power bank when you’re about to leave for vacation. At that time, the power bank has gone flat as it self-discharges over time. Chances are you only realize that when you are away from home, with no access to wall outlets.
Recommended Power Bank
PITAKA offers a magnetic wireless power bank that’s smaller than the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack but with more battery capacity 4,000mAh. Snap it to the back of your iPhone 12/13/14 and enjoy worry-free wireless charging even when it’s pulled from a or thrown into a bag. To get a better magnetic force and experience, use with a MagEZ Case 2. The ergonomically designed curve fits comfortably in your hand when you’re on the go. And covered by aramid fiber, the power bank has proven durability with a smooth texture that exudes classic style, and it’s comfortable to hold all day.
If you tend to forget to charge your power bank, use it with the MagEZ Slider. With the base at the table, you’ll be reminded where to put the power bank each time when you finish using it. And as the base holds the power bank, it charges up the battery as well. When you need to charge on the go, just slide the power bank out from the base, snap it to the back of your mobile, and you are good to go.
What do I do if the charger is plugged in but iPhone is not charging
Are you repeatedly plugging your iPhone into power, but it fails to start charging and doesn’t show the green battery icon with a lightning charging indicator?
Let’s go over some solutions to fix this issue.
Enable USB accessories on locked iPhone
When your iPhone or iPad is locked, and you plug it into charging, it may only start juicing up if you unlock the device. Designed to prevent unwanted accessories from connecting to your device and increase security, this feature may cause trouble with some power banks, chargers, and cables. So, follow these steps to allow USB accessories even when your iPhone or iPad is locked. Doing so should fix the not charging issue of a locked device:
- Open the Settings app and tap Face ID Passcode or Touch ID Passcode.
- Scroll down to Allow Access When Locked section and enable the switch next to USB Accessories.
Once this is done, your iPhone should start charging with any adapter, computer, etc., when you plug it in while it’s locked. So there will be no need to unlock your iPhone before it starts charging.
Clean the Lightning port and retry
Your iPhone may not charge because of dirt stuck inside its Lightning port. Use a soft brush or a toothpick to carefully clean the insides of your iPhone’s Lightning port. Make sure to take extreme caution and not use too much force, as that may do more harm than good.
Once cleaned, carefully insert the Lightning cable and see if it starts charging or not.
Restart your iPhone
If your iPhone still refuses to charge, restart it and then try again. If it wasn’t charging or failing to show the charge due to technical glitches, turning the device off and back on should fix the problem.
Try a different cable
Sometimes, there may be no visible damage on a cable’s exterior, but it may have been damaged from the inside. So use a different cable and see if your iPhone charges. If it does charge, the fault is in your Lightning cable, and you will have to replace it.
It’s also possible that a Lightning cable may not work well with one iPhone but work perfectly with another. For example, I had an MFi-certified Belkin cable that used to give me problems while charging my iPhone 6S but worked perfectly with my iPhone 11.
Note: While we strongly recommend using an Apple or MFi-certified Lightning cable and adapter, you can still use other non-certified chargers. But the fact is that MFi-certified accessories are safer, better quality, and usually work well.
Check the power source
Double-check to make sure the main wall switch is turned on and working. If you’re using an extension cord with a built-in fuse, consider removing that and plugging the adapter directly into the wall socket.
Sometimes, it’s also likely that your iPhone’s adapter has failed. To check, borrow one from a family member or friend and see if that works.
If you’re trying to charge using a power bank, make sure it has enough juice to pass on to your iPhone. Also, ensure the power bank is turned on and can charge other devices.
In case you’re trying to charge using your Mac or PC, make sure the computer is on and not in sleep mode. Also, try different USB ports of your computer or the connected USB-C hub and see if that works. In rare cases, the USB-C hub may temporarily stop functioning if it becomes extremely hot.
Finally, try a different USB port or socket if you’re charging your iPhone on a plane, train, and similar places. Sometimes, there may be no problem on your end, but your iPhone can’t charge due to issues in the main power outlet.
Let your iPhone cool down
Is your iPhone too hot? In that case, iOS is designed to stop the charging until the device cools down. So, remove the iPhone case if you’re using one and let the phone cool. I also suggest turning it off so that everything goes back to normal quicker.
Reset all settings
Still, trying to get through iPhone charging? Before you move to the last solution, go ahead and reset all iPhone settings. If the problem was caused by software issues, resetting should fix it.
Get the Lightning port fixed by Apple
Finally, if nothing helps, visit your nearest Apple Support or authorized service center and get your iPhone checked. If it isn’t charging due to hardware problems, they may have to repair the device by changing the Lightning port unit or the necessary connections.
Use wireless charging
If the Lightning port on your iPhone isn’t working, you can use a wireless charger until you get it fixed. Amazon has some nice options you may explore, or go through our list of best wireless chargers for iPhones for expert opinion.