If the wall adapter is safe and already meets your device’s requirements, replacing a lost or damaged cable may be enough. Otherwise, choose a compatible manufacturer replacement or a clearly specified charger from a reputable retailer. Check the device connector, charging standard and cable capability together; a multi-port charger also needs enough output for the devices you will connect at once.
If a charger or cable is lost or damaged, you want an identifiable replacement from a manufacturer or reputable retailer. Electrical Safety First advises using a compatible charger and buying from a reputable source; a model number also helps when checking safety alerts.
Your current setup charges too slowly, so you need to match the phone or tablet model with its required charging standard and cable. Apple and Samsung describe different requirements for particular devices and charging modes.
You want one adapter for multiple phones or tablets, but need to check its output when several ports are in use. Apple notes that the maximum output of a multi-port adapter can fall according to connected-device demand and system conditions.
Choose when: The existing wall adapter is safe and suitable, but its cable is lost, worn or the wrong type.
Keep in mind: A cable that fits may still lack the capability required for a particular charging mode.
Choose when: You need to follow the device maker’s stated adapter and cable requirements for a model-specific charging feature.
Keep in mind: Check whether the required cable is included; a higher-rated adapter cannot make a device exceed its supported charging mode.
Choose when: An identifiable model from a reputable retailer states the output and charging standard your device requires.
Keep in mind: A USB-C socket and a wattage figure alone do not establish device-specific fast-charging compatibility.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Source and plug safety | Look for a named manufacturer and model, an accountable retailer and a plug intended for UK use. Check safety alerts for the specific model where relevant. | If I am replacing a damaged wall charger, I want to identify who made the new one and where it came from; around 31% of consumers put a trustworthy replacement source first. |
| Connector and cable | Match the cable to both the device and adapter ports. Apple distinguishes Lightning connections on older iPhones from USB-C on iPhone 15 and later. | When my cable goes missing, I need its connectors to fit the equipment I still use; roughly 31% of consumers make connector matching their primary concern. |
| Wired charging speed | Check the device maker’s charging standard, the adapter’s stated output and the cable rating. Samsung specifies a 5A cable for its supported 45W charging route. | If my existing setup feels too slow, I want the replacement to support my device’s faster wired mode; about 25% of consumers prioritise charging-speed compatibility. |
| Charging several devices | Compare single-port output with the output available when the ports you need are used together. | For a desk or travel bag, I would rather use one adapter for several devices without overlooking shared output; around 13% of consumers put multi-device charging first. |
USB-C describes a connector, not the charging mode a particular phone or tablet will use. Apple specifies USB Power Delivery for faster wired charging on relevant iPhones, while Samsung sets model-specific requirements for its Super Fast Charging modes.
Check the exact device model, adapter output and cable capability together rather than treating the wattage on the adapter as a promised charging speed.
Electrical Safety First warns that conformity markings can be faked. A London Borough of Bromley safety report identified a counterfeit Apple-branded USB-C adapter with a serious fire and electric-shock risk.
Choose an identifiable model from its manufacturer or a reputable retailer, and use the model details to check relevant official safety alerts.
When several devices are connected, output may be shared. Apple notes that a multi-port adapter’s maximum output can be reduced according to combined demand and system conditions.
Read the manufacturer’s output table for the combination of ports you expect to use at the same time.
The cable can be a separate safety concern. An Office for Product Safety and Standards recall of the IKEA ASKSTORM 40W USB charger identified cable damage from repeated bending as an electric-shock risk.
Inspect both parts of the setup. Stop using a visibly damaged cable and replace it with one whose connectors and stated capability suit the device and adapter.
A manufacturer route for iPhone and iPad charging equipment, with cable choice depending on the device’s connector.
A manufacturer route for Galaxy owners checking model-specific wired charging modes.
A third-party brand listing single-port and multi-port chargers and USB-C cable options in its UK range.
No. USB-C identifies the connector, while faster wired modes depend on the device, adapter and cable. Apple specifies USB Power Delivery and a suitable cable for relevant iPhones; Samsung sets additional device and cable requirements for particular Super Fast Charging modes. Check your exact model before choosing an adapter for its wattage.
No. Electrical Safety First warns that markings can be faked and advises buying a compatible charger from the manufacturer or a reputable retailer. Look for an identifiable manufacturer and model as well as the appropriate product information.
Stop using charging equipment with visible damage or scorch marks rather than opening or repairing it. Inspect the cable as well as the adapter: an Office for Product Safety and Standards recall identified an electric-shock risk associated with a USB charger cable damaged by repeated bending.
No. The Office for Product Safety and Standards publishes separate guidance on the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 for Great Britain and Northern Ireland, where some provisions apply differently. For a mains charger supplied in Northern Ireland, check the applicable product information rather than assuming Great Britain guidance applies unchanged.
Search the GOV.UK Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls service using the charger’s brand, model number and other identifying details. Compare the notice with the exact product rather than relying on a generic charger description.