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I am creating a solar panel charger for my iPhone. For the charger I need to know the minimum charging voltage for the phone to begin to charge.

What is the minimum voltage required for an iPhone to begin to charge?

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I'm not entirely sure you're asking the right question, because voltage is different to current.

All iOS devices (iPhones, iPads, etc) charge at 5 volts. So, if all you need to know is voltage, then 5 volts is the official requirement for charging.

However, the rate at which a device will charge is partly dependant on the rate at which the charge is flowing (known as current). I say 'partly' because the state of your iOS device also has an impact (e.g. it will charge quicker if it's not being used, it will charge slower if you're watching YouTube videos, etc).

So, in summary, iPhone chargers are typically rated at 5 volts and 1 amp while iPad chargers are rated at 5 volts and 2.1 amps.

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    What happens if I attempt to charge with less then 5volts?
    – Matthew N
    Dec 23, 2017 at 1:16
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    Hmmm, I guess that depends on how much less than 5 volts you’re talking about. I don’t imagine you’d have a problem if it was 4.9 volts, but if it’s much lower (e.g. 4.1 volts) then you’d normally risk burning out the power adapter. You need to remember that even at 4.5v that’s a full 10% lower in voltage. By the way, you can buy solar panel chargers if you’re just trying to meet a need, as opposed to doing this as a project.
    – Monomeeth ♦
    Dec 23, 2017 at 1:31
  • There is zero risk of "burning out the power adapter".
    – Navin
    Feb 9, 2020 at 8:27

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