Can you charge a laptop with a USB port?
J-Go Tech Support Team - October 8, 2020 Show
Why am I not able to use a USB-A port to charge my laptop?The short answer: The voltage and power that standard USB (called USB-A) ports support are not powerful enough for laptops. To elaborate on this topic, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
1. Voltage and PowerMost of our devices are designed to recharge using a specific voltage to prevent damage to the device. The easiest way to figure out the voltage used by your device is by simply referring to the information printed on the original charger that was included with your purchase. You will want to look for the power output of the charger, which is typically in the format, __V/__A. Example: 5V/2A is the same as (5 x 2) = 10W ; 20V/2.25A is the same as (20 x 2.25) = 45W 2.Power Output and Limitations of USB-A PortsUSB-A is the most common type of USB port. These ports can be found on most standard chargers that are included when you purchase small portable devices, such as a phone or tablet. However, all USB-A ports are not created equally. A large majority of USB-A ports only support a 5V current, which is fine for charging small devices, but not quite powerful enough for large devices. Depending upon the device, the included charger may support up to 12W (5V/2.4A). If you have a new USB charger, you may notice that the inside of one or more of the USB-A ports have a color, which typically indicates that it supports a fast charging technology. Sometimes, these USB-A ports can support 5V, 9V and 12V currents, up to a total of 18W, which allows compatible devices to charge more rapidly. 3. Power Required By LaptopsThe voltage and power required to recharge a laptop will vary drastically amongst various computers. Sometimes, this will even vary amongst the same laptop models due to having a more powerful processor or graphics card, so its always best to look at your original charger that was included with the device. A large majority of laptops recharge using currents between 15V and 20V, and require power upwards of 36W. The Wrap-UpAs you can see, the voltage and power required to recharge a laptop are drastically higher than what a USB-A port can provide, which causes this compatibility issue for charging. While there may be a few small laptops that can recharge at lower voltages and/or currents, these computers are not very common and would still recharge at a much slower speed. Have a question for us to cover in our next post?First Name Last Name Email* Question I would like to get the latest store updates Submit Don't Miss The Next Post!PLUS: Get Inside Information and Exclusive Offers.Subscribe Let customers speak for usfrom 103 reviewsPerfect - Pairing this item with Anker Nano II brick is the most portable charging I could find. Matthew Zamora 12/23/2021 Surface Connect to USB-C Charging Cable Great Cable Just what I needed to connect my oculus to the pc. Thanks! Rene Torres 12/15/2021 4M USB-C TO USB-C 3.1 GEN 2 CABLE (5A | 100W PD) (10Gbps) As described The package took double the time to arrive, but I am blaming that on my country's taxes collection, as the package arrived in EU 2 weeks beforehand. The cable works perfectly as described with my Surface Pro 3 and an Anker Nano II 65W. Filip 12/13/2021 Surface Connect to USB-C Charging Cable Another Thumbs Up Works great with a Microsoft Surface Go 3! Craig 12/06/2021 45W USB C Laptop Car Charger Thumbs Up Works as advertised! Craig 12/06/2021 Surface Connect to USB-C Charging Cable Great product Dan Casey 11/24/2021 Evuur ZS-5 USB-C TO USB-C 3.1 GEN 2 CABLE (5A | 100W PD) (10Gbps) Awesome product & "Over The Top" customer support. This car charger works great where a different brand (Zodiac) would only work intermittently. Wish I knew of this brand before having purchased the other. There is also a big difference in the thickness of the cables, as this one is much thicker, and of higher quality. Most important is their outstanding customer support. They actually took the time to answer my charging questions regarding my Surface-Pro-4, which went far beyond just selling their product, and they also ship using 2-day service. There was a problem regarding FedEx not getting the product to me, and I contacted J-Go Tech 8 days after it had left their facility. The owner "Jay" immediately shipped out a 2nd unit to me via UPS, which I promptly received within 2 days. About 4 days later, and after having instructed FedEx to just cancel the first shippment, FedEx delivered the initial shippment anyways. Jay helped me by giving insite on FedEx's operations, and the initial shippment was eventually returned to them, but it doesn't end there! Out of his kindness and generosity, Jay actually sent me a 2nd charging cable just for the troubles, which was not even their fault. Most companies these.days only care about their profits, and it was a pleasant surprise to find a company, with people of integrity, that actualy care more about it's customers instead. I highly recommend J-Go Tech for your charging needs. Awesome product, helpful staff, and superior customer support. Stephen Hershberger 10/27/2021 45W USB C Laptop Car Charger I love it Dear all, It was very easy to place an order, very fast, I mean realy fast to deliver it to my destination in EU - 3 days or so only! And I just love that products. It is charging my hi-end config laptop workstation with no problem. Great! Juraj ZABKA 10/08/2021 The Tanker Xtreme 100W PD Dual USB-C Power Bank | 27,000mAh Wonderfu! Quick charging. Joyce Hargrove 09/25/2021 The Tanker 45W PD | 26800mAh USB C PD Power Bank USB C Magnetic Adapter | USB 3.1 Gen 2 | 100W (5A) PD | 10 Gbps | 4K It's an amazing product, the built quality is great and I really love it. Javaid Iqbal 09/23/2021 USB C Magnetic Adapter | USB 3.1 Gen 2 | 100W (5A) PD | 10 Gbps | 4K Display Excellent Quality This power bank powers my gaming laptop for at least 2 extra hours. Umut Bayraktar 09/15/2021 Z-Series 100W PD | 26800mAh USB C PD POWER BANK Excellent I use the power bank to charge my hp spectre x360 laptop, and occasionally charge my pixel 5. It has been working perfectly without any issues. TOYIN GIWA 09/05/2021 The Tanker Xtreme 100W PD Dual USB-C Power Bank | 27,000mAh Awesome The device works as described. I bought the device to take it with me on a long flight. Had no problems whatsoever going thru the airport to and from my destination. Would highly recommend purchasing! GILBERTO RIOS JR 09/01/2021 Z-Series 100W PD | 26800mAh USB C PD POWER BANK Best product out there for surface pro 7 Performs perfectly , charges multiple devices at one time its great !. John Serrano 08/30/2021 The Tanker 45W PD | 26800mAh USB C PD Power Bank Great for Surface Pro I needed a car charger for my Surface Pro, and am very happy with the J-Go kit I purchased of the 120V charger, the 12V charger and the cable. That kit is much more compact than the Microsoft charger and is all I use now. William T. Frysinger 08/27/2021 45W USB C Laptop Car Charger USB Type-C Power BanksXCOREsion 15-45 45W USB-C PD Power Bank | 15,000mAh$74.99 Add To Cart45W Waterproof Power Bank Set$79.99 Add To CartThe Tanker 45W PD | 26800mAh USB C PD Power Bank$84.99 Add To CartXCOREsion 20-65 | 65W PD | 20000mAh USB C PD POWER BANK$89.99 Add To Cart |