Finding yourself without your laptop charger when you need it most can be incredibly frustrating. However, with some adapters and tips, you may be able to use your phone charger to charge your laptop in a pinch. As an IT professional with over 10 years of experience, I’ve helped many clients troubleshoot laptop charging issues. Here’s what you need to know about charging your laptop using a phone charger.
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Check If Your Laptop Has a USB-C Port
The latest laptops come equipped with a USB-C port that supports USB Power Delivery. This allows the port to both charge devices and transfer data. With the right adapter, you can use your phone charger in that USB-C port to charge your laptop.
Before trying this, check if your laptop actually has a USB-C port. It will be oval-shaped and smaller than a traditional USB-A port. If you don’t have a USB-C port, you won’t be able to use a phone charger with your laptop.
Choose an Appropriate Adapter
Your phone charger likely has a USB-A or USB-C connector. To use it with your laptop’s USB-C port, you need a small adapter.
USB-C to USB-C: If your phone charger has a USB-C connector, get a USB-C to USB-C cable. Make sure it supports USB Power Delivery for charging laptops.
USB-A to USB-C: If your phone charger has a USB-A connector, you’ll need a USB-A to USB-C adapter. Again, ensure it supports Power Delivery.
With the right adapter, you can connect your phone charger to your laptop’s USB-C port. Make sure the adapter is high-quality to enable efficient power transfer.
Use an Appropriate Wattage
Phone chargers typically provide lower wattage compared to laptop chargers. For example, phone chargers range from 5W to 30W while laptop chargers can go up to 100W.
Before using your phone charger, check the wattage of your original laptop charger. Then, ensure your phone charger provides equal or higher wattage to properly charge your laptop.
If the phone charger has lower wattage, your laptop may charge slowly or not charge at all. In rare cases, it could even damage your laptop’s battery.
As a rule of thumb, use a phone charger with at least 45W capacity for any laptop charging. Higher-end laptops may need up to 60W or more.
Charge While Powered Off
Ideally, you should charge your laptop while it’s powered off, especially if your phone charger provides lower wattage.
When your laptop is turned on, the charging has to power both system operation and battery charging. That divides the available power, slowing down charging.
By powering off your device during charging, all available power can go solely towards charging the battery. Just make sure you don’t urgently need to use the laptop when charging this way.
Stop If Issues Arise
As soon as you connect your phone charger to your laptop, keep an eye out for any issues. If you notice overheating of the charger, adapter, or laptop, disconnect immediately. Excessive heat can damage your devices.
Also stop charging if you get any warning messages related to slow charging, power incompatibility, or potential damage. While using a lower-wattage charger is usually safe, it’s best not to take risks.
Have Proper Gear as a Backup
Using your phone charger to charge your laptop should only be done in a pinch. It is not a reliable long-term solution, especially if you need to use your laptop while charging.
Ideally, always carry your actual laptop charger when travelling or commuting with your device. Additionally, consider getting an appropriate backup charger like a 45W USB-C power bank.
With the right gear, you’ll never have to worry about being stuck with a dead laptop battery. But in desperate situations, you may be able to leverage your phone charger to rescue your laptop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any phone charger for my laptop?
No, you can only use a phone charger if your laptop has a USB-C port compatible with Power Delivery. The phone charger must also provide sufficient wattage for your particular laptop model.
Is it safe to regularly charge my laptop with my phone charger?
While occasional or emergency use poses little risk, it’s best not to regularly charge your laptop with a phone charger. The lower power output can slowly degrade your laptop’s battery over time in some cases.
What happens if my phone charger doesn’t provide enough power?
If your phone charger provides lower wattage than your laptop needs, charging will be very slow or not occur at all. In some cases, it may say “plugged in, not charging”. Leaving it plugged in for a long time can risk overheating or battery damage.
Can I use my laptop charger to charge my phone?
Yes, you can safely charge phones with your laptop’s charger in most cases. Just ensure you use the appropriate USB-C to USB-C cable or adapter depending on your devices. Laptop chargers automatically adjust power output.
I hope this comprehensive guide gives you the key information you need for charging your laptop using a phone charger successfully. Let me know if you have any other questions!
