Never Charge Your Phone at the Airport Without This $6 Travel Essential

We’ve all experienced that moment: just 20 minutes before boarding, and your phone is down to 2 percent. With your boarding pass on your device, you can’t afford to let it die, so you rush to the nearest outlet. While the rise of public USB charging ports at airports, on airplanes, and in hotel rooms has made it easier to travel with gadgets, using them can also expose your personal data to theft.

On April 6, 2023, the FBI Denver tweeted a warning against using public USB chargers in airports, hotels, and shopping centers. The message cautioned that “malicious actors have found ways to exploit public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices.” The recommendation? Always bring your own charger and USB cable and opt for a traditional electrical outlet instead.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) refers to this threat as “juice jacking,” a scheme where criminals infect charging stations or cables left in public outlets with malware. This malicious software can then extract sensitive data—like passwords and personal information—from your device and send it to the perpetrator.

To prioritize your safety, it’s best to avoid using public USB chargers at airports and hotels altogether. If you find it necessary, be sure to follow these tips to protect your devices while traveling.

How to Prevent Juice Jacking

The easiest way to protect your devices from malware risks associated with juice jacking is to always carry your own charging cables and opt for an AC power outlet instead of public USB charging stations. Since AC outlets can be scarce at airports and not available on all flights, it's also wise to bring a portable charger with you.

If you prefer not to carry a bulky portable charger or an AC plug, consider a device known as a USB data blocker—informally called a “USB condom.” This small accessory connects directly to your USB plug and weighs less than an ounce.

Where to Purchase a USB Data Blocker

Multiple companies offer USB data blockers, but the PortaPow model consistently receives top reviews online. You can find the PortaPow USB Data Blocker on Amazon for just $11 for two, making it under $6 each. PortaPow also provides a USB-A to USB-C version and a USB-C to USB-C version for $6 each, perfect for newer devices.

How Does a USB Data Blocker Function?

A USB data blocker resembles a typical USB charger, but it has two data wires physically removed from the connector. This design allows your device to charge while preventing any data transfer. By attaching a USB data blocker to your USB charger, you effectively stop data syncing between your device and the charging port.

The PortaPow SmartCharge chip is versatile and compatible with all devices, including Apple and Samsung smartphones. Measuring just 18 x 11 millimeters, it’s about the same size as a USB connector, ensuring it won’t obstruct other sockets or take up unnecessary space in your bag.

Additional Advantages of Using a USB Data Blocker

An Amazon reviewer noted that, aside from preventing viruses and unwanted data transfers, this device is invaluable for simultaneously charging and reading your Kindle on an airplane.

“Many airplanes offer USB ports that provide power, but they also function as data ports (presumably so you can connect a USB stick filled with music to listen to),” the reviewer shared. “However, if you connect a Kindle, it instantly switches to I-am-a-remote-disk mode, as if it were connected to a computer. Unfortunately, you can’t read on the device when it's in disk mode. Therefore, if you want to charge your Kindle on the plane and read at the same time, this device is a must-have.”

It’s also useful in cars, allowing you to charge your phone without interfering with Bluetooth connectivity.

“My Ford disables Bluetooth when anything is connected via cable,” a customer mentioned in their Amazon review of the PortaPow 3rd Gen USB Data Blocker. “This product resolves the issue by enabling the phone to charge without the car recognizing it's connected. My wife can charge her phone while I connect mine via Bluetooth. Without it, the car assumes you only want to use the plugged-in device.”

What are you waiting for?

This article was first published in 2019 and updated on August 25, 2023, with new information.