Charging your phone from your laptop is a great option if you forgot to carry your charger with you or if you are not near a power outlet.
It can also come in handy if your phone’s charger dies unexpectedly and you need to charge it immediately.
We go into detail about how you can charge your phone with your particular laptop and what would be the best way to do it. Though keep in mind charging your phone from your laptop is not an ideal way to charge it. More on that later.
Check the ports on your laptop
Before attempting to charge your phone from your laptop, you must check the ports available. Most modern laptops come with USB Type-A and USB Type-C ports.
Inspect your laptop ports and see their USB ports, then get a USB cable to charge your phone accordingly.
If you have an older laptop that lacks a USB C port, you need a USB Type A to USB C cable or a USB Type A to lightning cable if you use an iPhone.
If your laptop has a USB C port, we prefer using those, as they can help you charge your phone faster. Depending on your phone, you would need a USB C to USB C cable or a USB C to Lightning Cable.
Charging your Phone from a USB Type-A port on your laptop
If your laptop has a USB Type-A port and you want to charge your phone from it, follow these steps:
Step 1: Connect your phone’s charging cable to the USB Type-A port on your laptop.
Step 2: Connect the other end of the charging cable to your phone’s charging port.
Step 3: Your phone should begin to charge immediately. If it does not, try a different USB port on your laptop or check the USB cable for any damage.
Charging your Phone from a USB C port on your laptop
If your laptop has a USB Type-C port, you can charge your phone faster than a USB Type-A port. Follow these steps to charge your phone from a USB Type-C port on your laptop
Step 1: Connect your phone’s charging cable to the USB Type-C port on your laptop.
Step 2: Connect the other end of the charging cable to your phone’s charging port.
Step 3: Your phone should begin to charge immediately. If it does not, try a different USB port on your laptop or check the USB cable for any damage.
FAQs
Is it safe to charge your phone with a computer?
Yes, it is safe to charge your phone with a computer. When you connect your phone to a computer’s USB port, the charging circuitry controls the amount of current drawn from the USB port to charge the battery. However, the charging rate may be slower than charging your phone with a wall charger.
Does charging your phone through a laptop damage the battery?
No, charging your phone through a laptop does not damage the battery. If the charging cable and ports are in good condition, charging your phone through a laptop will not harm the battery.
Can I charge my phone with my laptop closed?
Yes, you can charge your phone with your laptop closed. When you connect your phone to a USB port on your laptop, the charging circuitry in your phone controls the amount of current drawn from the USB port to charge the battery. So, whether your laptop is open or closed, your phone will still charge as long as it is connected to the USB port.
Are there any disadvantages to charging a phone with a laptop?
There are some disadvantages to charging your phone with a laptop:
- Charging your phone through a laptop’s USB port may be slower than charging it with a wall charger.
- If your laptop runs on battery power, charging your phone from it may drain its battery faster.
- Some laptops may not supply enough power to charge your phone, especially if the laptop is an older model with USB 2.0 ports. In this case, you may need a wall charger to charge your phone.
- If the USB port or charging cable is damaged or worn out, it may not charge your phone or cause slow charging.
Additional Tips
- Always use a charging cable with your phone to avoid compatibility issues.
- Avoid using cheap, low-quality charging cables, which may damage your phone’s battery.
- If your laptop runs on battery power, charging your phone may drain its battery faster.
- If your laptop is connected to a power source, charging your phone will not affect its battery life.
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How to charge your Laptop in your car
