An iPhone user has shared an important setting on the device to have if you need to use a public charger.
Smartphones have become the control centre for everyday life.
From texts and social apps to streaming, paying bills, handling banking, and even managing smart-home devices, most people now rely on one small screen for a huge range of tasks.
With so much personal information and access tied to a single device, protecting it isn’t just about avoiding cracks and scratches — it’s also about limiting digital risks.
A sturdy case can help with drops, but security is another matter. If a stranger gains access to your phone, it could expose far more than a few late-night messages.
That’s why some people are cautious about public charging points. They’re convenient, but they can also create opportunities for unwanted connections.
Modern USB cables don’t only deliver power — many also carry data. So, plugging into an unfamiliar USB port at an airport, station, or hotel can potentially do more than charge your battery.
This type of attack is often referred to as “juice jacking”, a term used for attempts to access a device through its charging connection.
One Reddit user said they became concerned after using a hotel charger and decided to review their iPhone’s settings, sharing a change that could reduce the chance of an automatic connection.
They wrote: “The next day, I was super paranoid and decided to check my security settings.
“I had the default setting, which allows USB accessory connection when phone is unlocked.
“When I changed it to ‘always ask’ and plugged the phone back for a test, I got a message asking me if I want to connect to this USB accessory.
“So, basically I unknowingly allowed my phone to connect to this device overnight the day before.”
While “juice jacking” has been demonstrated in test environments, there haven’t been confirmed real-world cases reported publicly to date.
Even so, if you’d rather be careful, there are other straightforward options that can help you feel more secure when you need a top-up away from home.
For example, you can use a charge-only cable designed to deliver power without data transfer.
Another approach is to plug into a standard wall socket using your own adapter, instead of using a USB port built into a public hub.
Or, for the most control, carry a power bank so you can recharge on the move without connecting to public charging points at all.