How to Use a Power Bank: The Beginner's Guide to Portable Charging

Power banks are a simple way to keep your devices alive when you’re out. But using one the right way helps you get better charges and makes the power bank last longer. Small habits, like charging it properly and checking the levels, can save you stress and keep your phone or earbuds ready when you need them.

In this blog, we explain how to use a power bank step by step. We’ll cover how to set it up, the best way to charge your devices, and a few safety tips to avoid problems. If you’re new to portable chargers, or just want to use yours better, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.

 

 

What Is a Power Bank and How Does It Work?

A power bank is a portable battery you can carry with you to recharge phones, earbuds, tablets, and other small devices when there’s no outlet nearby. It stores electricity inside, like a backup tank of power, and comes in different sizes depending on how much charge it can hold.

The way it works is simple.

• Input: You store electrical energy in the power bank by plugging it into a wall socket.
• Storage: The internal battery cells (usually Lithium-Ion or Lithium-Polymer) hold this charge chemically.
• Output: When you connect your phone, the power bank converts that chemical energy back into electrical energy to charge your device.

How to Use a Power Bank Step by Step

Using a power bank is easy once you know the right steps. Charge it fully, plug in your device, and handle it properly. Let’s go step by step to keep things smooth.

Step 1: Charge the Power Bank

Before you can use it, the power bank itself needs energy. Locate the input port (usually labelled "IN" or "Input," often a USB-C or Micro-USB port). Use a power bank charger and a supplied cable to charge it.

While it’s charging, the LED lights (or screen) show progress. On most models, blinking lights mean it’s still filling up, and steady lights mean that level is locked in. When all lights stay solid, or the screen shows 100%, the power bank is fully charged and ready to go.

Step 2: Connect Your Device

Once the power bank has juice, find the output port (labelled "OUT," typically USB-A or USB-C). Plug your phone's charging cable into this port and connect the other end to your phone.

Step 3: Activate Charging

Most modern power banks are "plug-and-play," meaning they start charging automatically when a device is detected. However, some models require you to press a small power button on the side or front to wake up the battery and begin the power flow.

Step 4: Monitor and Disconnect

Watch your phone's screen to confirm it is charging. Once your phone reaches the desired level, or if the power bank runs dry, unplug the cable. The power bank will usually turn itself off automatically after a few seconds of inactivity to save energy.

How to Choose the Right Power Bank

Choosing the right power bank depends on how often you’re on the go, how many devices you charge, and the speed you need. Let’s go over the key features to look for.

 

Extra features (only if you’ll use them)

Wireless or magnetic charging is handy if you hate cables. Pass-through charging lets the bank charge your phone while the bank is charging, useful at hotels. A screen or clear LED meter helps you know the exact battery left. Built-in cables are great for travel, so you don’t forget one.

Best Power Banks Available in the UK

Power banks come in all sizes and capacities, but the best ones in the UK offer a balance of fast charging, portability, and reliability. Let’s take a look at the top picks worth considering.

1. Anker Prime Power Bank (26K, 300W)

Anker Prime Power Bank (26K, 300W) is designed for users who need substantial power for multiple devices, such as laptops and tablets. With a massive 26,250mAh capacity, it serves as a central energy hub when you are working remotely or travelling long distances.

• High-Speed Charging & Recharging: Offers a total output of 300W to power up to three devices at once, and supports ultra-fast 250W recharging via dual USB-C ports, so the power bank itself is ready to go quickly.
• Smart Power Distribution: Features PowerIQ 4.0 technology, which detects the needs of connected devices in real-time and shifts energy from low-demand ports to where it is needed most.
• App Control & Safety: Connects to the Anker app to let you monitor charging stats and adjust settings, while ActiveShield 4.0 monitors temperatures over 10 million times a day to ensure you use an Anker power bank safely.

 

2. Anker Nano Power Bank (10K)

Compact and durable, the Anker Nano Power Bank (10K) is ideal for commuters who want to avoid carrying extra wires. It is versatile enough to handle everything from smartphones to laptops thanks to its 45W output.

• Retractable InstaCord: Features a built-in 2.3 ft USB-C cable that adjusts to your needs. It is tested to withstand 20,000 bends and uses a smooth roller system to stay 73% sleeker than previous models.
• Intelligent Display: A light-sensitive screen provides clear, real-time updates on battery status and power flow, so you always know how much charge remains.
• Enhanced Protection: Uses the ActiveShield safety system to conduct 6 million temperature checks daily, helping to prevent overheating and extend the battery's lifespan.

