Your phone is the most versatile, functional and life-saving device present in the human world today. According to ComputerWorld, smartphones can help save more than a quarter-million lives in the United States alone from financial and health-related problems or accidents.
According to Pew Research, 15% of Americans are dependent on their smartphones for everyday activities, including Internet access. People use smartphones to pay bills, call for assistance, and reminders to take medications and entertainment. You can play Vulkan Vegas on your mobile phone and end up with a few more dollars in your pocket if lucky. However, that is impossible if the phone itself is dead or without charge. So, what do you do if you don’t have your charger?
- Wireless Charging
- Car Battery
- A USB cable and your PC
- Portable Battery
- Solar Charger
- Portable Hand-Crank Charger
Wireless Charging
Modern technology has advanced to new levels with the invention of “Wireless Charging.” Modern mobile phones designed in this day and age come with a “Charging Pad” owners can use to charge the phones. You no longer have to bring with you a USB charging cord or an actual phone charger. The charging pad is simple, compact and helpful in any environment.
All you need to do is place the phone onto the charging pad, rack or case, leave it for a while and allow it to recharge. Depending on your personal preference, the charging mode can change from a pad to a charging stand or a case. The stand allows you to place your cellphone sitting upright when charging, allowing easier visibility. However, charging pads can be a little expensive!
Car Battery
In the United States alone, there are over 100 million registered car owners. If playing the Book of Ra while relaxing along the riverside with your car parked on the road, don’t get frightened if the phone dies. All you need is a USB cord to recharge it using your car’s battery. The only catch is that you need to purchase a “USB car charger.”
Modern vehicle designs come with USB ports that use your vehicle’s battery as the power source. If you do not have a car USB, you can use an adapter as it performs the same function. Plug the adapter into the car’s lighter port. To charge:
- Make sure your vehicle is running;
- Press the accessory mode icon or turn it on;
- Plug the USB onto the port or the adapter onto the lighter port;
- Plug the other end onto your phone.
A USB Cable and Your PC
All you need is a USB cable to recharge your phone from any location in a similar way as the car battery. The only condition is to ensure your charging port for the PC is similar to the USB. In most instances, buses and aeroplanes have USB charging ports rather than power sockets. Therefore, if carrying your personal computer or laptop, you can use the USB port. Here are the steps how to do it:
- Take your laptop or PC and switch it on;
- Pick the USB, plug the larger square side onto a port on your PC;
- Plug the smaller end into your phone;
- Check to see whether it is charging;
- Please leave it to charge.
However, before plugging in, always check to make sure the ports are alike for compatibility. Also, if the PC is not fully charged or its battery is dead, you cannot use it to recharge your phone. Therefore, ensure that the PC remains charged always!
Portable Battery
If travelling or camping, normal phone charging means are not an option. You cannot bring your PC to the outdoors, charging packs cannot work, and cars are left behind when hiking to your camping spot. You need something that won’t disappoint, such as “Portable Batteries.” These are perfect for recharging your phones for long durations.
However, portable batteries are expensive. You must recharge the batteries before leaving your residence or on the way. Plus, not all portable batteries utilize fast charging mechanisms, and some carry low capacities. Ensure you pick a suitable portable battery to match your phone’s power and strength. Here is how to use a portable battery:
- Recharge the battery to full charge and pack it securely and safely, ready for use;
- Once the current phone battery is depleted of power, remove the phone casing and battery;
- Replace with the recharged battery and cover with the casing once more;
- Switch on your phone, and you are ready to go.
Solar Charger
For environmental lovers and a sustainable future, individuals can use solar-powered charging systems for their phones. The method is perfect for outdoor activities such as camping. Most of the participants are often busy with outdoor activities, and your phone can recharge throughout the day under the sun rays.
How to use a solar charger to charge your phone? The solar charging system isn’t as efficient as portable batteries or wireless charging pads. However, it is an environmentally conscious way to recharge if stuck in a remote area. It may take a while for it to fully charge your phone, but it does give you enough power to use your phone once again. The method is perfect for vacations outdoors where phones are not essential or detrimental. What to do:
- Set the solar charger in a way that the sun rays hit it directly on the surface. You can place it on top of your backpack facing up or on the back for maximum sun intensity while on the move;
- Plugin the USB onto the panel and the other side of your phone;
- Leave it to charge.
Portable Hand-Crank Charger
A portable hand-crank charger is perfect for emergencies. In most instances, no one remembers to pack the solar panel, and wireless charging systems are challenging to bring to the great outdoors. In case of an emergency, a hand-crank charger can help ask for help if needed. You do not need to recharge it using electricity; all you have to do is place it in your camping gear.
The hand-crank is not an efficient charging system for your phone. The process will take longer as it involves using physical effort to crank the device to produce power to recharge your phone. However, it does work and does deliver whenever it is needed!
Summary
There are many ways to charge your phone without a charger. These include using a hand-crank, solar panel, portable batteries, wireless charging or USB cables with your personal computer or other devices. You can also ask for assistance during an emergency regardless of your location or condition! These are potential means that will ensure you do not lose phone connection with the world.