How to Charge a Tablet Without Its Original Charger

Five ways to power your tablet when the charger is missing or broken

You can charge a tablet without its original charger using a USB-C cable with a compatible power adapter, a micro-USB cable if your tablet uses that port, a wireless charging pad (if your model supports it), a portable battery pack, or a car charger. The method that works depends on your tablet's charging port type and what equipment you have on hand. Most tablets made in the last five years can accept power from third-party chargers as long as the voltage and connector match.

The fastest way to identify what will work is to look at the charging port on the bottom or side of your tablet. If it is a flat rectangular slot, you have USB-C. If it is a smaller rounded connector, you likely have micro-USB. If it is a large flat connector with multiple pins, you have a proprietary port (common on older iPads) and will need to buy a replacement charger made for that model. Once you know the port type, you can use any compatible cable with a power adapter rated for your tablet's voltage.

Key Takeaways

USB-C and micro-USB tablets can charge from any compatible cable paired with a power adapter rated for 5 volts or higher, including phone chargers and laptop adapters.
Check your tablet's charging port type first—USB-C, micro-USB, or proprietary—because the wrong connector will not fit and may damage the port.
Wireless charging works only on tablets designed for it, usually higher-end models, and requires a compatible wireless pad.
Portable battery packs and car chargers work with any tablet that has USB-C or micro-USB, making them useful backup options.
Avoid using chargers rated below 5 volts or adapters with mismatched connectors, as they may charge slowly, overheat, or fail to charge at all.

Using a USB-C cable with a compatible power adapter

USB-C is the most common charging port on tablets made after 2018. If your tablet has a USB-C port, you can use any USB-C cable with a power adapter rated for 5 volts or higher. This includes phone chargers, laptop chargers, and wall adapters sold separately. The adapter does not have to be made by your tablet's manufacturer—a Samsung charger will work with an Apple iPad, for example, as long as the voltage matches.

To charge this way, plug the USB-C cable into the port on your tablet and connect the other end to the power adapter. Plug the adapter into a wall outlet. The tablet should show a charging indicator on the screen or a light near the port. Charging speed depends on the adapter's wattage: a 5-watt phone charger will charge slowly (taking 8 to 12 hours for a full charge), while a 20-watt or higher adapter will charge much faster (2 to 4 hours). If you have a laptop charger with USB-C, that will work and charge quickly.

Using a micro-USB cable and adapter for older tablets

Tablets released before 2018, and some budget models today, use micro-USB ports instead of USB-C. Micro-USB cables are smaller and have a distinctive flat connector with beveled edges. If your tablet has this port, you can charge it with any micro-USB cable and a 5-volt power adapter. Phone chargers from older Android phones, Kindle chargers, and many generic USB adapters use micro-USB and will work.

Plug the micro-USB cable into your tablet's port and connect the other end to the power adapter, then plug into an outlet. The charging process is the same as USB-C: slower with lower-wattage adapters (5 to 10 watts) and faster with higher-wattage ones (10 to 20 watts). One common mistake is forcing the connector in the wrong direction—micro-USB connectors only fit one way, so if it does not slide in smoothly, flip it over and try again. Do not force it, as this can bend the pins inside the port.

Charging with a wireless charging pad

Some tablets, particularly newer iPad Pro models and select Samsung Galaxy Tab models, support wireless charging. If your tablet is one of these, you can charge it by placing it flat on a wireless charging pad without plugging in a cable. The pad itself must be plugged into a power outlet. Wireless charging is slower than wired charging—expect 4 to 6 hours for a full charge compared to 2 to 4 hours with a wired charger.

To use wireless charging, place your tablet centered on the pad with the back facing down. Most pads will show a light or vibration when the tablet is properly positioned and charging. If your tablet has a thick case, remove it first—some cases block the wireless signal and prevent charging. Wireless charging pads are sold separately and range from $20 to $60 depending on the brand and size. Before buying one, check your tablet's manual or manufacturer website to confirm it supports wireless charging, as most tablets do not.

Charging with a portable battery pack

A portable battery pack (also called a power bank) lets you charge your tablet anywhere without an outlet. These are especially useful if you are traveling or away from home. Choose a battery pack with a USB-C or micro-USB output port that matches your tablet's charging port. Battery packs range from small 10,000 mAh models (enough for one partial charge) to large 30,000 mAh models (enough for two or more full charges). The capacity is listed in milliamp-hours (mAh) on the product label.

To charge your tablet, connect your USB-C or micro-USB cable to the output port on the battery pack, then plug the other end into your tablet. The battery pack should have a power button—press it to start charging. The tablet will charge at the same speed as it would from a wall outlet, depending on the battery pack's wattage output. One thing to watch: make sure the battery pack has enough charge itself before you rely on it. Most battery packs have indicator lights showing how much power is left inside.

Using a car charger for charging on the road

A car charger plugs into your vehicle's 12-volt outlet (the cigarette lighter socket) and provides USB ports for charging. Most car chargers have either a USB-C port, a micro-USB port, or both. Plug your tablet's cable into the matching port and the tablet will charge while you drive. Car chargers are inexpensive (usually $10 to $25) and take up minimal space.

Before buying a car charger, check that it has the right port type for your tablet. Some car chargers have multiple ports so you can charge two devices at once. The charging speed is the same as a wall charger—it depends on the wattage output, which is listed on the product. One safety note: do not leave your tablet plugged in and charging after you turn off the engine, as this will drain your car battery over time. Unplug it when you are done driving.

What to avoid when charging without the original charger

Do not use chargers rated below 5 volts, as they will charge very slowly or not at all. Avoid chargers with mismatched connectors—forcing a micro-USB cable into a USB-C port or vice versa will damage the port and may make your tablet impossible to charge. Do not use chargers designed for devices with much higher voltage requirements (like laptop chargers rated for 20 volts or more) unless the charger has automatic voltage regulation, which most modern chargers do.

If your tablet has a proprietary charging port (a custom connector made only for that model), you will need to buy a replacement charger from the manufacturer or a certified third-party maker. Trying to charge a proprietary-port tablet with the wrong connector can permanently damage the charging circuit. If you are unsure whether a charger is safe to use, check your tablet's manual or the manufacturer's website for a list of compatible chargers and voltage specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone charger to charge my tablet?

Yes, if both devices have the same charging port type (USB-C or micro-USB). The tablet will charge more slowly than with its original charger because phone chargers typically have lower wattage, but it will charge safely. If the ports do not match, you cannot use the phone charger without an adapter cable.

Will using a third-party charger damage my tablet's battery?

No, as long as the charger is rated for 5 volts or higher and has the correct connector type. Modern tablets have built-in protection that prevents overcharging and overheating. Using a lower-quality charger may charge more slowly or cause the tablet to heat up slightly, but it will not permanently damage the battery.

How do I know what voltage my tablet needs?

Check the back of your original charger or look in your tablet's manual—the voltage is printed on the label. Most tablets use 5 volts. If you cannot find the original charger, search your tablet's model number plus "charger specifications" on the manufacturer's website.

Can I charge my tablet with a laptop charger?

Yes, if the laptop charger has a USB-C port and your tablet also uses USB-C. Laptop chargers often have higher wattage than phone chargers, so your tablet will charge faster. Make sure the connector type matches before plugging in.

What should I do if my tablet gets hot while charging?

Unplug the charger when ready and let the tablet cool for 15 to 20 minutes. Overheating during charging usually means the charger is not compatible or the tablet's charging circuit is damaged. If it continues to overheat with different chargers, contact the manufacturer or a repair service.

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.