Why Won't My USB Charger Work in a Hotel?

Imagine you're on a trip and want to charge your Apple Watch. You plug it into a USB port on a hotel lamp, but after hours, it's still not charged. What gives? A reader from Galveston faced this issue and reached out for answers. USB charging isn't as simple as it seems.

You might think all USB ports are the same, but they're not. Early USB standards provided little power, just enough for keyboards and mice. Today's devices need more juice. Modern USB chargers can provide up to 240 watts, and they can negotiate the best charging rate with your device. So, why didn't the Apple charger work? It could be the specific outlet or device, or maybe the hotel room was just unlucky. To charge faster, consider a new USB-C charger with Power Delivery. Also, check your charging cable's specs for the best speed.

Actions