INIU power bank charging time spans 2–6 hours by capacity and charger; a 10,000mAh unit with 20W USB-C takes ~3 hours, 20,000mAh ~6.
Shoppers ask this all the time, and the answer hinges on two traits: battery size and the input the bank can accept. INIU sells compact 5,000mAh pucks, slim 10,000mAh slabs, and larger 20,000mAh packs. Many models accept fast USB-C Power Delivery (PD) in the 18–22.5W range. With a 20W USB-C brick and a decent cable, a mid-size pack refills in a short evening; with a slow 5V/1A cube, it can spill into an all-night wait. This guide lays out real-world windows backed by specs and a simple formula so you can size a charger and plan your turnaround with confidence.
Typical INIU Power Bank Recharge Time By Model
The table below groups common INIU capacities and the input they accept, then pairs them with practical time ranges. Where INIU publishes numbers, those appear directly; the rest follow the same math you’d use to estimate any lithium-ion pack.
| Model / Capacity | Max USB-C Input | Estimated Refill Time |
|---|---|---|
| Compact 5,000mAh class | Up to 20W PD (USB-C) | ~1.5–2.5h with 20W; 4–5h with 5V/2A; 8–10h with 5V/1A |
| Slim 10,000mAh (e.g., B3/B61) | PD 20W (USB-C) | ~2.5–3.5h with 20W; 5–6h with 5V/2A; 10–12h with 5V/1A |
| Large 20,000mAh (e.g., B5/BI-B5) | PD ~18–22.5W (USB-C) | ~6h with 18W; ~10h with 5V/2A; ~20h with 5V/1A |
Where These Numbers Come From
Two pieces of data set the pace: energy in the pack (watt-hours) and the power your charger delivers into the bank (watts). Capacity on listings appears in milliamp-hours. Convert it to watt-hours with Wh = (mAh × 3.7V) ÷ 1000. A 10,000mAh cell works out to about 37Wh; a 20,000mAh pack lands near 74Wh. Now divide by the realistic input power. With a 20W USB-C PD charger, 37Wh ÷ 20W yields ~1.9 hours at 100% efficiency. Charging isn’t perfect, so add overhead for conversion heat and taper at the end.
PD also offers Programmable Power Supply (PPS) on many chargers, which lets voltage adjust on the fly. A high-watt laptop brick will negotiate down; the bank sets the cap, so once you match the rated input, bigger numbers on the charger don’t shorten the wait.
INIU’s own manual for a 20,000mAh model lists three clear cases: about 6 hours with an 18W fast-charge adapter, ~10 hours with a 5V/2A brick, and ~20 hours with a 5V/1A cube. That aligns with the math above and mirrors experience from many users who move to USB-C PD and see time drop sharply.
Charger, Cable, And Heat: Why Your Time May Vary
Charger Wattage And Standards
Most new INIU banks accept USB-C PD. PD negotiates the best voltage and current the pair can handle, which keeps the transfer steady and cuts refill time. A 20W brick usually advertises 9V/2.22A or 12V/1.67A profiles; either works. Skip tiny 5V/1A cubes for big packs, since they stretch a refill into half a day.
Curious about the standard itself? Read the official USB Power Delivery overview. It explains why a PD charger can push more power safely compared to basic USB-C.
Cable Quality
A weak cable throttles current and triggers drops. Use a short, well-made USB-C cable rated for fast charging. If your bank offers PPS or higher current at 9–12V, a matching cable keeps the session on the fast path.
Temperature And Battery Management
Lithium-ion likes moderate temps. Cold garages and hot dashboards slow the charge curve. INIU builds in thermal safeguards that dial back input when the pack warms up. If you want the brisk numbers in the table, aim for room temperature and keep the bank on a hard surface with some airflow.
Picking The Right Wall Charger For Your INIU Pack
Grab a charger that matches or slightly exceeds the bank’s input spec. For a 10,000mAh slim pack with 20W USB-C input, a 20–30W PD charger is ideal. For a 20,000mAh brick that tops out near 18–22.5W, the same 20–30W charger is a good fit; going far above that doesn’t shorten time since the bank itself sets the ceiling. If you already own a laptop-class 65–100W PD GaN brick, it will negotiate down to the bank’s input and work fine.
