How to Charge Your Laptop Without the Original Charger

The fastest way: borrow or buy a compatible charger

If your laptop charger is lost or broken, the quickest solution is to use a charger made for your specific model. Check the bottom or side of your laptop for the charging port type — common ones are USB-C, barrel connectors (the round plug with a center pin), or proprietary connectors made by your manufacturer. Write down your laptop model and the voltage and amperage printed on your original charger (usually something like "19.5V 3.34A"), then search for a replacement online or at an electronics store.

A compatible third-party charger costs between $20 and $60 depending on your laptop brand and port type. This is the safest option because it delivers the exact power your laptop expects. If you need power today, check whether a friend or family member has the same laptop model — their charger will work when ready.

Key Takeaways

USB-C chargers from phones, tablets, or other laptops can charge many modern laptops if they deliver enough power (usually 45 watts or higher for laptops).
Power banks designed for laptops exist and cost $40 to $100, but they work only if your laptop has a USB-C charging port.
Car chargers and wall adapters with USB-C output can charge a laptop in a pinch, though they charge more slowly than a full-power charger.
Older laptops with barrel connectors or proprietary ports cannot use USB-C chargers and require a replacement charger made for that specific model.
Charging through USB-C is slower than using the original charger, so plan for 2 to 4 hours to reach full battery instead of 1 to 2 hours.

Using a USB-C charger from another device

If your laptop has a USB-C charging port, you can charge it with a USB-C charger from a phone, tablet, or another laptop — but only if that charger is powerful enough. Look at the wattage printed on the charger: your laptop needs at least 45 watts for reasonable charging speed. A phone charger (usually 18 to 30 watts) will charge your laptop very slowly or not at all if the battery is in heavy use.

To check your laptop's USB-C port, look for a small oval-shaped port on the side or back. If you see it, you can safely plug in any USB-C charger rated 45 watts or higher. The charger will deliver only the power your laptop needs, so using a 65-watt or 100-watt charger will not damage the battery. Charging will take longer than with your original charger — expect 2 to 4 hours instead of 1 to 2 hours — but the laptop will charge fully.

Charging with a laptop power bank

A laptop power bank is a portable battery designed specifically to charge laptops through USB-C. These cost $40 to $100 and hold enough charge to add 25 to 50 percent to your laptop battery in one session. They work only if your laptop has a USB-C port and only if the power bank is rated for laptop charging (not just phone charging).

To use one, plug the USB-C cable from the power bank into your laptop's USB-C port and press the power button on the bank. The laptop will charge while you work or travel. Power banks are useful if you spend time away from outlets — on a plane, in a car, or at a coffee shop — but they do not replace a wall charger for overnight charging. Check the power bank's wattage before buying: look for 45 watts or higher to charge at a reasonable speed.

Charging through a car charger or USB outlet

If you are in a car or near a USB wall outlet, you can charge a USB-C laptop slowly using a car charger or USB adapter. Plug a USB-C car charger (rated 45 watts or higher) into your car's 12-volt outlet, or plug a USB-C wall adapter into any standard outlet. These are cheaper than power banks — usually $15 to $40 — and work in more places, but they charge much more slowly than a full-power charger.

A 45-watt USB-C charger will add about 10 to 15 percent to your laptop battery per hour while the laptop is asleep or in light use. If you are using the laptop while charging, the battery may not gain charge at all — the charger's power goes to running the laptop instead of storing energy. This method works best as a temporary solution to keep your battery from draining completely during a long drive or workday.

What to do if your laptop does not have USB-C

Older laptops with barrel connectors (the round plug with a center pin) or proprietary charging ports cannot use USB-C chargers. These laptops require a replacement charger made specifically for that model. Check your laptop's manual or the manufacturer's website to find the correct charger — search for your model number plus "charger" or "power adapter."

If you cannot find an exact replacement, a universal laptop charger with interchangeable tips may work. These cost $30 to $60 and come with multiple connector sizes. Match the tip size and shape to your laptop's port, then set the voltage dial to match the number printed on your original charger. Test it on a powered-off laptop first to make sure the connection is find and the charger does not get hot.

Charging from a wall outlet using a USB cable

Some newer laptops can charge through a standard USB cable plugged into a wall outlet, even without the original charger. Check whether your laptop's USB-C port supports power delivery — the port may have a small lightning bolt symbol next to it. If it does, you can use any USB-C wall adapter (the kind used for phones or tablets) to charge the laptop.

This method is slower than a dedicated laptop charger but faster than a power bank. A standard 30-watt USB-C wall adapter will charge most laptops, though 45 watts or higher is better. Plug the USB-C cable directly into the wall adapter and into your laptop's USB-C port. The laptop will charge while plugged in, though the battery may not gain charge if you are using the laptop for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.

Avoiding damage while charging without your original charger

The main risk when charging without your original charger is using too little power, which charges slowly or not at all, rather than too much power, which damages the battery. Modern laptops have built-in protection that stops them from accepting more power than they need. A 100-watt charger will not harm a laptop that only needs 45 watts.

The real danger is using the wrong connector type or voltage. Never force a charger into a port if it does not fit smoothly — a bent pin or damaged port can make the laptop impossible to charge. If you are using a universal charger with adjustable voltage, double-check the voltage matches your original charger before plugging in. If the charger gets hot to the touch or the laptop does not respond, unplug it when ready and try a different charger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge my laptop with my phone charger?

Only if both your phone and laptop use USB-C, and only if your phone charger is rated 45 watts or higher. Most phone chargers are 18 to 30 watts and will charge a laptop very slowly or not at all during use. Check the wattage printed on the charger before trying.

How long does it take to charge a laptop with a USB-C charger instead of the original?

A lower-wattage USB-C charger (45 watts) takes 2 to 4 hours to fully charge a laptop, compared to 1 to 2 hours with the original charger. The exact time depends on your laptop's battery size and whether you are using it while charging.

Will using the wrong charger damage my laptop battery?

Using a charger with too little power (lower wattage) will not damage the battery — it will just charge slowly. Using a charger with too much power will not damage it either, because the laptop only accepts the power it needs. The real risk is using the wrong connector type or voltage, which can damage the charging port.

What if I cannot find a USB-C charger and my laptop does not have USB-C?

You will need a replacement charger made for your specific laptop model. Search for your laptop model number plus "charger" on the manufacturer's website or a major electronics retailer. A universal laptop charger with interchangeable tips is a backup option if you cannot find an exact match.

Can I charge my laptop through a USB hub?

Only if the USB hub has its own power supply and supports power delivery through USB-C. Unpowered USB hubs do not deliver enough power to charge a laptop. Check the hub's specifications for "power delivery" or "PD" before buying.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.