PortaPow USB-A Data Blocker – Protect Against Juice Jacking (1, Transparent, 1)

I use these for my car dashcams, and they have been a game-changer. Previously, my cameras would occasionally switch to data mode even though they were connected to power only. Since I started using this product, that issue has completely stopped. It provides a stable and reliable power connection, ensuring my dashcams function correctly at all times. Highly recommended for anyone facing similar issues!

Great for devices that will freak out or change modes when they detect *any* data communication -- the red one has a charge protocol detection chip which is useful when securely charging high-draw modern devices, but useless for diagnostic purposes or legacy devices.This adapter is a fantastic way to use standard mini USB leads with devices running the older GarminOS based on an unknown embedded OS (used as recently as the DriveSmart 50, many still run current maps with a microSD setup). These devices give no choice to simply charge if a data connection is detected and block out the UI in PC Connection mode. Newer Linux-based ones (like DriveSmart 65) now have a prompt and will work as expected with the red adapter in a secure charging scenario, or bare lead for normal use.Since USB-A luckily tops out at 2.4A under most cases, even the red one will charge modern devices at a sane rate, but for devices with low standby draw that can trickle charge at 500mA this is useful to defeat fast charging protocols for debugging or increased battery life.The red one should still be safe even if your device uses Qualcomm BatteryKiller 3.0 because of it visibly having no upstream data pins to the charger required to enable fast-charge combinations that are unacceptable for everyday use. In this context this (clear) one is good if you're paranoid, or it's a rare device where the [email protected] provided by the USB BC 1.2 standard is too much .

You have to understand what this does and how it works to get the most benefit out of it.(1) Although it connects the POWER lines between the two connectors, it does not connect the DATA lines. Thus if you place this between a charging source and the device you wish to charge, there is no way for the charging source to use the data lines to install malware, etc. on your device. Given that such malware now exists, this seems like something everyone should do when charging devices from any power source, public or private, that they do not completely control: including computers at work or at friends' homes.(2) It has an integrated circuit inside that asks the power source to deliver as much current as it can. Without a chip such as this many chargers, including high powered ones, will only deliver a small amount of charging current. In these cases this product will help you get the most out of a charging source that is possible. But this device will NOT make a puny, weak charging source become a powerful one. And if your device already has the appropriate electronics inside then they will already be asking the charging source to deliver as much current as possible, so this product becomes redundant.Finally, this product consists of two connectors soldered to a PC board encapsulated in a red, rubbery material. I expect this product to be more rugged and more water resistant than similar products that have hard plastic housings.

Product works exactly as described and seems durable and should last. I had several chargers advertised as 2.1 amp but none would charge my iPhone 6 Plus or iPad reasonably quickly. I put this product inline and with the USB Power Monitor the same company sells, I was able to see the amperage raise from .48 amps to 1.89 on one device.It DID NOT work with my BMW 3 series (2014 model year). I was hoping it would speed up that charge as well, but either the car freaked out or the iPhone didn't like the whole thing and the charge cycled on and off rapidly until I quickly unplugged it. Another reviewer said it worked well with a car and in theory it should, but that part didn't work for me. Overall, I'm still happy as it does exactly what I need it to on some other key charging ports.

I was going on a trip and knew that I might have to charge my phone and tablet from USB outlets, either at the airport, on the plane, or in the hotel.I have no idea how frequently juice-jacking (stealing the data in a phone/table/whatever through a charge cable) actually occurs. My guess is not very often, but why take the risk? I looked at several data blockers and, based on the reviews, bought these.I'm not a very trusting soul, so I also bought a USB cable tester to make sure the data would be blocked when using these. I tested each charge cable that I had, making sure that it would transmit data. I then repeated the test on each cable with one of these data blockers installed. Both of them blocked the data lines on the cables while still allowing the charging lines to connect. Good enough for me-- they went into my travel bag.In retrospect, I ended up not needing these. I was able to use my plug-in wall wart to charge my phone and tablet so my data was not in any danger. However, I like the option of having these in my travel bag in case I have to plug into some mystery USB jack and not worry. For the price, I consider these essential for travel.

I bought this device so that if I plug in my phone into my friends car to charge my phone for example, I don’t want all of my contacts and text syncing with the car. I am 100% happy with it. Like it advertises there is no chip inside. It just has missing data wires only the two power wires. Most cars have USB-A that is why I bought this. USB-C is becoming more common and supports faster charging rates, but most cars are not equipped with it yet. You might need to have one of each type depending on your needs. One thing to consider is that if your USB port is in a place with very tight access you might instead want to consider getting a data blocking wire that has a small profile. Of course you can always use a USB extension cord and plug it into that in the middle between the extension and your phone.