Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your laptop’s battery is draining first, and you can’t get your charger or forgot to bring one? We have something for you. You don’t need a charger to boost your laptop’s battery percentage as long as you try the different methods we will cover in our article. They will save you from panicking whenever the above-mentioned occurrence happens. Let’s see the different ways that can help you send a that important email to your boss from your laptop if your charger is far away.
1. USB A Type-C Cable
One of the easiest ways to get your laptop’s battery full without a charger is by taking advantage of its USB Type C port. You’ve definitely heard people talking about this type of USB connector, with some even saying that it is better than the renowned USB type A. USB-C was introduced by USB 3.1. It has an oval-like shape and is meant for high-wattage connectivity, allowing you to transfer more power. It is also faster, with speeds of up to 20 Gbit/s, unlike its counterparts, USB 3.1, which can only manage half the value.
USB 4 was later released in 2019, and thanks to it, you can easily transfer data at speeds of up to 40 Gbit/s. This connectivity makes charging your laptop with USB-C easier if you don’t have your charger. However, note that your laptop must have a USB-C port for such connectivity. Also ensure that you have your USB-C cable and a plug adapter, the end part of your charger that connects to an electrical outlet. This method normally works because some laptops depend on the USB-C cable as their primary charger.
To charge your laptop via USB-C, connect the plug adapter or the tail end of the cord to an outlet and the other to your laptop. However, what happens if you forget your USB-C cord too? Well, it is cheaper to get one than a laptop charger. More people have phones than laptops, meaning getting a USB charger, even in the world’s remotest parts, is easier.
Since this charging only works if your laptop has a USB-C port, we must mention that it’s important to get a laptop with such a port if you are in the market for a new one. USB-C is gaining popularity quickly, meaning we may not see much of USB Type-A, the most popular, soon. The good news is that most laptops, especially HP and Lenovo, nowadays come with an inbuilt USB type-C port. If you are an HP lover, consider getting the Envy, Spectre, or Zbook product line, and you will be sorted. Let’s look at another way of charging your laptop without a charger.
2. Use Your Smartphone
Do you know you can charge your laptop’s battery using your smartphone? This mostly comes in handy when you are in an emergency. Your mobile phone can act as a backup power supply, saving you from the need to go back home and get your charger or buy a new one. You must get a functional USB-C cable and connect one end to your laptop and the other to your smartphone.
You will get a popup window asking you what you want. Choose the option that allows you to supply power to another device. However, note that your phone battery will drain quickly, given that it doesn’t hold much power. Using this method may not be advisable unless you really need to charge the laptop.
3. Use A Power Bank
Investing in a portable power bank may be an excellent decision, especially if you are traveling or live in an area with unstable electricity or power supply. These are mini batteries that store power that can be used to charge a range of devices. You can easily get one online, at an electronics store, or in general retail shops like Target.
However, ensure that the power bank you get is compatible with your laptop. Remember, modern laptops may require a power bank that supports USB-C, AC, or DC outputs, not just the renowned USB-A output. To help you differentiate, AC ports resemble the power outlets found in the walls of buildings, while DC ports are generally small and circular but with a middle prong. USB-C ports are ovular and small, while USB-A ports have a rectangular shape and a three-pronged symbol close to them.
To charge your laptop, use the right cord to connect it to the power bank, which should have a small LED or power symbol that shows it is on. Make sure your power bank is turned on by pressing the power button, which is often strategically placed at the top or on the side. The good news is that most, if not all, power banks come with the right cables that you can use to charge your device. If your laptop supports USB-C charging, use the provided USB-C cable to supply power.
Some of the best power banks you can use for your laptop include products from Anker since many of them can manage outputs of up to 20 volts.
4. Use A Universal Power Adapter
There are several ways to charge your laptop’s battery without sweat. Using a universal power adapter may be handy if the previous method doesn’t entice you. However, first consider your laptop’s hardware before purchasing one, given that universal power adapters have tips with different sizes configured to supply power of different amounts depending on the recipient device. Also note that this method may be limited, given that universal adapters mostly work with Windows laptops with circular charging ports, leaving out newer generations of laptops that rely on USB-C charging.
Also, remember to find out more about the universal adapters you are purchasing by looking at the reviews. You don’t want to risk blowing up your laptop or other connected devices by using a faulty power adapter. Note that quality adapters don’t come cheap, so you may have to spend a little bit more on one. Ensure you also have the correct laptop adapter tip, or you can damage your computer.
Once you get everything right, plug the former into a power source, which in most cases is an AC outlet like the ones found on your wall.
5. Use Your Car
Why struggle to look for a power outlet or drive back home to get your laptop charger when you can just charge using your car? Your car produces electricity to keep it running, a resource that can be tapped into and used to charge your laptop. Older generations of cars have large, circular outlets or USB-A ports, while modern/ newer ones come with smaller or oval-like USB-C ports or AC outlets that can be used as charging ports. What happens if your car doesn’t have a compatible power outlet? Worry no more. You can get a universal adapter, which we covered in our fourth recommendation. Alternatively, you can purchase an inverter, which is relatively bigger and can cost more than the average adapter.
Depending on the outlet you have, you must get your car running (start the car) to generate enough power that can be used to charge your laptop. Once the car starts, plug the laptop in and watch it charge. We also have to mention that using an inverter if your car lacks a USB-C port or AC outlet has one annoying drawback- the power inverter must be left on your vehicle’s floor, which may augur well with people who love organized spaces.
6. Use A Super Battery
Have you ever heard of super batteries? These are second or spare batteries you can purchase for your laptop so that your operations aren’t hampered when you run out of power, forget your charger, or can’t access a power outlet. They come with different charging cables and can replace your original laptop battery. However, you must ensure that the one you settle for fits your laptop and is of the right size. You might therefore want to take some time to research and consider the different options on the market before getting one.
Also, note that super batteries are generally brand-specific and may not work for all laptops. You must get your purchase right, or you will have thrown away a considerable amount. Unlike draining your mobile phone to charge your laptop, super batteries last considerably longer and will come in handy during non-emergency situations.
FAQ’S
1. What Should I Do If I Am Tired Of Recharging My Laptop?
Charging your laptop all the time may be a daunting task. It can also inconvenience you in many ways, especially if you need something done fast. If you want to avoid such an uphill task, consider getting high-end options such as the M1 MacBook Air or MI MacBook Pro that can stay powered for up to 18 hours. Microsoft’s recent Surface Pro versions are equally good, thanks to their awesome battery lives. You are assured of up to 10 hours of battery life without putting too much strain on your GPU and CPU.
2. Is It Safe To Charge My Laptop Without The Right Charger?
It would be best not to regularly use different methods to charge your laptop when you have the official charger. Remember that the voltage and power from the method you choose should match the chargers’ specifications. Therefore, try to replace your laptop’s charger as fast as possible if you lose it to save your battery from damage.
3. How Can I Ensure That My Laptop’s Battery Stays Full When Travelling?
You must bring a laptop backpack with all the right supplies when traveling to keep your laptop charged. Make sure it is big enough to hold your laptop and a few pieces of charging equipment, such as a fully charged power bank, which you shouldn’t drain unless necessary. Use the power bank as an emergency option. Also, bring a travel adapter if you find yourself in a place with incompatible outlets. You will get interchangeable plugs that you can use to power your laptop. This is particularly important when traveling to a foreign country.
Don’t forget to carry a USB port hub too. This will give you several USB ports (generally 4-7) to connect your USB devices since you won’t be around your workspace. We advise you to settle for powered hubs
