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Ask Different (Apple)

Q&A for power users of Apple hardware and software

Latest Questions

2 votes
1 answers
6738 views
Safety of "Apple"-branded iPhone chargers listed on Amazon vs. MFi-Certified alternatives
On Amazon.com, there are numerous iPhone chargers listed, the top results of which fall into two categories: 1. Apple-branded chargers (which seem to be authentic and made by Apple) but have very poor reviews, often between 2 and 3 stars. [Here's one example.][1] or 2. Definitely real MFi-Certified...
On Amazon.com, there are numerous iPhone chargers listed, the top results of which fall into two categories: 1. Apple-branded chargers (which seem to be authentic and made by Apple) but have very poor reviews, often between 2 and 3 stars. Here's one example. or 2. Definitely real MFi-Certified chargers from reputable companies like Belkin, AmazonBasics, and Anker. Here's one example. Certainly it would seem like genuine Apple chargers would be safer. But there is a catch: the chargers that claim to be "by Apple" or "Original Apple OEM" all have terrible reviews (see that link from category 1) that call the chargers "unsafe" and "a fire hazard". And many of the chargers from category 2 have very positive reviews, often 4-4.5 stars. So are the "Apple"-branded chargers really made by Apple Inc., and which type of charger is safer when one needs to purchase a lightning iPhone charger from Amazon? Here's a screenshot of some of the "genuine" Apple charger's negative reviews: enter image description here One reviewer (pictured on the bottom right in that screenshot) even mentions that the "genuine" charger caused the dreaded Accessory Not Supported error on their iPhone.
owlswipe (5942 rep)
Jun 28, 2016, 02:14 AM • Last activity: Jul 25, 2025, 11:17 AM
0 votes
1 answers
76 views
iPad 4 Lightning audio while charging?
I bought a used iPad 4 mini to try out some music recording software. I use an external audio interface (iRig Pro Duo) connected to the Lightning port for audio recording, playback and MIDI. Is there any way to charge/power the iPad while doing this? Is there an adapter that allows a charger to conn...
I bought a used iPad 4 mini to try out some music recording software. I use an external audio interface (iRig Pro Duo) connected to the Lightning port for audio recording, playback and MIDI. Is there any way to charge/power the iPad while doing this? Is there an adapter that allows a charger to connect while providing full functionality of the Lightning port?
danmcb (101 rep)
Feb 6, 2024, 09:21 PM • Last activity: Jul 4, 2025, 01:02 AM
1 votes
1 answers
326 views
Charge an iPhone (with Lightning port) from an iPad (with Lightning port)
Suppose you have: 1. An iPad (7th Generation) with a Lightning charge/sync port, and 2. An iPhone 7, also with a Lightning charge/sync port. The iPad battery is fully charged; the iPhone battery is empty (or close to it). Is there anyway to charge the iPhone from the iPad? I know that [if you are us...
Suppose you have: 1. An iPad (7th Generation) with a Lightning charge/sync port, and 2. An iPhone 7, also with a Lightning charge/sync port. The iPad battery is fully charged; the iPhone battery is empty (or close to it). Is there anyway to charge the iPhone from the iPad? I know that if you are using an iPad with a USB-C port, you can use a USB-C to Lightning cable to charge the iPhone . But what if you have an older iPad model without a USB-C port? An older iPad can definitely charge a 1st-generation Apple Pencil through its Lightning port, so there must be some kind of reverse-charging capability there. Is it possible to charge an iPhone (or, I suppose, any other iOS device with a Lightning port) from an iPad with a Lightning port?
mweiss (1168 rep)
Mar 20, 2023, 10:42 PM • Last activity: Jun 27, 2025, 06:05 AM
2 votes
2 answers
3555 views
How to connect to, and power an external monitor from, an iPad using USB-C hub?
I tried to connect a portable monitor (ASUS ZenScreen (MB16ACV)) that has a single USB-C port (no internal battery) to my iPad (7th generation with Lightning port), using the proper cables. The issue is that the iPad does not send enough power. Would it work connecting both the iPad and the monitor...
