iPhone Charging using Rear USB-C

[jf64k]

I just got my MY back from a Service Appointment, and had told them that the USB-C ports were not working. I had tried to plug in two different kinds of iPads and my iPhone 11, and none of them would charge.

When I mentioned to the Service Advisors that the ports still weren't working (I checked before driving away) she went to go talk to a tech. She came back and said that these ports are not "compatible" with iPhone, but works properly for Android devices. The technician likely tried their personal phone and saw it working for them.

So, I don't know what the actual issue is, but I wanted my car back and decided to let it slide. I'd be happy to buy a different cable if I thought that would fix the issue, but the cable I have works perfectly well when I plug it into the front USB-C port.

I initially tried the adapters and my iPhone 11 Pro Max wouldn’t charge. I then used an Apple USB-C to Lighting cable and it charges fine now.

 

[2left]

That is frustrating. Have you tried an original Apple USB-C to Lightning cable?

Thanks - I will give that a try when I get my car back from the shop.

 

[2left]

I just got my MY back from a Service Appointment, and had told them that the USB-C ports were not working. I had tried to plug in two different kinds of iPads and my iPhone 11, and none of them would charge.

When I mentioned to the Service Advisors that the ports still weren't working (I checked before driving away) she went to go talk to a tech. She came back and said that these ports are not "compatible" with iPhone, but works properly for Android devices. The technician likely tried their personal phone and saw it working for them.

So, I don't know what the actual issue is, but I wanted my car back and decided to let it slide. I'd be happy to buy a different cable if I thought that would fix the issue, but the cable I have works perfectly well when I plug it into the front USB-C port.

Although I have the same situation where I can only charge Android phones from the back seat, why are so many other people able to charge their iPhones?

 

[carter_seattle]

I then used an Apple USB-C to Lighting cable and it charges fine now.

Yup, just tried this and it worked for me. Super frustrating that these cables behave differently. So much for "standards".

 

[frankvb]

Yup, just tried this and it worked for me. Super frustrating that these cables behave differently. So much for "standards".

This one's most likely caused due the Apple proprietary 'lightning' connector, which is not a standard as such. I assume they don't publish the exact specs, so any 3rd party cable could run into these issues.

Since some cables do work only with the front USB-C socket, it might be related to the fact that the rear sockets have no data connectivity.

 

[TahoeSteve]

I bought a USB-C to USB-A adapter from Amazon but it won't work charging our iPhones although it worked when plugged into a PC. Aside from the official iPhone USB-C to lightning cables, has anyone have any success with adapters or 3rd party USB-C to Lightning cables?

I just got my MY back from a Service Appointment, and had told them that the USB-C ports were not working. I had tried to plug in two different kinds of iPads and my iPhone 11, and none of them would charge.

When I mentioned to the Service Advisors that the ports still weren't working (I checked before driving away) she went to go talk to a tech. She came back and said that these ports are not "compatible" with iPhone, but works properly for Android devices. The technician likely tried their personal phone and saw it working for them.

So, I don't know what the actual issue is, but I wanted my car back and decided to let it slide. I'd be happy to buy a different cable if I thought that would fix the issue, but the cable I have works perfectly well when I plug it into the front USB-C port.

I had the same issue which first came up when I was unable to charge my Apple Watch using the the rear usb-c ports. I even bought an Apple usb-c watch charger. I then had the same issues with my iPhone. I was able to plug those cables into the front usb-c ports, and they worked perfectly. I had mobile service out and he confirmed that indeed the ports are not compatible with the iPhone, and we can easily charge a Samsung phone. It turns out that not all Model Y’s are the same. The early model y cars have open usb-c ports and work. Those built in June 2020 or later have something called usb-c PD (power delivery) in the rear ports. That’s why some owners are able to charge their device. The standard allows for up to 20 watts for fast charging. However, either the cables or the devices themselves need to comply. Still doing some research on this, and my Technician is trying to reach Tesla engineers on this matter. I feel we should take it more public to Reddit or the Media like a Musk vs Apple .. new Tesla’s are incompatible with Apple devices.

 

[iamnid]

I had the same issue which first came up when I was unable to charge my Apple Watch using the the rear usb-c ports. I even bought an Apple usb-c watch charger. I then had the same issues with my iPhone. I was able to plug those cables into the front usb-c ports, and they worked perfectly. I had mobile service out and he confirmed that indeed the ports are not compatible with the iPhone, and we can easily charge a Samsung phone. It turns out that not all Model Y’s are the same. The early model y cars have open usb-c ports and work. Those built in June 2020 or later have something called usb-c PD (power delivery) in the rear ports. That’s why some owners are able to charge their device. The standard allows for up to 20 watts for fast charging. However, either the cables or the devices themselves need to comply. Still doing some research on this, and my Technician is trying to reach Tesla engineers on this matter. I feel we should take it more public to Reddit or the Media like a Musk vs Apple .. new Tesla’s are incompatible with Apple devices.

I don't think your tech is right. USB power delivery is the standard and it is backwards compatible with those devices that don't support it. If anything, the problem is on Apple's end, not Tesla's.

 

[frankvb]

My Model Y built in May does seem to have PD on the rear USB-C ports - it looks like my Pixel 3 is charging at full speed, 9V/3A I believe.

 

[NaiWiste]

For the record, USB-A female to USB-C Male cable will not charge an Apple Watch. Just tried this and no luck.

 

[DaveORD]

For the record, USB-A female to USB-C Male cable will not charge an Apple Watch. Just tried this and no luck.

Did you try using a USB-C to USB-A hub instead? The hub will do more for you than the cable conversion. I use a USB-C hub on the driver's side front USB-C port to drive a SSD and an Apple USB-A to lightning cable.

 

[Catbiscuits]

Yes, Anker sells great quality USB C to lightning cables.

Yeah I’ve had no trouble with these. Fastest charging in any car I’ve ever had.

 

[DaveORD]

Did you try using a USB-C to USB-A hub instead? The hub will do more for you than the cable conversion. I use a USB-C hub on the driver's side front USB-C port to drive a SSD and an Apple USB-A to lightning cable.

Update: I just tried a simple USB-C to 4 port USB-A 3.0 hub and an Apple USB-A to lightning cable on both back USB-C ports. I was able to charge my iPhone that way on either port. Not saying that you should run out and buy a USB-C hub, all depends on your needs.

The hub will cost the same as a single cable, or perhaps cheaper, BUT the hub you only need to buy once and you can connect 4 existing USB-A cables to it. However there is more clutter back there when adding the hub.

The other thing to consider, buying cables means you can only connect 2 devices, one per each port. The hub method will let you connect more than 2 devices, using existing cables.

Something else to consider.

 

[bbmertz]

I have a very early model MY and I routinely charge my phone using this low-cost Aukey lightning cable from the rear USB-C outlets since the front wireless charger tray is so slow:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RFMHZFF/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_i_2U.BFbRX1EBGA

 

[Ericft]

has anyone been able to charge ipads via the rear uSBc ports? I can't seem to do it even with apples original usbc to lightning cable.

 

[alexcue]

Thanks for refreshing this post. Mine is an Oct 2020, but early 2021 MY and I've meant to check them.