6 Secret Ways To Charge A Phone Without A Charger Now

By "Just In Case" Jack | Updated: 03/20/2024

How To Charge Your Phone Without A ChargerToday I’ve got something a bit different to share…

ALL The Ways To Charge A Phone Without A Charger

Why is this important?

  • Because sometimes you lose your charger and don’t have time to get a new one.
  • Or perhaps you’re away from the electrical grid, and a charger does no good.

In either case, knowing ALL your phone charging options is a good idea – just in case, right?

Survival Gear Checklist eBook Cover -with fire piston on a rock and campfire in the background

Want a free 54 item survival gear checklist?

Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.

Note: You can either watch the video below or continue on to read the rest of this article…

↓ 6 Ways To Charge A Phone Without A Charger

1. Plugging Into A Computer’s USB Port

This first solution may seem extremely obvious to some folks.

But I know many people who DON’T realize this until someone else tells them.

Here’s the deal, nowadays, modern smartphone chargers are all USB-based.

That means you can disconnect the cable from the charger block, and thus it becomes a simple USB cable.

Now the USB cable is compatible with plugging into any USB computer port.

USB Computer Port To Charge Phone Without A Charger

This USB compatibility allows you to easily move data back and forth between your phone and the computer.

But it also allows power to transfer down this connection as well.

And since a laptop computer is BOTH mobile AND comes with a decent-sized battery, there’s often extra power to spare.

Enough to keep your phone working (for a while) in a pinch.

The computer’s battery will eventually run out IF you don’t have any grid power available.

But technically, this is one way to keep a phone charged without a charger.

2. Using A Battery Pack

Next up is a simple battery pack.

These are great devices EVERYONE should own.

They allow you to keep your phone powered up (off-grid) – like when running around town.

Because we’ve all been there.

Your phone is on its last legs from too much use…and you’re almost out of juice.

But worst, you don’t have time to leave your phone on a charger for 20 mins because you’re already late for an appointment…

In this case, you don’t need a charger to power up your phone; you need a mobile battery pack.

These compact battery packs are usually portable and have a standard USB port.

So as long as you’ve got a USB cable for your phone, you’re in business.

Just plug your phone into your battery pack, and you’re good to go.

Just remember to keep your battery pack charged up and ready to go at all times.

Because an empty battery pack is as useless as a brick for charging up your phone.

Survival Gear Checklist eBook Cover -with fire piston on a rock and campfire in the background

Want a free 54 item survival gear checklist?

Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.

3. Using A Solar Charger

Now, if you like carrying around a battery pack to charge your phone on the go, why not upgrade from a simple battery pack to a battery pack solar charger?

That’s right, and In My Opinion, this is the best way to charge your phone without a charger.

Why? Because you can technically charge your phone FOREVER without grid power IF you buy the right solar charger with a good battery pack.

The good news is I’ve got the perfect one for you; it’s the same one I own and use.

And it’s the one I’ve gifted to my Father and Father-In-Law.

1. Our Top Choice
Evatac – Gear For Tactical Minds: Anytime Charge

Skilled Survival highly recommends the Anytime Charge Solar Power Bank.

Why? Because it’s one of the most durable, compact, and cost-effective portable solar chargers on the market today. But don’t let its compact size fool you; it’s also got a massive 10,000 mAh battery capacity!

That's enough battery storage to charge any device multiple times over. Plus, with dual charging outputs, you can power multiple devices simultaneously!

Plug in your devices via the supplied USB cable (you can use any USB cable) and press the power button. Your device will begin to take power from the Anytime Charge right away.

Recharging the Anytime Solar Bank couldn’t be easier – leave it in the sun, and it will automatically fill the large battery bank ANYWHERE.

Plus, it’s splash resistant and comes with an emergency flashlight with a strobe function.

NOTE: When this article was published, you could snag some bonus Tactical Flashlights For FREE when you buy multiple Anytime Solar Chargers. Click below to see if this deal is still available!

Check Today's Price
We earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

4. Hand Crank Radio

Hand Crank Radio To Charge Your Phone Without A ChargerAnother way to charge your phone without a power cable is to use a hand-crank radio.

And since here at SkilledSurvival.com, we’re all about survival and preparedness, we highly recommend EVERYONE own a hand-crank radio.

Hand crank radios are an awesome emergency preparedness tool.

It not only allows you to keep a phone charged up without grid power, but it also allows you to tune into emergency broadcasts as well.

So, IMO this is a device EVERY responsible adult should own a survival radio, period – no excuses!

And once you own one, you can plug in your USB power cable from the hand crank radio to your phone.

Then crank the handle steadily, and voila, you’re powering up your phone without a charger.

Prepper Checklist eBook Cover - with gas mask on a SHTF scenery background

Want a free 78 item prepper checklist?

Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.

5. Car Charger – Lighter Port

Here’s another way to charge your phone while on the go without a charger.