I tried to connect a portable monitor (ASUS ZenScreen (MB16ACV)) that has a single USB-C port (no internal battery) to my iPad (7th generation with Lightning port), using the proper cables. The issue is that the iPad does not send enough power. Would it work connecting both the iPad and the monitor to a powered USB-C hub (with the proper adapting cables)? Or is there another way to power the external display via the iPad?
Sofiene (21 rep)
Apr 17, 2022, 03:54 AM • Last activity: Feb 25, 2025, 09:12 AM
10 votes
4 answers
9105 views
How to connect iPhone with a Lightning connector to a USB Type-C Portable Monitor?
I'm trying to figure out a way to connect iPhone 5 (lightning) to ASUS MB16AC portable monitor with USB type-C input as only connector that at the same time serves as power supply. Thought about some scenarios. - AV adapter lightning to HDMI > HDMI cable to USB-C with power supply Problem is that th...
I'm trying to figure out a way to connect iPhone 5 (lightning) to ASUS MB16AC portable monitor with USB type-C input as only connector that at the same time serves as power supply. Thought about some scenarios. - AV adapter lightning to HDMI > HDMI cable to USB-C with power supply Problem is that the HDMI cable would have to send signal from HDMI to USB-C. Most of cables on market work the other way round. I'm not sure if it's possible to DIY such a cable? see connection diagram Lightning > USB-C cable can't work since they all support charging or USB-C audio or USB 2 or 3 data (or a combination of the three above). I can’t find any such cable that does display link or any other video embedded in a USB-C form factor. Could send me the right direction to solve this problem?
Jan
Oct 10, 2018, 10:59 AM • Last activity: Aug 29, 2024, 11:02 AM
0 votes
2 answers
745 views
Has anyone used a lightning + Micro USB to USB-C cable
I just purchased an USB-C to Lightning cable, but when it came I realized that it has also a micro USB right in the Lightning connector. My fear is that the short circuits will damage the iPhone if I insert it the wrong way. The iPhone itself has pins only on one side. Are this cables safe? Should I...
I just purchased an USB-C to Lightning cable, but when it came I realized that it has also a micro USB right in the Lightning connector. My fear is that the short circuits will damage the iPhone if I insert it the wrong way. The iPhone itself has pins only on one side. Are this cables safe? Should I remind myself every time that I need to insert it in a certain way? cable
Cristi Băluță (123 rep)
Jan 28, 2019, 12:27 PM • Last activity: Aug 8, 2024, 12:24 PM
2 votes
3 answers
587 views
Data-only USB-to-Lightning cables
I don't want to degrade my battery by it charging while performing a lengthy iTunes backup, I would like to be able to backup my iPhone to my computer without it simultaneously charging. Does anyone manufacture/sell any data-only USB-to-Lightning cables?
I don't want to degrade my battery by it charging while performing a lengthy iTunes backup, I would like to be able to backup my iPhone to my computer without it simultaneously charging. Does anyone manufacture/sell any data-only USB-to-Lightning cables?
Melab (1039 rep)
Jun 20, 2024, 12:15 AM • Last activity: Jun 24, 2024, 12:29 PM
1 votes
1 answers
554 views
iPhone 6 charging port for iPhone 6s
I didn't pay close attention and ended up buying a charging port for iPhone 6, but I have an iPhone 6s. On the product image they look kind of similar. Should I just try to install it? Or is this not a good idea? Sorry if that wasn't clear, I'm talking about the internal lightning connector of the i...
I didn't pay close attention and ended up buying a charging port for iPhone 6, but I have an iPhone 6s. On the product image they look kind of similar. Should I just try to install it? Or is this not a good idea? Sorry if that wasn't clear, I'm talking about the internal lightning connector of the iPhone. Yes, that means that I need to disassamble the iPhone. This is the charging port for the iPhone 6 I bought: enter image description here The charging port for the iPhone 6s looks kinda similar: enter image description here
user1785730 (674 rep)
Jan 23, 2024, 03:12 PM • Last activity: Jan 24, 2024, 08:02 PM
3 votes
0 answers
1956 views
How can i make my iOS 16.2 realize my Lightning adapter is hooked up to something else and not headphones?
