charging cord -- can i use one from an older ipod?

I am using a cord that came with my first gen Nano.

It is not recommended to use any cord that was not designed for the device you are using.


I recommend using an iPhone 3G USB Cable.

And if you have numerous Apple devices, how would you know the difference? My 3G cable has no label that says 3G, just like none of the various iPods of friends and family specify which device they belong to. There is a reason that apple has made most of the connectors and cable the same.

Can you cite where Apple has said other cables with the same connector are not recommended? I'm a "show me" kinda guy.

I'd have to disagree with Andrew T. - it's perfectly fine to use any USB-to-dock cable to charge/sync your iPhone 3G. I use cables that came with iPods, cables that came with 3rd party chargers (e.g. Griffin), etc., completely interchangeably, for syncing and charging my iPhone 3G and iPod Touch (as well as various Nanos, a Mini, etc.), from multiple computers and in the car. I use old versions (the ones with the push-to-release clips on the sides, as well as the newer versions that just pull out.

You may use any cord, sure. I have multiple ones of different ages, like you.
Especially as a student in college, I just don't have the time or space to use each cord with its corresponding device I bought it with. I currently have my ipod on charge with the cord I got via my iPhone, and my iPhone is plugged into my computer right now with one of my ipod cables (lord knows which one.)
and have had no problems because of it.

If the shoes fits.... 🙂

None of my older cables would charge my iPhone (2nd gen iPod, and/or griffin equipment). So, I use the iPhone ones.

really? wow.
Just outta curiosity, would a first gen iphone charger do it?
That is assuming you had a first gen.
My first gen works fine with any ipod/iphone charger, so I'm interested as well.

There's old, and then there's old. The iPhone cannot be charged with power from the FireWire pins of the dock connector. That is different from iPods and from the original iPhone, which could charge that way. Older iPods (like my 15 GB 3rd gen) charge and sync via FireWire, so those cables will not work. iPods have synced only via USB since ~2005, although FierWire could still be used for charging. The iPhone 3G is the first to drop FireWire-based charging. Many auto chargers use the FireWire pins to deliver power, since USB is 5 V, whereas FireWire can handle more power, so the manufacturers did not need to step the 12 V auto battery voltage down. The Griffin PowerJolt is an example of a car charger that does work with the iPhone 3G.

The OP asked about using any USB-to-dock cable, and those will work with the iPhone 3G.

You can use ANY USB charging cord. Now, the device attached to it is another story. I've modified a few of my old docks with a dremmel tool to fit the 3G and they work just fine.

Now, the big problem is syncing at home and work. Can't do it. iTunes only allows you to sync in one place.

Good luck!

Mike Roberts5 wrote:
Now, the big problem is syncing at home and work. Can't do it. iTunes only allows you to sync in one place.

iTunes only allows syncing of _media content_ (songs, videos, apps) from one computer. Contacts, calendars, etc., can be synced from multiple computers.

your wrong u do not need to use the actual iphone cord

And if you turn off auto-syncing, then you can add songs and videos from as many computers as you want 🙂. My girlfriend and I have consolidated all our stuff this way.

They are all pretty much interchangeable. The older docking station will not charge the iPhone, but the new docking station and the iPhone docking station work fine. I actually bought a bunch of "closeout" Griffin chargers at Marshalls for $7.99 each. You get a detachable USB wall wart, and a cord with the "pinch" locks (older style that I like) so it is not just a friction fit. They work great, and are better than the new junkie ones that ship with the phone. The prongs fold in for easy travel.

I wish we could get definitive answer from Apple. ATT Store person said no problem. Second level Apple Support person, who was quite knowledgeable said to definitely not use IPOD cord. He said data requirements for iphone much more sophisticated than iphone and if you use old cord, iphone will eventually burn out. If this is the case, it makes no sense. Apple should not have wires that fit and seem to work. Also they do not issue any warnings to not use previous cords.

Well I've used all kinds of Apple USB cords from a variety of iPods we've had in the house over the years. No problem.

Only problem I did have, was with one of the really old ones. When I tried to disconnect it wouldn't come away from the iPhone.

I tugged and pulled, twisted it, pushed again, pulled again, swore alot, then my wife pointed out that the old one have a little button on the side which released the locking tabs - which are not on the newer cables.