Charging Phone in the Car
Charging Phone in the Car
I purchased a charging cable with a 12-volt "cigarette lighter" connector for charging my Galaxy 13 phone. I have just tried it out to see how well it works, and the phone did not charge at all. I tried another car with the same result. Is there a problem with my new cable/connector setup, or can the phone not be charged that way? The user manual for the phone says to use only the cable that came with the phone and a Samsung charger.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
Was the engine on? Some cars do not send power to the lighter unless the engine is running (or key turned to "ACC")
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Re: Charging Phone in the Car
I charge my Motorola phone and Samsung tablet from 12v regularly.
Have you used the outlet for anything else?
Was the car(s) running when you tried it out?
Have you used the outlet for anything else?
Was the car(s) running when you tried it out?
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Re: Charging Phone in the Car
Check your fuse box. If your charger has no light indicating it's plugged in, you can check your fuses to make sure the it's not blown. Also, sometimes cheaper charges don't work well with newer phones.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
The car was running. I tried two different cars, so a blown fuse is not likely.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
There is no separate charger or charger light. There is a connector to the car that has a USB socket, the cable goes from that socket to a USB-C connector that plugs into the phone.runninginvestor wrote: ↑Sun Jul 03, 2022 12:53 pm Check your fuse box. If your charger has no light indicating it's plugged in, you can check your fuses to make sure the it's not blown. Also, sometimes cheaper charges don't work well with newer phones.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
I've never had issues charging in cars -- multiple cars, multiple cigarette adapters, multiple phones and I-pads. Did have one cable visibly broken mid-travel, paid $15 at a travel oasis store that would only have cost $5 on Amazon.
New does necessarily mean working.
New does necessarily mean working.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
Those sockets usually have an indicator light/glow as well. Your new charger is the most likely problem. Have you tried it with a different device?sport wrote: ↑Sun Jul 03, 2022 1:21 pmThere is no separate charger or charger light. There is a connector to the car that has a USB socket, the cable goes from that socket to a USB-C connector that plugs into the phone.runninginvestor wrote: ↑Sun Jul 03, 2022 12:53 pm Check your fuse box. If your charger has no light indicating it's plugged in, you can check your fuses to make sure the it's not blown. Also, sometimes cheaper charges don't work well with newer phones.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
I have no other device that has a USB-C socket.sailaway wrote: ↑Sun Jul 03, 2022 1:25 pmThose sockets usually have an indicator light/glow as well. Your new charger is the most likely problem. Have you tried it with a different device?sport wrote: ↑Sun Jul 03, 2022 1:21 pmThere is no separate charger or charger light. There is a connector to the car that has a USB socket, the cable goes from that socket to a USB-C connector that plugs into the phone.runninginvestor wrote: ↑Sun Jul 03, 2022 12:53 pm Check your fuse box. If your charger has no light indicating it's plugged in, you can check your fuses to make sure the it's not blown. Also, sometimes cheaper charges don't work well with newer phones.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
Your Samsung Galaxy A13 has a standard USB-C port and should be able to charge from any USB-C charger. I would suspect something is wrong with the car charger or cable you bought. Anker is a reliable brand for chargers.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
I hesitate to tell you to "push harder", but some new or cheap units might not seat into the cigar lighter without sufficient persuasion. A related check is to manually press on whatever protrusions make contact with the (big round, cylindrical) sleeve contact of the lighter. Are they hard to depress? Do they pop right back out firmly?
Can you try somebody else's car?
I agree that the cheapest chargers on Amazon are often defective. What is your report on whether there is an LED pilot light on the charger body?
Can you try somebody else's car?
I agree that the cheapest chargers on Amazon are often defective. What is your report on whether there is an LED pilot light on the charger body?
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
Try process of elimination. Can you find a USB socket elsewhere to see if that cable will charge your phone? If the cable works, then focus on 12V adapter. You could see if you can find some USB device that lights up or powers up that you could power from the 12V adapter to see if it is outputting voltage. But if that costs more than a 12V adapter, it may not be worth it. Make sure your 12V adapter is pushed in hard into the lighter socket. Ideally, buy a 12V adapter with a light so you know the socket has power and is pushed in enough to make contact.
Usually the issue with cars is slow charging and not no charging. My samsung phone will charge, fast charge, or super fast charge. You need different USB power chips to support this functions. My last 12V adapter supports Quick Charge 2.0 which will fast charge my samsung phone. I got a new phone that will Super Fast charge, but I need either Quick Charge 3.0 or one of the PD protocols to do that in the USB power adapter.
