In today’s digital world, a dead phone battery can feel more stressful than misplacing your keys. But did you know there’s a quick and easy way to build your own emergency charger using items you likely already have at home?

In this guide, we’ll show you how to put together a simple, low-cost charger that can come in handy during unexpected situations.

What Exactly Is a Homemade Portable Charger?

A homemade portable charger is a simple device you can assemble yourself to power your phone when there’s no access to a wall outlet. While it’s not a replacement for a store-bought power bank, it can be a lifesaver during power outages, camping trips, or while traveling.

What You’ll Need

• An old USB cable (ideally one that fits your phone)
• A battery holder (compatible with 2 to 4 AA batteries)
• 2 to 4 fresh AA batteries
• Electrical or duct tape
• A female USB port (if not already part of the battery holder)
• Step-by-Step Assembly Guide

• 1. Cut the USB cable

  Take a pair of scissors or a utility knife and cut your old USB cable, keeping the USB end intact — this will plug into your phone.

• 2. Strip the wires

  Inside the cut cable, you’ll find several colored wires. Focus on the red (positive) and black (negative) wires, as these are the ones responsible for powering your phone.

• 3. Connect to the battery holder

  Attach the red wire to the positive side of the battery holder and the black wire to the negative side. Secure the connections with tape to keep them in place and prevent short circuits.

• 4. Insert the batteries

  Place the AA batteries into the holder, making sure the polarity (positive and negative ends) matches the labels on the holder.

• 5. Connect to your phone

  Plug the USB connector into your phone. If all connections are correct, your phone should begin charging.