I mistakenly hit that my cars AUX was headphones and now my AUX is basically unusable. The music just sounds so bad but I haven’t gotten the question again when I connect and I can’t find it in Setting anywhere. Does anyone know if this is something I can fix?
I mistakenly hit that my cars AUX was headphones and now my AUX is basically unusable. The music just sounds so bad but I haven’t gotten the question again when I connect and I can’t find it in Setting anywhere. Does anyone know if this is something I can fix?
jkallday (31 rep)
Feb 2, 2023, 10:57 AM • Last activity: Nov 13, 2023, 07:44 AM
1 votes
0 answers
246 views
iPhone 7 no longer recognizes audio devices via the Lightning port
I have an iPhone 7 and regularly play Music, Podcasts etc. through wired audio devices that connect via the Lightning connector: for example, [Apple Earpods with a Lightning connector][1] and a [Belkin Lightning audio adapter][2] for connecting to an AUX cable. Two days ago, my phone suddenly stoppe...
I have an iPhone 7 and regularly play Music, Podcasts etc. through wired audio devices that connect via the Lightning connector: for example, Apple Earpods with a Lightning connector and a Belkin Lightning audio adapter for connecting to an AUX cable. Two days ago, my phone suddenly stopped recognizing all of these devices; audio plays through the phone's built-in speaker whether something is plugged in to the Lightning port or not. Turning the phone off and back on didn't help; neither did unplugging the peripherals and plugging them back in. I've verified that the EarBuds and Lightning Adapter both still work with a different iPhone, so I know the problem must be with the phone itself. But the phone is still able to charge and sync through the Lightning port, so it seems unlikely that the problem is with the port. I am also able to play audio through Bluetooth devices. What else could be wrong? Is it possible that some kind of setting got turned off or on? Any suggestions for how to fix this?
mweiss (1168 rep)
Sep 4, 2023, 01:37 AM
0 votes
1 answers
250 views
Can I turn my old iPhone into a stationary iOS hub?
I want to turn my old iPhone Xr into a permanent iOS hub on the wall in my bathroom. I have an HomePod mini already but I feel that I also need a screen there to check the weather, reminders and control my HomePod mini to turn on podcasts and music. Two questions: 1. Can I keep my iPhone constantly...
I want to turn my old iPhone Xr into a permanent iOS hub on the wall in my bathroom. I have an HomePod mini already but I feel that I also need a screen there to check the weather, reminders and control my HomePod mini to turn on podcasts and music. Two questions: 1. Can I keep my iPhone constantly charging in the bathroom without risk? (I don’t care if the battery goes bad) 2. If it’s not safe to keep it charging 100% of the time, is it possible to remove a battery and power an iPhone straight from the cable? If both answers are negative I believe the only option is to unplug the cable regularly, once a month or so just to refresh the battery lifecycle.
Vitaly Verkash (315 rep)
Aug 3, 2023, 08:06 AM • Last activity: Aug 3, 2023, 01:44 PM
1 votes
1 answers
591 views
Can I use the Lightning to Micro USB Adapter and connect a keyboard?
Can I use Apple's Lightning to Micro USB Adapter with the iPod touch 5th generation to connect a Micro USB keyboard?
Can I use Apple's Lightning to Micro USB Adapter with the iPod touch 5th generation to connect a Micro USB keyboard?
celloplayer (45 rep)
Dec 17, 2013, 01:51 PM • Last activity: Jan 28, 2023, 05:00 AM
3 votes
2 answers
6082 views
USB-C to Lightning cable: Connecting iPhone to USB-C peripherals
The iPhone 11 Pro/Pro Max come with USB-C to Lightning cables for fast charging, and the regular iPhone 11 supports them. Regular Lightning supports HDMI output via an Apple dongle. Does the USB-C to Lightning cable support HDMI output too? If I were to plug the phone and cable into a USB-C hub, wou...
