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Warning: Do not buy these iPhone chargers (2026)

shieldSnaggyCodes Editorial Team calendar_todayDec 06, 2016 updateUpdated Jun 17, 2026 schedule3 min read verifiedFact-checked
Warning: Do not buy these iPhone chargers (2026)

Saving money on warning not buy these does not have to be complicated. We rounded up the essentials so you can spend less and skip the guesswork.

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There’s a new warning about counterfeit iPhone chargers after an investigation found that 99% of them failed a basic safety test. 

According to the new report from UL, an Illinois-based safety consulting and certification company, counterfeits aren’t designed to meet industry safety standards and lack the safety features to protect users from danger.

Fake iPhone chargers have 99% failure rate 

Read more: Are you eligible for a free iPhone battery replacement? Here’s how to check

In a test of 400 counterfeit iPhone adapters, all but three failed basic safety tests and were considered “fire and shock hazards.” In fact, UL said that 12 of the adapters posed a risk of lethal electrocution. 

Since the iPhone is so popular, there’s naturally going to be a demand for spare accessories, including chargers. Smartphone adapters from legitimate suppliers typically sell for around $20. But some of the knock-offs cost as little as a dollar, which should be the first red flag.

How to spot a fake

So how else can you spot a fake? It’s becoming harder to tell. A clear sign is the absence of a certification mark, such as a UL mark. However, some suppliers are putting counterfeit certification marks on the products, making it even more difficult for consumers to tell whether the adapter is legitimate or a fake. 

4 ways to identify a counterfeit iPhone adapter

  • Color: All genuine UL certified Apple adapters are white.
  • Printed text: Look for spelling mistakes or grammatical errors.
  • Cost: Genuine Apple iPhone adapters retail for $19. Beware of an unusually low cost.
  • Packaging: Genuine Apple adapters come in white Apple packaging and aren’t sold loose in bins.

Genuine iPhone adapter 

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What you need to know 

The bottom line is that you don’t want to risk injuring yourself or damaging your device by purchasing a counterfeit iPhone adapter, which really only saves you a few bucks in the first place. 

Your best bet is to purchase a UL certified adapter manufactured by Apple or a legitimate source.

Read more: This secret iPhone code unlocks a hidden feature that may come in handy

Scam alert: Fake iPhone apps

Source: Scam alert: Fake iPhone apps by Clark on Rumble

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Final Thoughts

Before you check out, double-check warning not buy these against current offers and any coupons you can stack. Small habits like this add up to real savings over a year.

Originally published at clark.com.

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SnaggyCodes Editorial Team

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