Where Can I Charge My Phone For Free?

If you’re stuck with a dying phone and nowhere to plug it in, don’t panic! We’ve found several reliable places that you can charge your phone for free.

Whether you’re experiencing housing insecurity or simply forgot your charger, knowing how to charge your phone for free can be a lifesaver. Here are some clever places and methods to keep your device powered up without breaking the bank.

Public Locations

There are many public locations with outlets that will let you charge your phone for free. In fact, some will even provide you with a charging cable or entertainment while you wait!

Don’t forget to check out these options in your community:

• Public Libraries: Libraries are wonderful places to spend time and charge your phone. You may need to get a library card to do this but library cards are free. You can also enjoy a good book, use a computer, or check out a free museum pass while you wait!
• Community Centers: Your local community center likely has outlets available. While you’re there, you may be able to play some sports or engage in other fun activities!
• Transit Stations: Many transportation centers, including bus and train stations, have charging areas or outlets that you can use to charge your phone.
• Parks & Public Squares: Some local governments have placed solar-powered charging kiosks or outlet-equipped benches in their parks to make it easier to charge your phone. Some cities have even converted old pay phones into cell phone charging stations!

Next time you’re out and about, keep an eye out for these hidden charging opportunities! You might be surprised by the places in your community that are happy to help you power up. Remember, always follow the laws and requirements in your area.

Government Buildings

Sometimes, you may be able to charge your phone for free inside a government building. This is especially true for buildings or offices that serve low income clients.

• Benefits Office: You may also be able to charge your phone at a local benefits office. Check in with the food stamps office to see if they’ll let you charge your phone.
• Workforce Center: Workforce services are intended to help people find better jobs. These centers often have computers and other specialized resources to help improve your employment situation. If you stop by, they may allow you to charge your phone for free as well.

It’s always a good idea to ask before you plug your phone in, just to make sure that it’s okay.

Churches & Charities

Many organizations that serve low income customers will let you charge your phone for free while you’re on-site. This is a great way to get a quick power boost and connect with additional resources in your community.

• Community Action Agencies: Community Action Agencies exist in every county across America. These organizations are tasked with helping low income people connect with anti-poverty programs like LIHEAP. If you ask, they may let you charge your phone for free in their office.
• Food Banks & Pantries: Food banks and pantries may also be able to help you charge your phone. You will need to reach out to a volunteer and ask if you can use their outlets, though.
• Homeless Centers & Shelters: Organizations that serve the unhoused community often have chargers available. You may need to check with the staff beforehand.
• Salvation Army: Salvation Army locations sometimes offer a charging station for unhoused or low income people who need to use it.

The best way to find these options in your area is to call your local 211 service. Ask for local organizations that will let you charge your phone. If that fails, ask about local organizations that serve low income clients. You can always ask them yourself if they’ll let you charge your phone.

Businesses

Remember, it’s always polite to ask before you use a charging spot. However, there are a few spots that tend to be more welcoming to people looking to power up their phones. Here’s a look at some places where you might have some luck.

• Community Colleges: Many community colleges have available outlets for students who need to charge a laptop or a phone. This is especially true for the student center, library, or even the hallways or open areas between classrooms.
• Malls: Many malls have charging stations inside. These are usually free to use and provide a pleasant respite to sit comfortably indoors.
• Coffee Shops: Coffee shops, especially Starbucks locations, are packed with outlets and even some wireless chargers. They are also usually full of people who are using these outlets to charge their devices.
• Hospital Waiting Areas: You may be able to charge your phone in a hospital waiting room. It’s common for people to wait for long periods of time in these spaces and there’s an understandable need for people to be able to communicate, so it makes sense that they would let people charge their phones there.
• Gyms: Many gyms will allow you to charge your phone on-site while you’re using their facility. If you can’t afford a gym membership, check out how you can score a free YMCA membership!
• Lobbies: Many businesses, such as large commercial office buildings that host many businesses, have open lobbies. These lobbies may have outlets that you can use, but it’s always important to ask the nearest business for permission first.
• Fast Food Restaurants: Fast food locations sometimes have outlets available. Some locations are more accommodating than others, so you’ll need to ask.

Don’t forget that if you’re currently employed, you can often plug your phone in while you’re at work. It’s definitely one of the most convenient options on our list!

Alternatives

If none of these options work for you, there are some other things you can do to make it easier to charge your phone. Consider these options as a last resort.

• Buy a Battery Pack: If you purchase a battery pack, you can charge it at the same time you’re charging your phone for free and thereby double the amount of time before you’ll need to charge your devices again!
• Buy a Solar Charger: For around $20-$25, you can purchase a solar phone charger that you can use anywhere. These chargers are very effective, and may free you from the constant search for electrical outlets.
• Hand-Crank Chargers: As annoying as it may sound, Amazon also has a great selection of hand-crank phone chargers that can keep your phone powered in an emergency.

Remember to put your phone in battery saving mode while you look for other alternatives. It will help your battery last longer.

Safety Tips

It’s important to keep yourself safe while you’re looking for a place to charge your phone for free. You need to make sure that both you and your phone are well-protected. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Stay Aware: Be mindful of your surroundings while your phone charges. Don’t become engrossed in your phone and ignore potential risks.
• Keep Your Phone in Sight: Never leave your phone unattended while charging, even for brief periods.
• Choose Well-Lit, Populated Areas: Opt for charging locations that are visible and have people around. Avoid isolated spots or charging overnight in public spaces.
• Trust Your Instincts: If a charging location or situation feels unsafe, don’t use it. Find an alternative or prioritize getting to a safe place.
• Bring Your Own Cables: Where possible, use your own charging cable and wall adapter to reduce the risk of “juice jacking” (malicious software installed via compromised USB ports).
• In an Emergency: If your phone is your lifeline, explain your situation to staff at a trusted location (like a library or community center) who might offer a secure charging area.

y following these safety tips, you can confidently use the charging resources discussed in this guide. If you have any concerns or feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to seek help from community organizations or trusted individuals.

Relief Recap

In this article, we explored more than a dozen places where you can safely charge your phone for free. Remember, while these places offer a lifeline in a pinch, it’s important to always ask permission first and approach the situation respectfully. Stay safe, stay connected, and don’t forget to check out our other resources for more ways you can get help!

Nicole Thelin

Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.