Modern iPhones can power various devices via USB-C or Lightning, a feature that can be useful if you want to quickly charge an Apple Watch case or AirPods on the go. This is a feature announced by Apple for the iPhone 15 and later models, which can charge gadgets that support USB Power Delivery (up to 4.5W). However, using iPhone to power other devices may result in error messages telling the user that a “connected accessory is using too much power.” This is normal behavior for the iPhone, a built-in mechanism that ensures the handset works as expected. That said, there are ways to fix the issue and prevent similar error messages from appearing on the screen when you use the handset to charge another device or accessory.
iPhones aren’t the only Apple devices that might display the same “uses too much power” error message. iPads can also display the same error. Indeed, Apple introduced support for powering other devices in 2010 with iOS 4. Specifically, Apple allowed users to connect cameras to the first-generation iPad at the time, which also meant that the iPad could power some devices. In 2015, iOS 9.2 brought support for the Lightning USB Camera Adapter to the iPhone 5 and later models. The iPhone 15 series introduced the USB-C port in 2023, enabling reverse wired charging support for the Apple Watch and AirPods.
Before connecting a camera, microphone, external player, keyboard, and other accessories that may require power from the iPhone or iPad, users should ensure that these devices can work with the 4.5W output that the handset can offer. This is the easiest way to avoid power errors, although the prompts may still appear on the screen for other reasons.
How to Fix “Accessory is Using Too Much Power” Error
If you encounter the error message on your iPhone or iPad, you should try to diagnose the problem. First, go for the “power off and on” fix. Unplug the accessory and cables, wait a few seconds, then plug them back in to see if everything works. You can even try restarting the iPhone or iPad while you wait. After that, you should see if your mobile device is running the latest software version. Often, the latest versions of iOS and iPadOS come with bug fixes that can resolve issues you weren’t aware of, including the “too much power” issue. Update your device to the latest software version and try again.
You should also make sure that the handset or tablet has enough power. If the battery is low, iPhone or iPad may not charge other electrical devices or accessories. You need to charge the iPhone or iPad first and then try again. You should also look at the USB-C or Lightning cable you use to connect the accessory to the iPhone or iPad. A damaged cable or a poor quality cable can affect the transmission of power and could be responsible for the error. You should replace it with a good cable, preferably made by Apple or certified for use with iPhones and iPads.
If the error persists after updating the software and replacing the cable, you should inspect the USB-C or Lightning port and make sure it is clean. We’ve already covered how to deep clean your iPhone, including the charging port. Lint and other debris can build up and prevent a proper connection.
This may be the best solution
If you have access to a second iOS or iPadOS device, you can try connecting the accessory to the second iPhone or iPad and see if it displays the same error message. A second error may indicate that the accessory should draw more than the supported 4.5W of power. If you’ve tried everything and the iPhone or iPad is still showing the “too much power” error, you may also want to have the device inspected by a professional.
The best solution might be to use a USB hub that can connect to an independent power source to establish the connection between the iPhone or iPad and that specific accessory. The USB hub should have the ports you need for your accessory, but also a USB-C port that lets you connect the hub to a power source. This way, the independent power source can power both the iPhone or iPad and the accessory. You may want to use a power bank if you need to be mobile while this particular connection needs to be made. A wall charger may be even better, as you wouldn’t be reliant on a power bank.
If you regularly need to use iPhone to connect to other gadgets while traveling, you need to make sure you have the proper setup with you to reduce the risk of facing the “too much power” error. Consider bringing a USB hub with you and purchasing a power bank. On that note, you also need to know how quickly an iPhone can charge, whether it’s the latest generation or an older model, so you know exactly how long you should wait to replenish the handset’s battery after it’s been used to power other gadgets.