The iPhone 11 Pro/Pro Max come with USB-C to Lightning cables for fast charging, and the regular iPhone 11 supports them. Regular Lightning supports HDMI output via an Apple dongle. Does the USB-C to Lightning cable support HDMI output too? If I were to plug the phone and cable into a USB-C hub, would the hub’s HDMI output work? If I were to plug the phone via Lightning to USB-C cable directly into a USB-C monitor, would that work?
Kyle Donoghue (31 rep)
Nov 24, 2019, 02:06 AM • Last activity: Dec 16, 2022, 08:30 PM
1 votes
1 answers
135 views
Backup iPhone with dead screen on unknown Mac
My grandma´s iPhone 6 dropped from about 6 foot height, and the screen is absolutely dead. The iPhone itself seems to not be dead, but it´s locked and shows no visual indication whatsoever. When pressing power button + volume down, I can force power it off. And using the power button, I ca...
My grandma´s iPhone 6 dropped from about 6 foot height, and the screen is absolutely dead. The iPhone itself seems to not be dead, but it´s locked and shows no visual indication whatsoever. When pressing power button + volume down, I can force power it off. And using the power button, I can put it on again. I know that it´s on because the button vibrates upon "pressing" it (it´s vibration simulated). Some of the data on it is not backed up in iCloud, and we need it. Connecting it via Lightning to USB of a PC doesn´t do anything, nothing shows up in iTunes. I had the intuition that it might work better on a Mac. So how can I pair / connect it to a previously unknown MacOS system via cable without unlocking it? What can we do to save data that would be lost on the phone otherwise?
Marie M. (11 rep)
Mar 14, 2022, 06:49 PM • Last activity: Dec 15, 2022, 12:02 PM
0 votes
0 answers
71 views
What would stop a magnetic cable tip from sporadically being recognized by iPhone 13 Pro unless I take it out and put it back?
I've been using magnetic cables for almost a decade. I use them with all of my iPhones, Android phones, headsets, battery packs, etc. Pretty much all small devices with a micro USB, USB-C, or lightning port. They worked fine for years with my iPhone 5, iPhone SE, and iPhone SE 2. With my iPhone 13 P...
I've been using magnetic cables for almost a decade. I use them with all of my iPhones, Android phones, headsets, battery packs, etc. Pretty much all small devices with a micro USB, USB-C, or lightning port. They worked fine for years with my iPhone 5, iPhone SE, and iPhone SE 2. With my iPhone 13 Pro, the first time I plug it in, it works and I'm able to charge. But the next time I go to charge, sometimes it won't work and I'll have to either reboot the phone or take the tip out and put it back in -- and then it works. I've tried numerous tips and the same tip on other phones. There is nothing wrong with the cables or tips. Could the phone be doing something to prevent it from working? It works again if I reboot, so I don't think it is a physical issue.
IMTheNachoMan (307 rep)
Nov 24, 2022, 02:06 PM
2 votes
2 answers
633 views
Are TB3 cables in any way different than USB-C cables?
My company provided me a Lenovo USB-C dock when I received my Mac Book Pro 2017 model. That dock worked to a certain degree, but I happily replaced it with the Lenovo TB3 dock this week (which basically works much better, not having the quirks of the USB-C dock). What caught my attention: the TB3 do...
My company provided me a Lenovo USB-C dock when I received my Mac Book Pro 2017 model. That dock worked to a certain degree, but I happily replaced it with the Lenovo TB3 dock this week (which basically works much better, not having the quirks of the USB-C dock). What caught my attention: the TB3 dock comes with a cable that has a "lightning" label (probably to indicate it can transmit power) and a "3" printed on it. Thing is: the USB-C cable is a bit longer (like 40 cm) whereas the TB3 cable is a bit shorter. So I tried connecting the dock using the longer cable ... and interestingly enough it worked, but one of my two monitors connected to the dock would stay dark. According to this here , USB-C cables should be "equivalent" (unless getting to long), but I just experienced something else. Can anyone shed some light on this? Are there physical differences between these cables?
