Free phone and laptop charging is available in all four Heathrow terminals, both before and after security, at "Power Pole" charging stations dotted around the terminal buildings. They work with UK and European plugs as well as USB cables, and several have recently been upgraded with faster ChargeBox technology offering USB-C, Apple Lightning cables and wireless charging pads. There is no fee and no need to sign up for anything. Checked 2026.
Free Power Pole charging stations
Heathrow's official facilities page confirms free Power Pole charging stations in all terminals, positioned both landside (before security) and airside (after security). They accept UK and European plug types directly, and also offer USB sockets for your own cable, so most phones, tablets and small laptops can be charged without needing an adapter.
Because they are spread through both the pre-security and post-security areas, you can top up while waiting to check in, during a security queue delay, or while waiting at your gate, without needing to find a shop or lounge.
The upgraded ChargeBox stations
Heathrow has been upgrading a number of its existing charging poles with technology from ChargeBox, a UK company that supplies managed public charging infrastructure. The upgraded stations, which began rolling out in Terminal 2 and have since expanded to other terminals, offer:
- 16 charging spots per station, including 8 cable ports (USB-C and Apple Lightning) and 4 USB sockets for your own cable
- 4 fast wireless charging pads, supporting Qi2 wireless charging
- Fast-charge technology capable of adding a meaningful amount of battery in around 10 minutes, depending on your device
- A two-tier design intended to be usable whether you're seated, standing, or using a wheelchair
These are an upgrade to the existing free charging poles rather than a separate paid service; press coverage of the rollout describes it as an enhancement to Heathrow's existing free charging infrastructure, not a new fee-based product.
Where exactly are they in each terminal?
Heathrow does not publish a single definitive map of every charging pole location, since they are spread through multiple points in each terminal rather than concentrated in one spot. In practice, look near seating areas in the departure lounges, near gate waiting areas, and in the main concourse areas before security. If you can't immediately spot one, terminal staff or an information desk can point you to the nearest pole.
Other ways to charge or stay connected
Payphones. Public telephones, including wheelchair-accessible and text-phone options for the hard of hearing, are available throughout each terminal if your phone has run out of charge entirely and you need to make a call.
Charging in lounges. Paid pay-per-visit lounges also offer seating with power sockets as standard, alongside food, drinks and, in some cases, showers. If you have a longer wait and want a quieter place to charge multiple devices at once, see our guide to Heathrow's pay-per-visit lounges by terminal for current pricing.
Wi-Fi while you charge. Heathrow also provides free wi-fi across all terminals, which pairs naturally with finding a charging pole to sit near while you catch up on messages or streaming. See our guide to Heathrow's free wi-fi and how to connect for how to log in.
Power banks and spare batteries: what security allows
If you're relying on a power bank rather than a fixed charging point, Heathrow's official security guidance lists power banks and spare batteries as allowed in hand luggage only; check with your airline before packing one in hold luggage, since rules vary by carrier and battery size. Keep this in mind if you're checking a bag: move any power bank into your carry-on before you get to the check-in desk.
Separately, UK government guidance for hand luggage electronics is clear that your devices need to have some charge before you fly. Security staff can ask you to switch on a phone, tablet or laptop to prove it works, and if it doesn't power on when asked, you won't be allowed to take it onto the aircraft. This is one more reason to top up at a free charging pole in the departures area before you reach the gate, rather than assuming you can charge a completely dead device once you're through security.
Practical tips for charging at Heathrow
Bring your own cable if you have a specific device, since not every pole necessarily has the exact connector you need, even though the newer ChargeBox stations cover USB-C, Lightning and wireless. If you're travelling with multiple devices, a multi-port travel adapter or a portable power bank charged in advance can save time waiting for a free pole during busy periods, particularly around peak departure banks in the morning and early evening.
If you're arriving on a long-haul flight with a dead phone and need to contact a taxi driver or arrange a pickup, charging poles are available in the arrivals area too, not just departures, so you don't need to wait until you're airside on your next flight to top up. For getting from the terminal onward, see our guide to where Uber picks up at Heathrow or our overview of Heathrow taxi pickup points by terminal.
Heathrow Airport Guide is an independent guide and is not affiliated with Heathrow Airport or ChargeBox. Facility locations can change; confirm details with terminal staff on the day if you can't find a charging point nearby.