How to Tell If a Phone Charger Is Original or Fake – 7 Easy Checks

The market is flooded with fake phone chargers that closely resemble the original ones. While they may look similar at first glance, using a fake charger can lead to serious issues—slow charging, battery damage, overheating, and even explosions.

To help you avoid these risks, here’s a complete guide on how to tell if a phone charger is original or fake.

1. Check the Packaging and Labeling

• Original chargers come in well-sealed packaging with neat plastic wrap or sturdy boxes.

• The brand logo is printed clearly, with no typos or blurry text.

• Fake chargers often come in cheap, flimsy packaging, sometimes without any branding at all.

📌 Tip: Look for barcodes, product information, and manufacturer details on the box.

2. Inspect the Material and Weight

• Original chargers feel heavier due to high-quality internal components.

• The casing is smooth, solid, and precisely molded.

• Fake chargers are usually lighter, feel hollow, and use low-grade plastic.

3. Examine the Printing on the Charger Head

An original charger usually has:

• Laser-etched or high-resolution printed text (not stickers).

• Complete technical specs: input/output voltage, model number, safety certifications (like CE, UL).

Meanwhile, fake chargers often show:

• Faded text, inconsistent fonts, or missing details.

4. Verify the Power Output (Voltage & Ampere)

• Check if the output (e.g., 5V/2A) matches what your phone requires.

• Original chargers consistently deliver the correct power.

• Fake chargers may claim high output but deliver unstable or incorrect voltage.

📌 Use a USB tester to check real-time charging current and voltage.

5. Observe the Temperature During Use

• Original chargers stay cool or slightly warm, even after long use.

• Fake chargers often become hot very quickly, even within 10–15 minutes.

⚠️ Overheating can be dangerous and cause damage to your phone or battery.

6. Check the USB Cable Quality

• Original cables are durable, flexible, and well-fitted.

• The USB connectors are precise and feel snug.

• Fake cables may be loose, flimsy, or wear out quickly.

Some counterfeit chargers don’t even include a genuine cable.

7. Use an App to Analyze Charging Behavior (Optional)

Apps like Ampere, AccuBattery, or CPU-Z can monitor charging speed.
If the charger delivers unusually low or fluctuating current, it’s likely a fake.

Why It’s Important to Use an Original Charger

Using an original charger helps:

• Extend battery life

• Prevent short circuits and fire hazards

• Avoid overheating and device damage

• Support official fast charging protocols

Conclusion

Now you know the key signs to tell the difference between a real and fake phone charger. Don’t be tempted by extremely cheap prices—saving a few bucks could cost you your phone, or worse. Always prioritize safety, durability, and performance by buying original phone chargers from trusted sellers.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are all fake chargers dangerous?
A: Not always, but most fake chargers lack proper safety standards and can damage your phone or battery over time.

Q: Do I have to buy from the official service center?
A: Ideally, yes. But some trusted electronics retailers also sell original chargers with warranty.

Q: What should I do if I’ve been using a fake charger?
A: Switch to a genuine charger immediately—especially if you notice overheating, fast battery drain, or slow charging.