Phone Charger Car Adapter PortModern cars all have built-in USB charge ports, so you can use one of those.

And if you own an older vehicle (one that doesn’t have a USB port), you can buy an adapter that plugs into a cigarette lighter.

If you’re looking for an adapter, I recommend you get one that also acts as a survival tool.

This adapter has a built-in glass breaker and a seat belt cutter.

That way, in a vehicle submersion or fire situation, you’ll have the right tools nearby to escape fast and save yourself.

Either way, figure out how to tap into your vehicle’s larger, powerful battery.

6. Wireless Charger

Anker Wireless Phone Charging PadLast but not least, if you have a newer phone, it may have wireless charging capabilities.

And if it does, all you need is a charging pad compatible with wireless charging technology.

Now, at the time of writing this article, this technology was starting to become mainstream.

But as time goes on, this convenient technology will become more widespread.

I could see a future where this becomes the most common way to charge a phone without a charger.

But, of course, a wireless pad STILL requires a power source.

So even though this method doesn’t require a charger, it DOES require a pad and a power source. That’s why it’s NOT my favorite solution.

4 Phone Charger Myths You Need To Know

Myth #1: Charging Overnight Will Ruin Your Battery

Now, this one has been circulating like a forest fire, but let’s set the record straight.

Modern smartphones are smarter than ever.

They come equipped with sophisticated charging circuits that can detect when your battery is full and will automatically switch to a trickle charge.

So, fret not about leaving your phone plugged in overnight – it won’t fry your battery like a marshmallow at campfire.

Myth #2: Off-Brand Chargers Are Just as Good as the Originals

Ah, the allure of a cheap charger.

We get it, adventurers love a good deal.

However, skimping on your charging cable might come back to haunt you.

Off-brand chargers might lack the built-in safety features of trusted brands, leaving your beloved device vulnerable to overheating or even a zap of electricity.

Don’t let your phone become a cautionary tale.

Myth #3: Fully Discharge Before Charging for Battery Health

The lithium-ion batteries in our smartphones actually prefer partial discharges over full-on emptying.

Going from 100% to 0% constantly can put unnecessary strain on your battery’s longevity.

So, top off your phone whenever you can, and it’ll thank you with long-lasting power.

Myth #4: Wireless Charging Is Totally Effortless

Ah, the charm of wireless charging pads.

It’s like magic, right? Well, not quite.

While the convenience is undeniable, the trade-off might be slower charging times compared to good ol’ wired charging.

Also, remember that precise placement on the pad matters – a bit of an awkward shuffle to get that sweet spot isn’t unheard of.

Final Thoughts – My Favorite Solutions

If you’ve been paying attention, you can probably tell favorite solutions are the ones that provide off-grid power solutions. These are the following:

  1. Solar Charger – (like the Anytime Solar)
  2. Hand Crank Radio – (like this one)

These two methods bypass a traditional charger and provide another level of resiliency and features. Thus making them a wise survival investment, period.

So, choose one or both and never be left without the ability to charge your phone, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, without relying on the fragile grid power.

Why Trust Skilled Survival...

Go here now to review a full breakdown of:

  • Who We Are
  • Our Credentials
  • Our Mission
  • & Product Recommendations...

Here are a few highlights of our teams credentials & certifications:

  • Certified Member of a Mountain Search & Rescue Organization
  • Plant Emergency & Safety Leader for a Major Food Manufacturer
  • Member of the 10TH Mountain Division Hut Association
  • Certifications: Avalanche 1, WFR, CPR
  • Official Gear Tester for Numerous Outdoor Gear Companies
  • Countless Multiday Backpacking trips into Remote Wilderness
  • Bachelor's Degree In Mechanical Engineering 
  • Bachelor's Degree In Civil Engineering
  • Bachelor's Degree In Biomedical Engineering

"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it." - Warren Buffett

We're fully aware that trust is NOT something you GET but is EARNED.

And we'll continue to earn YOUR trust through our forthright and honest approach with each new Blog Post, Guide & Product we create...

Prepare, Adapt & Overcome,

  • Cofounder Of Skilledsurvival.com & TheResilientLife.com
  • Born & Raised On A Rural Farm In The Midwest
  • Mechanical Engineering Grad From A Major University
  • Engineer With A Major Food Manufacturing Company
  • 10+ Years Researching, Writing, & Teaching Preparedness
  • Mission: Help Folks Stop Living A Life Fragile To The Future
  • P.s. Do You Live In A 'Danger Zone' County?

    Find out now using my Danger Zone County List & Special Report it’s absolutely FREE.

    In minutes you’ll know EXACTLY where you stand and if you should be worried or not..

    Cooking over a rocket stove
    Get My 10 Steps To Basic Preparedness Video For FREE.
    Plus daily survival tips (unsubscribe anytime).