A generic USB port in a car or computer will probably just slow charge your phone.
On my last phone, crappy USB cords (and perhaps pocket lint) wore out the USB port on the phone and I could not charge by cable. So I bought an inductive charger for home and car that supports the fast charge mode. I highly recommend doing some charging inductively so you don't wear out your only wired interface to the phone.
Usually the issue with cars is slow charging and not no charging. My samsung phone will charge, fast charge, or super fast charge. You need different USB power chips to support this functions. My last 12V adapter supports Quick Charge 2.0 which will fast charge my samsung phone. I got a new phone that will Super Fast charge, but I need either Quick Charge 3.0 or one of the PD protocols to do that in the USB power adapter.
A generic USB port in a car or computer will probably just slow charge your phone.
On my last phone, crappy USB cords (and perhaps pocket lint) wore out the USB port on the phone and I could not charge by cable. So I bought an inductive charger for home and car that supports the fast charge mode. I highly recommend doing some charging inductively so you don't wear out your only wired interface to the phone.
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Somewhere in WA State
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
I use a little USB multitester bought at Amazon to help diagnose charging issues, cables, voltages, amperages, and wattages associated with USB devices. Phones and other modern USB-chargeable devices have protective circuitry to help prevent damage from shorted cables and other problems.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
I plugged the cord into a USB port on my computer. The phone charged that way. So, the cord is fine. There is no "charger body". There is just a plug that fits into the 12V socket. It does not have a light. The contacts are not hard to depress and the pop right back. I tried both of my cars.crefwatch wrote: ↑Sun Jul 03, 2022 1:48 pm I hesitate to tell you to "push harder", but some new or cheap units might not seat into the cigar lighter without sufficient persuasion. A related check is to manually press on whatever protrusions make contact with the (big round, cylindrical) sleeve contact of the lighter. Are they hard to depress? Do they pop right back out firmly?
Can you try somebody else's car?
I agree that the cheapest chargers on Amazon are often defective. What is your report on whether there is an LED pilot light on the charger body?
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
When you say it’s not charging, do you mean it’s not registering as being plugged in, or do you mean that despite it being plugged in and saying its charging, it still drains? If the latter, it may be that the charger you bought does not supply enough power for the phone. I have an iPhone 13 Pro Max and if I’m using navigation with the screen brightness up, despite being plugged in, the phone still drains battery.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
The phone does not say it is charging. The "charger" is just a plug and a cord.Jags4186 wrote: ↑Sun Jul 03, 2022 3:55 pm When you say it’s not charging, do you mean it’s not registering as being plugged in, or do you mean that despite it being plugged in and saying its charging, it still drains? If the latter, it may be that the charger you bought does not supply enough power for the phone. I have an iPhone 13 Pro Max and if I’m using navigation with the screen brightness up, despite being plugged in, the phone still drains battery.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
It seems then, your 12v adapter is defective.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
I have identified the problem. I tested the cord, and it works. I tested the plug in a Honda. It works there. I tested another plug in my Toyota. It works there. So, the answer is that the 12-volt plug is not compatible with my two Camrys. One would think that a "cigarette lighter" type plug would be a standard item, that would work in any car. Apparently this is not always the case. Thank you to those who offered suggestions.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
I agree. A 12V plug is a power source that should power anything plugged in. It should not care what that is. Have you tried the socket with anything eilse?
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
Yes. I tried another plug and it worked. Then I put the problem plug back in and it still did not work.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
The fact that it works in your Honda means that electrically the plug is fine. The problem must be mechanical. The plug is not making contact with the socket in the Camry. You might trying inserting the plug and then rotating it 90 degrees at a time and seeing if you can make contact.sport wrote: ↑Sun Jul 03, 2022 6:52 pm I have identified the problem. I tested the cord, and it works. I tested the plug in a Honda. It works there. I tested another plug in my Toyota. It works there. So, the answer is that the 12-volt plug is not compatible with my two Camrys. One would think that a "cigarette lighter" type plug would be a standard item, that would work in any car. Apparently this is not always the case. Thank you to those who offered suggestions.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
I pushed, I rotated, I took it out and pushed it in again, etc. etc. etc. I believe that there is something keeping it from going in far enough to make the center contact. No matter how much I tried to manipulate it, it would not make contact.billaster wrote: ↑Sun Jul 03, 2022 10:51 pmThe fact that it works in your Honda means that electrically the plug is fine. The problem must be mechanical. The plug is not making contact with the socket in the Camry. You might trying inserting the plug and then rotating it 90 degrees at a time and seeing if you can make contact.sport wrote: ↑Sun Jul 03, 2022 6:52 pm I have identified the problem. I tested the cord, and it works. I tested the plug in a Honda. It works there. I tested another plug in my Toyota. It works there. So, the answer is that the 12-volt plug is not compatible with my two Camrys. One would think that a "cigarette lighter" type plug would be a standard item, that would work in any car. Apparently this is not always the case. Thank you to those who offered suggestions.
