What happens if I use a charger with a lower amperage than my device needs?

Sep 02, 2025

Leave a message

What happens if I use a charger with a lower amperage than my device needs?

As a charger supplier, I often get asked this question. It's a common concern among consumers, especially those who are trying to save money or use a charger they already have on hand. In this blog post, I'll explain what happens when you use a charger with a lower amperage than your device needs, and provide some tips on how to choose the right charger for your device.

First, let's start by understanding what amperage is. Amperage, also known as current, is the measure of the flow of electric charge in a circuit. It is measured in amperes (A) or milliamperes (mA). When you plug your device into a charger, the charger provides a certain amount of amperage to your device to charge its battery. The amount of amperage your device needs depends on its battery capacity and the charging speed it supports.

If you use a charger with a lower amperage than your device needs, several things can happen. The most obvious effect is that your device will charge more slowly. This is because the charger is not providing enough current to charge the battery as quickly as it could with a charger that has a higher amperage. For example, if your device requires a charger with 2A of amperage to charge at its maximum speed, but you use a charger with only 1A of amperage, it will take twice as long to charge your device.

22.5W Super Fast Charge Magsafe Magnetic Power Bank With 4 Wired Watch Portable Wireless Charger9

Another potential issue is that using a charger with a lower amperage can cause your device to overheat. When a charger provides less current than your device needs, your device has to work harder to draw the necessary power from the charger. This can cause the battery and other components in your device to heat up, which can damage the battery and other parts of your device over time. Overheating can also reduce the lifespan of your battery, causing it to lose its capacity to hold a charge more quickly.

In some cases, using a charger with a lower amperage can also cause your device to malfunction or not charge at all. This is because your device may not be able to draw enough power from the charger to function properly. For example, if your device requires a charger with 2A of amperage to turn on and charge, but you use a charger with only 0.5A of amperage, your device may not turn on or may not charge at all.

So, how do you choose the right charger for your device? The first step is to check your device's user manual or specifications to see what amperage and voltage it requires. Most devices will list the recommended charger specifications on the packaging or in the user manual. Make sure to choose a charger that has the same or higher amperage and voltage as your device requires.

It's also important to choose a charger from a reputable manufacturer. Cheap or counterfeit chargers may not provide the correct amount of amperage or voltage, which can damage your device or cause it to malfunction. Look for chargers that are certified by organizations such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or CE (Conformité Européene), which ensure that the charger meets safety and quality standards.

At our company, we offer a wide range of chargers with different amperages and voltages to meet the needs of various devices. For example, our PD 20W Fast Charger provides 20W of power, which is suitable for charging smartphones, tablets, and other devices quickly. Our 22.5w Super Fast Charger 10000mAh power bank is a portable charger that can provide up to 22.5W of power, allowing you to charge your devices on the go. And our UPS Backup Power Supply Single Port Output is a reliable backup power supply that can keep your devices charged during power outages.

In conclusion, using a charger with a lower amperage than your device needs can cause your device to charge more slowly, overheat, malfunction, or not charge at all. To avoid these issues, make sure to choose a charger that has the same or higher amperage and voltage as your device requires, and choose a charger from a reputable manufacturer. If you have any questions or need help choosing the right charger for your device, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you find the best charger for your needs.

If you're interested in purchasing chargers for your business or personal use, we invite you to contact us to discuss your requirements. Our team of experts can help you choose the right chargers for your devices and provide you with competitive pricing and excellent customer service.

References

  • "Understanding Amperage and Voltage in Chargers." Electronics Tutorials.
  • "How to Choose the Right Charger for Your Device." PCMag.
  • "The Dangers of Using Cheap Chargers." TechRadar.

Send Inquiry