Running low on battery in London? Been there, many times.
If you need to know “where can I charge my phone in london?” I’ve got quick, easy answers for you.
You are viewing: Where Can I Charge My Phone Near Me
Here’s a fast guide to find the best phone charging London locations.
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read my full privacy policy here.
Why is My Battery Running Out So Fast in London?
London is notorious for draining your battery really quickly. But why?
Here are the biggest culprits, and how to maximize your battery life while out and about exploring the streets of London.
If you’re navigating London all day, chances are your battery is drained. Why? And how do I conserve battery?
- Navigation apps suck battery fast. Download your maps so you’re not always using location services.
- Crowded places in London (such as Leicester Square or Oxford Circus) are notorious for sucking battery. Your phone is constantly looking for networks that are overloaded, and therefore uses more battery to do so.
- Close apps you’re not using, especially if they’re running in the background.
- Close your camera app when you’re done taking a photo – it uses a ton of battery!
🪫Invest in a Good Portable Charger 🔋
You’ll never have to be wondering “where can I charge my phone in London” if you have your own portable charger.
My favorite portable charger for travel is under $20, lightweight, charges 3 full battery cycles with one charge, and has 2 USB ports to charge two phones at once. Oh, and it has a built-in flashlight.
My favorite charging converter works for all of Europe and beyond, has a ton of ports, is super durable, and is compact and lightweight.
Phone Charging London: Public Charging Stations
1. Public Transport: Buses & National Rail
Some modern London buses have USB outlets, and many trains (not the Underground except for the Elizabeth Line) have USB ports or outlets.
You can ask the station attendants if your train will have outlets (most National Rail trains do, though it will vary if it’s a outlet or a USB port).
2. Libraries, Museums & Public Spaces
Local libraries will have outlets available. The British Library is centrally located near King’s Cross, and has tons out outlets in study rooms.
Many free museums have seating areas – like in their cafes – that will have accessible outlets.
Since these museums are massive, it’s best to ask (politely!) at the front desk if they have any public charging outlets available.
3. Charging in Restaurants & Cafes
Most chain restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops will have outlets available or another type of charging station, either for free or for rent.
Read more : Where Was The Machine Filmed
Look for chain cafes like Starbucks or Pret a Manger; they often have charging points, either outlets you can use of a charging system like those listed below.
Free & Low-Cost Charging Services: Ranked
In recent years a ton of free and low-cost options have sprung up all over the city. Let’s look at the most popular and most available options near you.
1. Charged Up Battery Rental – Best Option!
Charged Up allows you to rent a portable charger, use it if for however long you need, and return it when you’re done.
Vending machines are available across London and are super easy to use!
- Download Charged Up on the Apple Store
- Download Charged Up for Android
✅ Pros
- Low cost (1 hour free, then from £3 for a full 24 hour rental!)
- Lots of rental locations
- Works with all types of phones
- Take it with you to charge on the go!
❌ Cons
- You have to download the app.
- The batteries are a little clunky and heavy
2. Aircharge
This service provides Qi wireless charging stations in partnership with brands like McDonald’s, Shake Shack, YO! Sushi, and Costa Coffee.
An app guides you to the closest station, but your phone needs to support Qi wireless technology to use this service. If you have Qi capabilities, this is the most widely available charging system in London, with locations literally everywhere.
- Download Aircharge for Apple
- Download Aircharge for Android
✅ Pros
- Tons of locations.
- Free if you are a customer of one of the partnered businesses
❌ Cons
- Doesn’t work for all phones, especially older phones.
- You have to sit for a while for your phone to charge; you can’t take it with you like a battery rental.
3. Joos Charging Points
A newer charging rental company, Joos has machines in some key locations across Central London, including London Bridge Station, near King’s Cross Station, UCL and more. Currently most of these points are inside bars and restaurants, but you can easily locate them using the app.
Find a Joos rental point, scan the QR code, and rent a battery pack easily.
- Download Joos for Apple
- Download Joos for Android
✅ Pros
- Decent amount of Central London locations.
- Affordable (prices vary per charging point), starting at £1, with some offering a free option.
- Return the battery pack to any Joos charging station.
❌ Cons
- Not as many locations as Charged Up as of Dec. 2023.
4. Powermat
Available in tons of central London chains like Starbucks, these free charging stations are everywhere. They use wireless charging technology, so compatible phones can be placed directly on the Powermat to charge.
There is no map or app I could find to locate these charging stations, so it’s a bit hit or miss if the shop – like Starbucks – that you walk into will have them or not.
✅ Pros
- Free
❌ Cons
- No way to locate Powermat ahead of time; you have to stumble upon them.
5. Charge Box
ChargeBox stations are across Central London. Find a Charge Box station here, put your device inside, lock it and leave it! Come back to a fully charged device.
✅ Pros
- Safe charging: Lock it and walk away.
- Fast, super speed charging
- Cheap.
❌ Cons
- Not very many locations.
6. Charge Spot Phone Charging Lockers
Available in locations across London, Charge Spot allows you to lock your phone safely away in the charging locker. You can hang out nearby, or come back for it later, and poof! Fully charged battery.
✅ Pros
- Cheap: from £1.
❌ Cons
- Not very many locations.
Where Can I Charge My Phone in London in an Emergency?
In a pinch and not near any of the locations listed above?
Some stores like an off-license (convenience store) or Argos sell disposable chargers. Don’t rely on it for all day use, though, as the charger you purchase might not be full.
It’s also key to remember that Londoners are generally nice and accommodating – if you need help and you’re stuck with a draining battery, ask for help!
Charge Phone London: Final Tips
Remember while you’re traveling London to take care of that phone battery. It’s really hard to navigate from attraction to attraction without one!
Here are my most important tips as a local:
- Come prepared with a good portable charger.
- Download your maps so your phone isn’t constantly using GPS.
- Close apps you’re not using, especially your camera app or anything that runs in the background.
- If you’re in a super crowded area and don’t need internet, turn on airplane mode so your phone isn’t always looking for a network.
Read more : Where To Sell Scrap Copper Near Me
Have fun exploring London, and use one of the charging options I’ve covered here if you’re in need!
More on Navigating London
The Best Oyster Card Tourist Options to Save Money
“Trains Now on Uber”: What’s the Deal With Uber Trains?
Ultimate Guide: 49 Brilliant Apps for London Everyone Should Know
Debating ‘Should I Rent a Car in London?’ Insider Tips
Can You See France from England and Visa Versa? 6 Stunning Viewpoints
Ultimate Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Snow in England
What’s the Closest Country to London? 10 Incredible Trips to Take Today
How to Use the London Underground for the First Time
How to Catch a Bus in London for the First Time
How to Travel in London During a Tube or Rail Strike
The Best Navigation App for London to Download Now
How to Use Google Maps in London
Citymapper vs Google Maps: Which App is Best for London?
Is London in Europe? 7 Common Questions Answered
Is London a City? 3 Common Questions Answered Once & For All
Where to Charge Your Phone in London: FAQ
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: WHERE
