Automobiles are manufactured with several features or components with a wide range of use. However, ignorance about their functions may limit the extent to which a car owner maximizes the functions.
For instance, you can charge your phone in your car once you notice the battery running low, especially when you cannot access electricity anywhere close by.
However, understanding how to charge phone when car is off will help you avoid being cut off by a drained battery in your phone. The step-by-step guide is provided below in this article.
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How To Charge Phone When Car Is Off Step By Step
Charging a phone in a vehicle is a very simple exercise, especially when you have the necessary tools to perform the task. Some of the tools include a car charger, USB cable, or a cigarette lighter. Once you have any of these tools, you’re good to go.
Meanwhile, the procedure below is a step-by-step guide on how to charge your phone when the car is off.
Step 1: Get a car charger/USB cable/cigarette lighter
Firstly, get an aftermarket recommended car phone charger, a USB cable, or a cigarette lighter if you don’t already have any. The three devices can be used to charge your phone. So, you may have to stick to one of them.
However, using car phone charger is the best way to charge phone in a car because it is designed for that purpose compared to the other two devices. However, they can still work if you choose to use them as alternatives.
Step 2: Insert the charger into the designated port
Once you have the charger, kindly locate the car phone charger port beneath the dashboard at the center point between the driver’s seat and the passenger’s seat in front. Then, insert the charger into the port carefully.
Also, if you have a USB cable, ensure to locate the USB port around the same spot between the driver’s seat and the passenger’s seat below the dashboard. You can as well find a cigarette lighter around the same area. However, kindly check your owner’s manual to ascertain the exact location.
Step 3: Plug the charger tip into the phone charging port
Now, pick the part of the charger with the phone charging cable tip and insert it into your phone. Ensure that you’re using the appropriate charger for your phone, especially for iPhone users.
Meanwhile, if you’re using a USB cord, simply insert the other end that is compatible with your phone into the charging port. Again, ensure that the cable matches the charging port of the phone you intend to charge.
Step 4: Verify the phone’s battery charging icon.
Lastly, verify if the phone is charging appropriately by checking for the battery-charging icon on the phone. Some phones have their battery icon on the top right corner of the phone’s screen. Also, the charging icon usually appears like a small thunderbolt near the battery.
Once you verify and spot the charging icon, you’re good to go. Your phone’s battery should be full in a few hours. However, do not leave the phone charging for too long. Also, never make this a daily habit, as you may be endangering your car’s battery life in the long run.
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FAQs
Q: How long can you charge your phone in your car without it running?
If you’re wondering, “How long can I charge my phone on car battery?” A car’s battery can power (charge) a phone until it is fully charged. For instance, a vehicle’s battery of around 200 amps per hour will supply 20 amps in 10 hours, 40 amps in 5 hours, or 2 amps in 100 hours.
If you’re contemplating how long to charge phone in car, a 200 amp hour battery can charge a phone with a charger that draws 1 amp for up to 200 hours. In other words, if the phone’s battery is flat, the car battery should be able to charge it from 0% to 100% and still possess enough power to function.
Q: How can I charge my phone without a car charger?
There are a couple of various alternatives you can use to charge your phone if your car charger is not handy. For example, you can get a USB cord. Simply insert it into a USB port in your car, and connect it to your phone. Then, verify the battery-charging icon on your phone.
Meanwhile, kindly check if your car is fitted with a USB port before implementing this phone charging approach. However, most modern vehicles are fitted with USB ports directly from the factory.
Q: Can I use my phone if my car is off?
Sure, you can use your phone if your car is off. However, ensure to park in a safe place away from the road. Calling, texting, or replying to emails while on the road is strictly prohibited in most cities. You could be slammed with a fine if caught using your phone while driving.
Again, the best time to use your phone while in your car is when the car is parked and the engine is off. If you have an emergency phone call, kindly look for the nearest safe place to park and answer your call if you are driving.
Q: Will a phone charger drain a car battery?
If you’re asking, “Does charging your phone in the car drain the battery?” Using a phone charger in your car can drain the battery gradually. However, the power drain is relatively small because of the capacity of power a cell phone can absorb. However, please do not ever make it a habit to always charge your phone in your car.
The presence of the phone charger or USB port is to take care of emergencies. Therefore, if you choose to always charge your phone in your car, you may be causing harm to the battery in the long run. So, always ensure to charge your phone in the designated places.
Q: Can you use a cigarette lighter to charge your phone?
Of course, using a cigarette lighter is another great option for charging your phone if you understand how to charge phone in car with a cigarette lighter. The cigarette lighter is built to supply 12 volts of power output, making it a faster charging source than regular USB ports in a car.
However, kindly note that these components are not designed for charging phones. For example, most USB ports are designed to enable you to connect your phone or flash drive to your car’s infotainment system. So, converting the purpose of the components to something else can be detrimental in the long run.
Q: How can I charge my phone without power?
There are several ways to charge your phone if you cannot access power at home at the moment. Some of the methods include using a solar energy charger, car USB ports, car cigarette lighter, etc. These options can be a lifesaver, especially when you’re traveling.
However, developing the habit of always charging your phone with car USB ports or cigarette lighter is not ideal. Besides, they’re not built for that purpose. So, kindly stick to the recommended use for which a component is created.
Final Words
The step-by-step guide on how to charge phone when car is off has been unveiled above. The procedure is pretty straightforward. Virtually everyone can perform the exercise once you have the required tools.
No doubt, it is a unique way of overcoming emergencies whereby your phone has a flat battery, and you need to make a special phone call. For those asking, “Do phones charge when car is off?” With your car phone charger, USB cord, or cigarette lighter, you can power your phone back to life while the car is off.
However, no matter what, do not make this phone charging method a lifestyle. Although it seems interesting and easy, it may cause your car’s battery to deteriorate faster than expected.
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