We all know the panic of a low phone battery and no charger. We might need our mobile for, maps, music, work, or there might be an emergency and we can’t contact anyone.
So, what can you do when you find yourself with no charge… and no charger?
In this guide, the gadget experts at Protect Your Bubble look at potential solutions for charging your phone without your normal mains charger.
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How to Charge Your Phone Without a Charger
Much like a cracked screen, a low phone battery could leave you helpless in an emergency.
Below are some potential alternatives to a phone charger to add some much-needed battery life to your mobile:
• Computer USB Cable: If you can’t find a mains plug but have a USB charging cable, look for a compatible port. The most common option is a laptop or PC but even some public transport infrastructure and cafes now offer free USB charging to customers.
• Car Cable: If your car has a USB charging port, it may also be possible to use it to charge your phone.
• Public Recharging Stations: Some cities have invested in public recharging stations. If you’re out of battery and can’t use GPS software to find a charging station, ask in a local shop or cafe.
• Portable Power Bank: If you find yourself regularly running low on battery, a fully-charged power bank could give you a top-up when you’re out and about.
• Wireless Charging Pad: A wireless charging pad can also be used to charge phones – and they’re sometimes universally compatible. The wireless design also makes remote charging easier.
If you notice your phone battery is running low and you don’t have a charger to hand, it can help to be sparing with how you use your device.
While you may be able to find an alternative to a phone charger, cutting down on scrolling time might just mean you have enough charge left to make a call or send a message if you need to.
How to Charge a Phone Without Electricity
If you often find yourself with a low phone battery and nowhere to charge it, you could consider investing in a solar phone charger.
Solar chargers work like normal mains-powered phone chargers:
1. Get a Solar Charger: Find a solar charger that’s compatible with your phone, preferably with a USB output.
2. Find Direct Sunlight: Place the solar charger in direct sunlight for more efficient charging. Make sure to keep you phone out of direct sunlight as this could cause overheating.
3. Connect the Phone: Connect your phone to the solar charger via a USB cable.
4. Monitor While Charging: Keep an eye on the charging process, as charge times can vary depending on the amount of sunlight available.
5. Store When Fully Charged: Once your phone is fully charged, disconnect it to prevent overcharging.
Phone Insurance with Protect Your Bubble
If you regularly find yourself with a low phone battery, it could be a sign your phone isn’t charging properly. This could mean your phone needs a battery replacement – or that it’s damaged in some other way.
Mechanical breakdown of your device, such as it no longer charging may be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. If your mobile phone is outside of the manufacturer’s warranty you may look to claim on your insurance if, and only if you already have it in place.
If claiming with Protect Your Bubble, charging issues would be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and whether the issue is covered by Protect Your Bubble’s policy will be assessed in line with the full terms and conditions. If a claim is successful, an excess will be payable. Cosmetic or deliberate damage is not covered.
With Protect Your Bubble Mobile Phone Insurance, you’re covered for phone repairs due to accidental damage or mechanical breakdown outside the manufacturer’s warranty*. And we offer a 20% discount on your policy if your phone was purchased in the last 30 days. (Discount valid when insuring 2 items or less.)
* Underwriter Assurant General Insurance Limited. Gadget age restrictions, T&Cs and excesses apply. Customer UK 18+.
