Can a scammer hack my phone through a fake charging cable or USB charger?
Weaponised charging cables exist and have been demonstrated by security researchers, but they require physical access to your cable or device; public USB charging ports carry a real but overstated 'juice jacking' risk.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Security researchers have demonstrated modified USB cables — such as the OMG Cable — that contain a hidden Wi-Fi chip and microcontroller, allowing an attacker within range to execute commands on your device when you plug in the cable. These are real but require someone to physically give you or swap out your cable, limiting attacks to targeted scenarios.
Juice jacking is the more widely discussed risk: charging at a public USB port could expose your device to data transfer commands if the port is controlled by a malicious actor. In practice, modern iOS and Android devices prompt you to 'Trust This Computer' when data transfer is attempted via USB. Declining that prompt defeats data theft. Charging-only attacks that inject malware directly are technically more demanding and have not been widely documented outside research environments.
The US FBI and some travel security agencies advise against using public USB charging stations as a precaution, which is reasonable advice. The practical risk for most people is low, but the mitigation is also very low cost.
Using your own charger and cable plugged into a standard electrical outlet is the simplest defence. A USB data blocker (also called a 'USB condom') allows you to charge safely from public USB ports by physically removing the data pins from the connection, allowing only power through.
Common red flags
- A 'well-wisher' gives you a free USB cable or charger you didn't ask for
- A cable you received as a gift behaves unusually when plugged in
- Your device shows a 'Trust This Computer' prompt when connected to a charger (not a computer)
- You plug in at a public kiosk and your device shows an unexpected prompt
What to do now
- Use your own verified charging cable and adapter wherever possible
- At public charging stations, use an AC outlet with your own adapter rather than USB ports
- If you must use a public USB port, use a USB data blocker device
- Never 'Trust' an unknown device when your phone shows the trust prompt during charging
- Inspect any gifted cables especially if from a stranger, and stick to reputable branded accessories
Frequently asked questions
Is wireless/inductive charging safe from these attacks?
Wireless charging does not carry data, so it eliminates USB-based attack vectors entirely. It is a safe alternative at public charging stations that offer it.
What is a USB data blocker and where can I get one?
A USB data blocker is a small adapter that passes through power but blocks the data pins. They are widely available from electronics retailers for a few dollars and are worth carrying when travelling.