Commonly available in-car USB chargers appear to have non-standard connections on the USB data pins to support Apple products. But this stops other devices from charging properly. How to modify these adapters for compatibility with official USB specifications.

By Julian

Youtuber, shed dweller, solar charge controller aficionado

11 thoughts on “How to modify 12v in-car usb adapters to official usb specification”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ibles bosuok says:

    Damn good knowledge share. God bless
    Cheers from Indonesia

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars austinmaxi says:

    on a semi related idea, could you combine two usb 1 amp wall socket chargers with a "Y" cable to produce in theory a 2 amp supply?

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Geo K says:

    GREAT VIDEOS! Subbed. Was just wondering why you cut the traces to the resistors when shorting the pins with solder alone would have done the trick without damaging the board. Not that you ever planned to use the resistors again anyway. Keep up the great work…

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars dms6601 says:

    Great video, well explained, helped me greatly. Look at dc to dc step down converters, they are very inexpensive.  I'm using them to power my forward and aft dash camera.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars SateenDuraLuxe says:

    I have the exact same chargers in my car, I'm going to do this right now. You sir have earned a subscribe from me!

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars George Tsilikas says:

    Very informative video. Thanks!

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ecobion Labs says:

    Julian, this was a very interesting video, I'm currently building a bench power supply, and thought I'd add in a USB socket for convenience, now I think I may go and make some tweaks to the design.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Julian Borrey says:

    Loved the video Julian. I did a lot of research on USB charging before I went to Uganda for the micro solar grid project. I'm interested to know if you Apple product charges any slower with those shorted data pins. As I understand, an Apple products will look for either 2 and 2 V or 2 and 2.8 V on the data pins. 2 and 2.8 V will let the unit know it is plugged into the wall (or dedicated port). 2 and 2 V lets the device know that it is connected to a computer and therefore will not kill your motherboard by drawing 1-2 A. (1 A for iPhone and 2 A for iPad).

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jrwjryan says:

    Sweet!

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars lez briddon says:

    works on poundshop ones too. 

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars il51diablo says:

    Relay Nice.
    I want to make a charger for a long time and I knew there was a blockage 🙂
    Know I how the bypass it. thank you 🙂

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