GhostCat (1027 rep)
Jun 21, 2018, 07:25 AM • Last activity: Oct 15, 2022, 07:30 PM
2 votes
1 answers
1003 views
Are all Lightning to USB-C cables capable of the same charging power?
My iPhone came with a Lightning to USB-C cable which looks similar to the cable that I got with my Apple Magic Keyboard and Apple Magic Mouse. Are all of these cables capable of the high-speed charging of my iPhone, or do I need to be careful not to mix these cables up?
My iPhone came with a Lightning to USB-C cable which looks similar to the cable that I got with my Apple Magic Keyboard and Apple Magic Mouse. Are all of these cables capable of the high-speed charging of my iPhone, or do I need to be careful not to mix these cables up?
Andrew Parks (199 rep)
Sep 23, 2022, 06:44 PM • Last activity: Sep 24, 2022, 01:15 PM
1 votes
0 answers
73 views
Using USB-C Headphones with an iPhone via a Lightning to USB-C cable doesn't work
I have the [beyerdynamic MMX 150][1] headphones which are wired headphones. They feature an USB-C port. There is an option to use them with a **USB-C to 3.5mm** cable and also to use an **USB-C to USB-A** cable to use the onboard sound card of the headphones on the computer. For listening on my Macb...
I have the beyerdynamic MMX 150 headphones which are wired headphones. They feature an USB-C port. There is an option to use them with a **USB-C to 3.5mm** cable and also to use an **USB-C to USB-A** cable to use the onboard sound card of the headphones on the computer. For listening on my Macbook and iPad Pro I swapped the **USB-C to USB-A** cable to an **USB-C to USB-C** cable without problems. Since my iPhone 8 only has a Lightning connector, I'm using the **Lightning to 3.5mm** dongle from Apple with the **USB-C to 3.5mm** cable. This is basically a Lightning to USB-C connection made from two parts so I got the idea to use a **Lightning to USB-C** cable instead. Now I got the named cable but it doesn't seem to work. I checked if the cable is okay and it does transfer data from my Macbook to my iPhone but the headphones simply don't work. I also tested this with an iPhone 6 and an older iPad Pro without any luck. Why isn't this working?
Arji (111 rep)
Sep 22, 2022, 11:26 AM • Last activity: Sep 22, 2022, 12:53 PM
2 votes
1 answers
1086 views
Same power cord for Magsafe 2 and Lightning
I have a Mac Air 13" and an iPhone 5. Is there a power cord / adapter that will work for both of them? My goal is to be able to plug one power cord into both of them.
I have a Mac Air 13" and an iPhone 5. Is there a power cord / adapter that will work for both of them? My goal is to be able to plug one power cord into both of them.
asportnoy (175 rep)
May 1, 2017, 01:39 AM • Last activity: Sep 19, 2022, 08:54 PM
1 votes
1 answers
1155 views
Orginal lightning cable works with only when pushing upwards - iPhone X
After I have run with iPhone X with Lightning Earpods in wet and cold conditions (it was raining, about 3°-2°) and I was probably applying force on the cable just in the connector area - (the iPhone was loose in the pocket) - my original lightning cable works now only when pulling the cabl...
After I have run with iPhone X with Lightning Earpods in wet and cold conditions (it was raining, about 3°-2°) and I was probably applying force on the cable just in the connector area - (the iPhone was loose in the pocket) - my original lightning cable works now only when pulling the cable up (looking at the iPhone screen). The same holds true for the Lightning Earpods. representation of me pushing the cable up The contacts pins of the lightning connector appear on the bottom of the port. So it makes sense that skewing a little upwards it might get contact - but it means that the pins are worn out. What are my options? Should I try to tinker with some small needle to try to pry the contacts pins up? Is it even feasible? Is my diagnosis correct or at least probable? PS: Interestingly enough the non-orginal lightning cable which might be a little bit thicker on the ending part - works without pushing the cable up.
Paweł Brewczynski (2059 rep)
Dec 20, 2021, 01:31 AM • Last activity: May 20, 2022, 06:09 AM
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