If your iPhone is an iPhone 15 or newer, it charges over USB-C. If it’s an iPhone 14 or older, it uses Apple’s Lightning connector. Almost every current Android phone, including Samsung Galaxy models, uses USB-C. The trickier part is that not every USB-C cable or charger is the same, so here’s how to buy the right one the first time.
The short version
- iPhone 5 through iPhone 14 (and the iPhone SE models) use Lightning; iPhone 15 and later use USB-C.
- Most Android phones from the last several years use USB-C; some older or budget models still use micro-USB.
- USB-C cables differ in charging power and data speed, even when they look identical.
- For fast charging, the charger, the cable and the phone all need to support the same standard, usually USB Power Delivery (USB PD).
- Not sure what you have? Bring the phone and your old cable to the kiosk and we’ll help you match it.
How to tell which port your phone has
Look at the charging port on the bottom edge of the phone.
- Lightning: a small, flat, narrow slot. The plug is a thin metal tab with no shell around it and goes in either way up.
- USB-C: a slightly wider oval opening with a small tongue inside. The plug is oval, has a metal shell and is also reversible.
- Micro-USB: a trapezoid shape, wider on one side. It only fits one way. You’ll mostly see it on older Android phones, cheap earbuds cases and some small gadgets.
On an iPhone, you can also check the model name in Settings, then General, then About. If it says iPhone 15 (any version) or later, it’s USB-C.
Why iPhones switched from Lightning to USB-C
Apple used Lightning from the iPhone 5 in 2012 until the iPhone 14 line. Starting with the iPhone 15 in 2023, it moved to USB-C, the same connector used by most Android phones, many laptops, tablets and headphones. A major driver was the European Union’s common charger rules, which require USB-C on phones sold there.
For you, the practical upshot is simple: if your household is all newer iPhones and Android phones, one type of cable can now charge everything. If you have a mix of older and newer iPhones, you’ll need both for a while.
Not all USB-C cables are equal
This is where most people get caught. Two USB-C cables can look the same but behave very differently:
- Charging power. Standard USB-C cables are rated for up to 60 watts. Cables rated for 100 W or 240 W contain a small chip (an “e-marker”) that tells the charger they can carry more current. A phone doesn’t need anywhere near 240 W, but a laptop might.
- Data speed. Many USB-C cables, especially the ones bundled with phones, only transfer data at USB 2.0 speed. That’s fine for charging and occasional photo transfers, but slow if you move large video files. Faster cables are labelled USB 3, USB 3.2, USB4 or Thunderbolt.
- Length and build. Longer cables are handy in bed or on a couch, but they’re more likely to get stepped on or kinked. A braided jacket and a sturdy strain relief at each end help a cable last.
If you only charge your phone, a decent USB-C to USB-C cable rated for 60 W is plenty. If you also want to plug your phone into a laptop to move 4K video, look for a USB 3 or faster cable. Some recent iPhone Pro models support faster USB 3 transfers, but only with a cable that supports it.
Choosing a charger (the wall brick)
The cable is only half of it. The wall adapter decides how fast power can flow.
For iPhone
Apple’s own guidance is that iPhone 8 and later can fast charge with a USB-C Power Delivery adapter of 20 watts or more. For a Lightning iPhone, that means a USB-C to Lightning cable plugged into a USB-C wall adapter. For an iPhone 15 or newer, a USB-C to USB-C cable into the same kind of adapter works.
For Samsung and other Android phones
Most Android phones fast charge over USB Power Delivery. Many recent Samsung Galaxy phones use a version called PPS (Programmable Power Supply) for their fastest “Super Fast Charging” mode, so a charger that lists USB PD with PPS support is the best match. Check your phone maker’s support page for the exact wattage your model accepts; using a higher-watt charger is safe, because the phone only draws what it needs.
Old USB-A bricks
The rectangular USB-A chargers that came with older phones still work with a USB-A to Lightning or USB-A to USB-C cable. They usually charge more slowly, which is perfectly fine overnight.
Avoid ultra-cheap no-name chargers. A poorly made charger can overheat, damage your phone’s charging circuit or, in rare cases, become a fire risk. Look for a recognized safety mark such as CSA, cUL or ETL on chargers sold in Canada, and stop using any cable or adapter that’s frayed, scorched or gets hot.
Do you need to replace all your Lightning gear?
No. If you’ve upgraded to a USB-C iPhone but still own Lightning accessories, you have options:
- Keep one Lightning cable around for older AirPods cases, older iPads or a family member’s older iPhone.
- Apple and other brands sell small USB-C to Lightning adapters for accessories like wired headphones.
- Your existing USB-C wall adapters, power banks and car chargers work with a USB-C iPhone; you just need the right cable.
Going the other way, a Lightning iPhone works fine with a modern USB-C charger as long as you use a USB-C to Lightning cable. For Lightning cables, Apple runs a “Made for iPhone” (MFi) program for third-party accessories, and cables from that program are less likely to trigger the “This accessory may not be supported” warning.
What about wireless charging?
Wireless charging skips the port debate entirely. Most recent iPhones and many Android phones support the Qi standard, and newer Qi2 chargers add magnets for alignment, similar to Apple’s MagSafe. Wireless charging is convenient on a desk or nightstand, but it’s usually slower than a good cable and makes the phone warmer. It’s a nice backup if your charging port is acting up, but it doesn’t fix a port that needs attention.
When the problem isn’t the cable
If you’ve tried a known-good cable and charger and the phone still won’t charge, charges only at a certain angle, or keeps saying the accessory isn’t supported, the issue may be inside the port. Pocket lint is a common culprit, especially for people who carry their phone in a jacket pocket all through Vancouver’s rainy season. Our guide Phone Not Charging? 8 Things to Check First walks through the safe checks you can do yourself. Never poke metal objects into the port.
A worn or damaged port can be repaired; see our charging port repair service. And if you’re simply caught short while out and about, here’s where to charge your phone in Downtown Vancouver.
Get the right cable or charger in Downtown Vancouver
Not sure whether you need USB-C, Lightning or something else? Bring your phone to the MyChoice Mobile Repair kiosk at 798 Granville St in Downtown Vancouver, open every day from 9 AM to midnight. We carry charging cables, wall and car chargers and power banks, and we can help you match them to your phone. If the port itself seems to be the problem, call (236) 785-8300 or ask for a quote and we’ll take a look.
Need a hand with your phone?
MyChoice Mobile Repair is a kiosk at 798 Granville St in Downtown Vancouver. Call us, message us or send a quote request.