Air travel tip: power banks belong in carry-on, not in checked bags. TSA keeps a clear page on this rule; see the agency’s guidance for power banks in luggage. Keep cables unplugged in flight unless the airline allows use at the seat.
Fast Ways To Tell If Your Setup Is Slowing You Down
Watch The Bank’s Display
Many INIU models show digits or icons during refill. If the fast-charge indicator never lights, either the wall brick or the cable isn’t PD-capable. Swap one piece at a time and watch for the icon to appear.
Check The Voltage Profile
USB-C PD often charges these banks at 9V. If your charger is stuck at 5V, the session drags. A simple USB-C meter can confirm voltage and current, but you can also judge by time: if a 10,000mAh unit still isn’t ready after five hours on a “fast” brick, the link isn’t negotiating PD.
Avoid Charging While Discharging
Pass-through or topping a phone while the bank refills wastes energy and adds heat. For the quickest turnaround, charge the bank alone.
Estimated Time By Charger Wattage
Use this cheat sheet to match a charger to your battery size. These windows already include typical efficiency and taper overhead.
| Charger Wattage | 10,000mAh Bank | 20,000mAh Bank |
|---|---|---|
| 5V/1A (5W) | 10–12 hours | ~20 hours |
| 5V/2A (10W) | 5–6 hours | ~10 hours |
| PD 18–20W | ~2.5–3.5 hours | ~6 hours |
| PD 30W+ | ~2.5–3.5 hours* | ~6 hours* |
*Going far above the bank’s rated input doesn’t trim time; the bank caps the intake.
Model Notes And Real-World Callouts
5,000mAh Pocket Packs
Tiny units are handy for a smartwatch or a quick phone bump. With a 20W USB-C adapter they finish fast, often under two and a half hours. Since the case is small, keep them out of hot sun during a refill.
10,000mAh Slim Banks
INIU’s slim line accepts PD 20W input. That spec lands your refill near the three-hour mark with a PD charger, which feels about as quick as a phone charge. Use a PD wall brick; legacy USB-A chargers add hours.
20,000mAh Workhorses
These trade speed for endurance. INIU’s manual for a 20,000mAh model pegs time at about six hours with an 18W adapter, ten with a 5V/2A brick, and twenty with a 5V/1A cube. If you need faster turnarounds, plug in as soon as you get home rather than waiting for a full drain.
Simple Steps For A Faster, Safer Refill
- Pick a PD wall brick rated 20–30W and a short, quality USB-C cable.
- Charge at room temperature on a hard surface.
- Give the bank its own outlet; skip pass-through charging when time matters.
- Update worn cables; crimps and frays drop current.
- Avoid deep discharges to 0% on every cycle to keep the pack healthy.
Math Corner: Estimate Any Power Bank Yourself
Here’s a quick method you can run on napkin math. Step 1: convert capacity to watt-hours at 3.7V cell voltage (10,000mAh ≈ 37Wh; 20,000mAh ≈ 74Wh). Step 2: divide by charger wattage. Step 3: add 20–40% for losses and the end-of-charge taper. That gets you from ideal to real. So a 37Wh bank on a 20W adapter looks like 37 ÷ 20 = 1.85h; add overhead and you land around 2.5–3.5h. A 74Wh bank on an 18W adapter: 74 ÷ 18 ≈ 4.1h ideal; real time near 6h.
When Your Time Is Way Off The Chart
If a refill drags far beyond the ranges here, run this checklist:
- Swap the wall brick for a known PD charger.
- Try a different cable; short and sturdy beats long and flimsy.
- Let the bank cool, then retry.
- Stop charging a phone from the bank during the refill.
- Check the bank’s USB-C port for lint or damage.
- If nothing helps, contact the service team under the 3-year warranty.
Travel Note: Airlines And Power Banks
Airlines and security agencies place watt-hour caps on lithium packs. Most phone-size banks fall under 100Wh and sail through carry-on screening, while larger bricks may need airline approval. Check rules where you fly, and keep the bank in your bag rather than checked luggage to avoid holds at the counter.
Bottom Line
Match a PD wall charger to your bank’s input and you’ll land in the ranges shown here: roughly three hours for 10,000mAh on a 20W charger and around six hours for 20,000mAh on an 18–20W brick. With solid gear and a cool room, your INIU pack will be ready before bedtime fast.