How to Spot a Fake Charger or Power Bank (and Stay Safe)

A charger or power bank is one of the cheapest things you buy for your phone, and one of the most important to get right. A poorly made one can charge slowly, damage your battery or, in the worst cases, overheat. Fake products that copy famous brands are common, so it helps to know the warning signs.

Why fakes are a real problem

Original chargers include circuits that control voltage and current, protect against overheating and handle short circuits. Fakes often leave these protections out or use weak parts to save money. The product looks the same on the outside, but the inside is very different.

One-minute checks you can do

1. Weight. A genuine power bank has real battery cells inside, so it feels solid. A suspiciously light one often has less battery capacity than printed on the label.
2. Print quality. Look at the logo, spelling and text. Blurry printing, spelling mistakes or uneven edges are red flags.
3. Specifications. A real product lists input and output voltage and current, plus model and batch information. Missing or vague details are a warning.
4. Capacity claims. Very small, cheap power banks that claim huge capacity such as 30,000mAh at a tiny size are almost always exaggerated. Our guide to power bank capacity explains why real capacity is always lower than the label.
5. Heat. If a charger or power bank gets very hot during normal use, stop using it.
6. Charging speed. A product that claims fast charging but charges much slower than the original charger for your phone may not be what it says.

Check the packaging and the seller

• Original products come in tidy, sealed packaging with correct branding, model number and instructions.
• Buy from a store that sells original products and can show you what you are buying, and that offers a warranty and a way to return a faulty item.
• Be careful with prices that are far below the normal market price for that brand. If it looks too cheap, ask why.

Cables matter too

A thin or poorly made cable can limit charging speed and overheat. Use the cable that came with your phone or a quality replacement that lists the power it supports. Replace cables that are frayed, bent near the plug or that only charge when you hold them in a certain position.

Use chargers safely

• Do not charge under a pillow or on a bed.
• Do not charge in direct sunlight or in a very hot car.
• Unplug and stop using any device that swells, smells or gets unusually hot.
• Keep power banks away from water and do not use them if they have been dropped hard.
• Avoid plugging many chargers into one cheap extension block.

What to do if you suspect a fake

Stop using it, keep the packaging and proof of purchase, and contact the seller. If you bought from us, tell our support team through live chat and we will help.

Buy with confidence

Browse original chargers and batteries and power banks from brands such as itel, Oraimo and Infinix, sold with warranty support.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to use a different brand of charger from my phone?

Yes, as long as it is a quality charger that matches or exceeds your phone's power needs and comes from a trusted brand. Avoid unbranded chargers with no specifications.

Why does my phone charge slowly with a new charger?

The charger, the cable or both may not support the charging speed your phone needs. A weak cable is a very common cause.

Can a power bank be taken on a plane?

Usually yes in hand luggage, but not in checked luggage, and there are limits on capacity. Check your airline's rules before you travel.

How long should a power bank last?

Quality power banks last for hundreds of charge cycles, often several years of normal use, with capacity slowly dropping over time.