The lifespan of batteries in our everyday gadgets frequently falls short of expectations. We often look for methods to prolong it when power is dwindling, whether through a portable charger or connecting to the closest outlet. At times, we lose sight of the battery levels on these devices.

Devices seem to fail us at the most inconvenient times, like on the way to the gym or while driving to pick up a child from daycare. It’s exasperating to run out of battery life when it is most crucial. Thankfully, there is a remedy to this dilemma.

Have you heard about reverse charging? You might have encountered the term in the latest headphone reviews on Mashable, where we highlight devices that support this feature. It’s an overlooked capability of contemporary gadgets such as smartphones and earbuds that everyone should be aware of, particularly those who find battery management challenging.

I’m here to present a brief summary of reverse charging and its advantages. Generally, all that is required is a USB-C charging cable, and we have three excellent options to examine after this introduction.

What is reverse charging, and how does it work?

Reverse charging enables a smartphone or another device to deliver power to a different device without needing a charger, wall outlet, or power bank. For example, you can recharge your AirPods using your iPhone. This can occur wirelessly or, more commonly, with a compatible charging cable.

I frequently utilize this functionality when my fitness headphones are running low on battery and require additional power for extended workouts (they’re linked to my Google Pixel 9 during pre-workout stretches).

The one misconception about reverse charging

Reverse charging is not restricted to smartphones. Numerous portable devices feature this capability. You can employ a laptop to charge a smartphone or wireless earbuds. An iPhone can even power up a portable speaker (like the Beats Pill).

Some of the finest portable Bluetooth speakers come equipped with built-in power banks to recharge smaller devices. For those that lack this feature, they can depend on a smartphone for a power boost.

What’s this about wireless reverse charging?

Samsung merits credit for popularizing wireless reverse charging. The company’s PowerShare technology first launched on Galaxy smartphones, allowing users to wirelessly charge a secondary device by placing it on the back of the phone. This includes Samsung <a href="https://mash