In this article we will talk about what to do in case you have lost/broken your laptop charger. How can I charge my laptop without a laptop charger? Without your laptop charger, you might get the feeling that your laptop is almost useless. You may be lucky enough to have one of those super laptops that can stay on for up to 17 hours, but eventually the charge will run out, bringing you back to the same spot.
Page Contents:
So, what exactly should you do in case you lose or forget to bring your laptop charger ? The answer depends on your creativity. While innovation in computer technology continues to improve every day, there aren’t many alternatives to charging a laptop without its charger.
However, there are some tricks you can try to keep your laptop on. In this article we will show you how to easily charge your laptop without your charger.
Have a lost/broken laptop charger? Here’s what to do
Is it possible to charge a laptop without its charger? Yes, and the easiest way to do this is with a universal adapter. Remember to always check the voltage, regardless of the charging solution. If that doesn’t suit you, charge your laptop from a car battery or use an external charger.
To find out how, read the guide below.
How can I charge my laptop without a laptop charger?
Solution 1- Use a universal adapter
A universal adapter is perhaps the most common solution to your battery problems. These universal chargers come with multiple connectors, so chances are you’ll find one that fits your laptop’s charging port.
Individual connectors can also be purchased separately. Some universal adapters also have the ability to charge the laptop from a car or other 12V DC power points.
When plugged in, the adapter not only powers the laptop but also charges it.
However, if inserted incorrectly, the connectors can cause damage to the laptop.
Solution 2 – Car battery
If you’re the type of traveler who spends most of their time on the road rather than in the office, you can use your car battery to charge your laptop.
Wiring the laptop directly to the battery can be tricky as most modern laptops have battery voltages ranging from 8V and above, while most car batteries are rated 12V.
Even so, there are ways in which it is possible to “recharge” a laptop from a car battery even if the voltage is below 12V. However, it is important to be cautious as you could end up with a dead car battery or damage the laptop in the process.
The most efficient way to match a car’s battery power to current or charge a laptop is to use an inverter. There are various inverters that are capable of generating AC current from a DC source with an output power between 12 and 24 V.
When you have the inverter, you can certainly use the car cigarette lighter to charge your laptop. To do this, follow these 3 simple steps:
- Step 1 – Plug the inverter directly into your car’s cigarette lighter socket.
- Step 2: Now connect the laptop AC adapter to the inverter.
- Step 3: Connect the AC adapter to the laptop.
Solution 3 – Let’s see how to use an external laptop charger
An external laptop charger is a standalone device that does not connect to your laptop. Instead, you remove the laptop battery, mount it on the charger, and plug the charger into an electrical outlet.
Most external laptop chargers have lights that flash when the battery is charging, then stay on when the battery is fully charged.
Keep in mind that external laptop chargers are typically brand specific, so choose the one that matches your laptop’s specifications.
Solution 4 – USB C charging
If you are one of the lucky ones who have USB Type-C on your laptop then you don’t need to worry anymore.
The USB Type A port only allows for data transfer and power, but not for input. With the introduction of USB Type B and, above all, Type C, not only fast data transfers are allowed, but also power inputs and outputs.
So, if you have lost your laptop charger, you have a couple of options. The first is to charge your USB C laptop via a power bank. Remember that the power bank must be 18v or higher to have the desired effect.
Plus, a large power bank can provide plenty of charge to your laptop and it’s portable too, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
Another solution is to use a USB C power adapter. Modern laptops come with the ones in the box, but if you don’t have one, buy it along with a good USB C to USB C cable.
The last solution, silly as it may seem, is to use the phone to charge the laptop. Yes, it won’t take long, but in urgent cases when you only need 10 more minutes to save a document or send an email, this works.
You just need a phone with USB C and a USB C to USB C cable. Connect your phone and laptop with the cable and in the USB options on your phone choose ” power other connected device”.
That’s all. Your phone should now, for a very limited time, charge your laptop.
While the methods outlined above might provide a solution for charging your laptop when you don’t have a charger, be aware that they cost money and require an upfront purchase.
In all cases, it is cheaper and safer to buy a laptop charger.
I hope I have been of help in case in case you have lost/broken your laptop charger and need to recharge your laptop without a laptop charger. If you have any other questions, leave them in the comment section below and we’ll be sure to take a look.