 

3. Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K)

Focused on efficiency, the Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K) is perfect for iPhone users who want the benefits of the latest Qi2 wireless standard. It combines magnetic convenience with improved thermal management.

• Advanced 15W Wireless Charging: Utilises a customised Qi2 module made from high-conductive aluminium, delivering consistent 15W speeds with better heat dissipation than standard wireless chargers.
• Bi-Directional USB-C Speed: Aside from wireless capabilities, the USB-C port offers 27W fast charging, allowing you to boost an iPhone 15 to 60% in 30 minutes or rapidly recharge the power bank itself.
• MagSafe Compatibility: Designed to ensure a secure connection for iPhones, even when using magnetic cases, backed by ActiveShield monitoring for safe daily use.

 

Tips for Power Bank Use and Care

A few simple habits help your power bank work better and last longer. Use these tips each time you charge.

Use the right cable and port. A USB-C to USB-C cable usually gives the fastest, most stable charge. Charge your device before it hits 0%. Topping up from 20–30% is easier on both batteries. Pick the strongest output for big devices. Phones can use any port, but to charge a laptop using power bank, you will need a laptop-level output (usually 60W or more). Don’t charge too many things at once if you need speed. More devices mean slower charging for each one. Keep the power bank cool. Don’t leave it in direct sun or under a pillow while charging. Heat hurts battery life. Recharge the power bank with a wall charger, not a laptop USB port. Wall charging is faster and more reliable. To extend the lifespan of your portable charger, keep it away from extreme temperatures. Don't leave it in a hot car in summer or a freezing garage in winter.

Conclusion

Power banks are easy to use once you know the basics. Charge the bank first, plug in your device, and watch the lights so you know when to stop. Use the right cable, keep the bank cool, and store it with some charge left, so it stays healthy over time.

With these simple habits, you’ll feel confident about how to use a power bank anywhere you go, even on busy days. If you don’t have one yet, or you want a better upgrade, explore Anker’s range for dependable, well-made power banks that fit daily life and travel.

FAQs

How do I turn on my power bank?

Most modern power banks are designed to be automatic. When you plug a device into the output port, the sensors detect the connection and begin delivering power immediately.

However, if charging doesn't start, look for a small button on the side or face of the unit. Press it once to wake the device. You should see the LED indicators light up, signalling that the power bank is active and ready to charge your phone.

How do you know if a power bank is fully charged?

You can check the battery status by looking at the indicators on the device casing. Standard models use a row of four LED lights; if all four are solid and not blinking, the battery is full.

More advanced models feature a digital LCD or LED screen that displays the exact percentage. When that number reads "100%" or the recharging icon stops flashing, your power bank is fully charged and ready to use.

Do power banks work with all phones?

Generally, yes. Power banks are universal power sources. The battery itself doesn't care what brand of phone you have; it simply provides power through a USB port. The limiting factor is the cable.

As long as you have the correct cable that connects the power bank's USB port to your phone's charging port (Lightning for older iPhones, USB-C for Androids and new iPhones), it will work perfectly.

How to use a power bank for the first time?

When you unbox a new power bank, it usually comes with a partial charge, often around 50% to 70%. For the best battery health calibration, it is recommended to fully charge the power bank to 100% before using it for the first time. Plug it into a wall adapter using the provided cable and wait until the indicator lights show a full battery. Once topped up, you can start charging your devices using it.

How long do power banks take to fully charge?

The recharge time depends entirely on the capacity of the power bank and the speed of the wall charger you are using. A small 10,000mAh bank might take 3 to 4 hours with a standard charger.

However, a massive 26,000mAh bank could take over 10 hours with an old 5W plug. To speed this up significantly, use a fast-charging wall plug (like a 45W or 65W USB-C charger), which can cut recharge times down to just a few hours.

Can I use my phone charger to charge my power bank?

Yes, absolutely. You can use the same wall adapter (plug) that you use for your smartphone to recharge your power bank. In fact, this is the standard way to do it. Just ensure the cable fits the power bank's input port.

If your phone uses a high-speed USB-C charger, it is actually better for the power bank, as it will likely recharge the unit much faster than a cheap, generic plug would.