Start with the device: a plug or cable that fits does not necessarily provide the charging method or power it needs. Replace a damaged or unsuitable charger with one that meets the device’s requirements; replace only the cable if the existing charger is suitable and undamaged. A multi-port charger can serve several devices if its shared output is sufficient, while an extension lead addresses socket access rather than charger compatibility.
If a charger is missing or damaged, identify the exact device model before choosing a replacement. Apple and Microsoft publish model-specific charging guidance; a charger suitable for a phone is not automatically suitable for a laptop or tablet.
If you charge a phone alongside a laptop, tablet or older USB-A accessory, check the available ports and how power is shared when they are used together. The largest output figure on a multi-port charger may describe single-port use.
If equipment is damaged or its origin is uncertain, focus on a genuine replacement from a trusted supplier and an uncovered charging position. London Fire Brigade also advises against overloaded extension leads and repairs to worn leads.
Decide whether the charger, cable or socket position actually needs changing. Then check device compatibility before weighing up the convenience of extra ports or a longer reach.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Device compatibility and power | Match the exact model and connector, then check its required charging method and minimum or recommended wattage. | If I rely on a laptop or tablet at my desk, I need a replacement that can charge that device, not just one with a fitting plug. Around 36% of consumers put compatibility and sufficient power first. |
| Trustworthy, undamaged equipment | Choose a genuine replacement from a trusted supplier; replace damaged chargers, cables and leads rather than taping them. | When a lead is worn or a charger's origin is uncertain, I want to resolve that safety concern before considering convenience. Safety is the primary need for around 29% of consumers. |
| Charging several devices | Check port types and the stated output for the particular combination of ports you will use. | If my phone and laptop charge at the same desk, I want fewer plugs without leaving the laptop short of power. That multi-device need comes first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Socket access and cable routing | If an extension is necessary, check that it is fused inline and will not be overloaded; keep charging equipment uncovered. | When the socket is awkward to reach, I need a workable cable route without trapping a charger or adding unsafe adaptors. Around 14% of consumers prioritise socket access and routing. |
USB-C describes the connector, not the power a charger and cable can provide. Microsoft warns that lower-wattage charging may be slow or may not charge some Surface devices.
Find the exact laptop model and check its charging method and recommended wattage. If using USB-C Power Delivery (USB PD), check the charger and cable requirements as well as the connector.
Appearance alone does not establish that a replacement is genuine. London Fire Brigade advises choosing a branded, genuine replacement from a supplier you trust.
Check the product identity and seller before buying, and retain the product details so you can identify the charger later if needed.
Power can be shared between connected devices. For example, the Anker Prime 67W 3-Port charger delivers up to 67W for one device but up to 65W shared when two ports are used.
Read the output for the exact port combination you intend to use, especially if one connected device is a laptop.
Covering chargers or devices, taping damaged leads or adding adaptors to an overloaded extension does not make a charging area safer. London Fire Brigade advises keeping charging equipment uncovered and replacing faulty leads.
Route cables where they will not be trapped. If the socket cannot otherwise be reached, consider a fused inline extension lead without overloading it.
Relevant when replacing charging equipment for a particular MacBook, iPhone or iPad.
Relevant for Surface owners choosing between the charging options available to their model.
Relevant when considering a multi-port charger for devices used at the same desk.
Relevant where a phone, tablet or accessory setup needs both USB-C and USB-A connections.
Relevant to USB-C laptop owners considering a higher-output multi-port charger.
These options cover USB-C wall chargers and a replacement USB-C cable for bedside or desk use. Choose between them by identifying which part of your existing setup needs replacing, then checking the exact device's charging requirements.
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Consider this replacement charger for a USB-C device whose charging requirements it meets.
The product name specifies 65W. Check the exact device model, charging method and required wattage before buying.
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Consider replacing the cable rather than the charger if the existing charger is suitable and undamaged but its USB-C cable needs changing.
The product name specifies a 0.9 m length and 240W cable capability. Check that the length reaches without trapping the cable; its rating does not increase the output of the connected charger.
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Consider this wall charger for a USB-C device after checking that its charging requirements match.
The product name specifies PD30W and GaN. Do not assume its 30W rating meets a laptop's recommended wattage.
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Consider this adapter only after checking the charging requirements of the particular device you intend to use with it.
The product name specifies 20W and USB-C. Check whether a compatible cable is included or needs to be obtained separately.
Replace just the cable if the charger is suitable and undamaged but the cable is worn, has the wrong connector or cannot support the intended charging level. Replace a damaged, missing or unsuitable charger instead; London Fire Brigade advises replacing faulty leads rather than repairing them with tape.
No: the matching connector alone does not establish adequate charging power. Apple advises checking USB PD support and the recommended minimum wattage for a USB-C-chargeable Mac; Microsoft warns that lower-wattage charging may be slow or may not charge some Surface devices. Check guidance for your exact laptop model.
You can consider one if it is suitable for the connected devices and provides enough power with the intended ports in use. Keep the charger and devices uncovered, and follow London Fire Brigade's advice not to leave devices continuously charging after a charge cycle.
Use an extension lead to reach a socket only when you can avoid overloading it; it will not fix an incompatible charger. London Fire Brigade advises a fused inline lead rather than a plug-in cube type and says worn leads should be replaced, not taped.
Keep it as a spare only if it remains undamaged and suitable for the device. Its label and model information may help you compare charging requirements, but a damaged charger or cable should not remain in use.