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Re: Charging Phone in the Car
Then the next step is to get another plug of a different type. Some plugs just don't work with some sockets.sport wrote: ↑Mon Jul 04, 2022 8:44 amI pushed, I rotated, I took it out and pushed it in again, etc. etc. etc. I believe that there is something keeping it from going in far enough to make the center contact. No matter how much I tried to manipulate it, it would not make contact.billaster wrote: ↑Sun Jul 03, 2022 10:51 pmThe fact that it works in your Honda means that electrically the plug is fine. The problem must be mechanical. The plug is not making contact with the socket in the Camry. You might trying inserting the plug and then rotating it 90 degrees at a time and seeing if you can make contact.sport wrote: ↑Sun Jul 03, 2022 6:52 pm I have identified the problem. I tested the cord, and it works. I tested the plug in a Honda. It works there. I tested another plug in my Toyota. It works there. So, the answer is that the 12-volt plug is not compatible with my two Camrys. One would think that a "cigarette lighter" type plug would be a standard item, that would work in any car. Apparently this is not always the case. Thank you to those who offered suggestions.
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Re: Charging Phone in the Car
OP, I have a Scosche charger that I have used in my 2008 RAV4 for a few years now. They have newer models and this brand is one recommended by Wirecutter.willthrill81 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 04, 2022 9:39 am Then the next step is to get another plug of a different type. Some plugs just don't work with some sockets.
Don't trust me, look it up. https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions-and-publications
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
I would use a multi-meter to read voltage on the Camry and see if the contact pins get connnected to the cable. It seems weird.
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Re: Charging Phone in the Car
Did you buy this charger at a gas station?
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
Seconded. The Scosche chargers are high quality and work well. I have been using the same one in my car for many years.jebmke wrote: ↑Mon Jul 04, 2022 9:42 amOP, I have a Scosche charger that I have used in my 2008 RAV4 for a few years now. They have newer models and this brand is one recommended by Wirecutter.willthrill81 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 04, 2022 9:39 am Then the next step is to get another plug of a different type. Some plugs just don't work with some sockets.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
I don't even buy gasoline at a gas station.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
maybe your car is out of gas?
Don't trust me, look it up. https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions-and-publications
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
Some cigarette lighter adapters have a fuse. Try unscrewing the body of the cigarette adapter, a fuse may fall out. You can test the fuse with a multimeter of just visually inspect that the fine wire inside is unbroken.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
Some cigarette lighter adapters have a fuse. Try unscrewing the body of the cigarette adapter, a fuse may fall out. You can test the fuse with a multimeter of just visually inspect that the fine wire inside is unbroken.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
So your theory is that the fuse prevents it from working in the OP's Toyotas, but allows it to work when they tried it in the Honda?
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
Not sure but may mean the female socket (car side).
Don't trust me, look it up. https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions-and-publications
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
I buy a lot of consumer electronics. My rule these days is that I spend a couple minutes troubleshooting something, and if I can't get it to work I return it. Despite having a full electronics shop in my basement, there's no way I would bother walking down to get a multimeter to troubleshoot this. Just return it and move on to a different vendor.
On the topic of picking a charger, you really want to pick something that supports modern standards for fast charging. Upthread someone recommended Scosche as a source -- here's a good example of a charger that will very likely work and supports fast charging. This one also has the benefit of a USB-C port, which is really where you want to head for new accessories.
https://www.scosche.com/mini-usbc-car-fast-charger-pd30
Another option to consider (if you have room and the need) is something like this Bestek 200W charger/inverter. It goes in the cupholder in the car, and the 110v power is useful for charging laptops. It's not quite as up to date on charging standards, and only has USB-A, but has 2.4A ports which will charge pretty quickly.
https://www.bestekdirect.com/bestek-200 ... 71k6_3jhgl
On the topic of picking a charger, you really want to pick something that supports modern standards for fast charging. Upthread someone recommended Scosche as a source -- here's a good example of a charger that will very likely work and supports fast charging. This one also has the benefit of a USB-C port, which is really where you want to head for new accessories.
https://www.scosche.com/mini-usbc-car-fast-charger-pd30
Another option to consider (if you have room and the need) is something like this Bestek 200W charger/inverter. It goes in the cupholder in the car, and the 110v power is useful for charging laptops. It's not quite as up to date on charging standards, and only has USB-A, but has 2.4A ports which will charge pretty quickly.
https://www.bestekdirect.com/bestek-200 ... 71k6_3jhgl
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
Thanks for all the suggestions. The plug works in a Honda. So, the plug is good. Another plug works in the Toyota. So, the Toyota is good. Everything is in working order. It's just that plug will not work in either of my Toyotas. It is just some sort of compatibility problem. I just need to get a different 12-volt plug.
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Re: Charging Phone in the Car
I once had a USB car charger that had a flange which prevented it from being inserted deep enough in one of my cars. I also had another charger that wouldn't stay inserted. It would just pop back out. So it's a bit hit or miss on whether a particular charger works with your car. I would just return it and try a different one.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
Another solution is to just buy a different car.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
Of course, that is necessary, but not sufficient. I could have the same problem with the new car. Therefore, when I go car shopping, I have to take the 12-volt plug and my phone with me to make sure they work in the new car. I would not want to buy another car and then find I have the same problem.
Hmmm, let me see. I can get another plug for about $10. A comparable car would be about $30,000. I'm just not sure how to proceed. I'll have to think about it.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
Many new cars have USB-C charge ports built in.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
and wireless charging pads.
Don't trust me, look it up. https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions-and-publications
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
Have you looked inside with a flashlight to see if any foreign object has fallen into the socket?
Another possibility is that another longer plug was pushed in and depressed or bent the center contact of the socket so your new plug won't reach it. You could compare your two working and non-working plugs for length side by side but it could be just a tiny fraction of an inch that wouldn't be visible.
You could try pulling on the center contact of the socket with needle nose pliers to bend the contact up but first make sure power is off before you try this.
Another possibility is that another longer plug was pushed in and depressed or bent the center contact of the socket so your new plug won't reach it. You could compare your two working and non-working plugs for length side by side but it could be just a tiny fraction of an inch that wouldn't be visible.
You could try pulling on the center contact of the socket with needle nose pliers to bend the contact up but first make sure power is off before you try this.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
Samsung phones have smart charge circuitry that protects the battery. You must use a 12VDC car charger (assuming you have really confirmed your socket is good) that specifically calls out Samsung phones. Look for Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 that identifies mobile devices and provides optimum charging efficiency up to 4 times faster than conventional charging. Can't use the standard charger you can get just anywhere. Also, it is not a problem with indoor 120V charge cubes, only the car socket.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
as long as the outcome isn't destruction, you can test this in the Honda.
Don't trust me, look it up. https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions-and-publications
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Re: Charging Phone in the Car
The Sensible Steward
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Re: Charging Phone in the Car
Built-in charging circuitry quickly gets obsolete. Nowadays you need QC4.0, PD3.0, PPS. At least 65 watts. And built in USB ports just do not have that in most cases, but ~$30 (not $10) car chargers from Amazon do.
Car manufacturers tend to be very conservative with technology. It is still possible to buy brand new cars that don't support Android Auto, for example. And when they do, it is only wired Android Auto.
Last edited by Chuckles960 on Mon Jul 04, 2022 4:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
Well, I don't have any devices that will use more than 20 W when getting charged, so at the moment I do not need at least 65 W.Chuckles960 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 04, 2022 2:29 pmBuilt-in charging circuitry quickly gets obsolete. Nowadays you need QC4.0, PD3.0, PPS. At least 65 watts. And built in USB ports just do not have that in most cases.
OTOH, I have multiple ways of charging things including a couple of inverters to create AC power even if the car battery is dead and a way to jump-start a dead battery. So with the inverters, I could use any wall charger at least for a little while.
Re: Charging Phone in the Car
Or spend $10 at amazon and get the charger that will work.livesoft wrote: ↑Mon Jul 04, 2022 4:12 pmWell, I don't have any devices that will use more than 20 W when getting charged, so at the moment I do not need at least 65 W.Chuckles960 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 04, 2022 2:29 pmBuilt-in charging circuitry quickly gets obsolete. Nowadays you need QC4.0, PD3.0, PPS. At least 65 watts. And built in USB ports just do not have that in most cases.
OTOH, I have multiple ways of charging things including a couple of inverters to create AC power even if the car battery is dead and a way to jump-start a dead battery. So with the inverters, I could use any wall charger at least for a little while.