You’re working on something important on your laptop and all of a sudden its battery malfunctions and refuses to get charged- what will you do?
If you don’t know how to fix it, you may think of replacement as the immediate alternative. Even if money is not the problem and you are well capable of replacing even the whole laptop altogether, it will take some time.
Why not fix it and get out of trouble quickly? In this article, we will discuss some of the proven techniques to charge laptop battery manually to save the day without risking your data or laptop life in any way.
Let’s get started!
Reasons for Battery Malfunction
Most battery-operated devices come with a charging cycle, after which the chemicals inside the battery starts degrading. A degraded battery cannot sustain any charge; as a result, it becomes redundant. Apart from the natural end of the lifecycle, the longevity of your battery can also deteriorate if you-
- Operate your device at high temperature
- Continuously discharge the battery while using the device
- Use the laptop for long durations
If you take proper care of your laptop and still encountering battery charging issues, the reason might be something else like a damaged adaptor, drivers waiting for upgrades, changes in system settings, etc.
Ways To Charge Laptop Battery Manually
Before you start learning about how to charge a laptop battery manually, make sure you have the right device. Most laptops nowadays only work with their original chargers.
Therefore, some information might not work for you in such cases. Similarly, if your laptop comes with a built-in battery, then charging them manually is impossible. Now, let’s get started.
1. Using a Universal Power Adaptor
A universal power adaptor is the most affordable way to charge your laptop’s battery. This type of adaptor works great when you are traveling in a country where the voltage system is different from your residing country. Universal adapters are cheaper and widely available in both online and offline shops.
Always remember that a universal adapter is not a permanent solution as using them can be risky. Since most adapters don’t support all models, make sure to buy one that offers full compatibility with your device.
2. Make use of USB-C
You can always use a USB-C cable as an alternative to your AC/DC adaptor. To charge your laptop, plug one end of the USB-C cord into an outlet and plug the other end to your laptop.
However, this USB-C cable only works for laptops with built-in USB-C ports. Many older models don’t have a USB-C port. Meanwhile, USB-C connectors are gaining popularity and you will find this feature in most new laptops.
3. Using External Battery Charger
If you want to know a convenient procedure about how to charge a laptop battery manually, then we definitely suggest you try an external battery charger. The best part- you don’t need a laptop or an AC adapter to charge your battery. Simply plug the battery to the charger and you are all set. Read the battery information carefully from the protective plate. It will give you the idea to adjust the voltage and current of the charger. Go for a charger that comes with LED indicators and auto protection against short circuit, current outage, overcharge and overheat. It’s ideal for charging multiple batteries and carrying them during your travel.
4. Portable Laptop Chargers
Travel adapters allow you to use a device from your country to plug into an outlet of another country. However, the adapter does not convert the electricity or voltage.
Meaning, if your device is incompatible with the country’s voltage system, then the travel adaptor will be of no use. If it says ‘Input- 100-240V’ then it means your device supports voltage between 100v and 240 v. Fortunately, most devices nowadays support multi or dual voltage systems. If still unlucky, check out other alternatives listed below.
5. Charging Laptop Battery Using a Power Bank
Purchasing a laptop power bank can be a tricky affair since most of them work only with specific output ports. Simply go for power banks that offer maximum power input. The TSA standards for a portable power bank is set at 100Wh but sometimes you may need more than that. Also, make sure to check its compatibility with your DC adapter. Most power banks come with multi DC adapter support. So check the specification of the device before buying.
6. An AC Adaptor is Worth a Try
A faulty adapter restricts the flow of current, as a result, your laptop battery stops charging. If the LED light of the AC adapter is off, then that means you have to replace it. In some cases, if your system fails to determine the AC adapter, it will notify you on the screen.
7. Charging a Laptop Battery Using Solar Energy
A solar charging kit saves you from the hassle of finding the right outlet to plug your device. It also safeguards your device from potential damage caused by high voltage. A solar kit contains a foldable solar panel and a pack of batteries. Generally, the solar charger is not compatible with laptops. Hence, you have to first charge the battery pack to its optimum and then connect the laptop to the battery. A quality solar charger has the potential to charge a laptop 2-3 times in one single recharge.
8. Go for Super Laptop Batteries
Super laptop batteries come with factory-made chargers, meaning you do not necessarily need an AC/DC charger to charge them. Also, make sure you do not charge the super batteries with your laptop’s charger, as they may not possibly work. First, replace your current battery with the super battery in your laptop. Then, plug your laptop with the dedicated super laptop battery charger. One single recharge can give you a backup for up to 7 hours.
9.Buy a New Battery
If your battery is not charging even after trying every way possible, then that means it has come to its end lifecycle. Arrange a laptop of a similar model, replace your battery, and check the charging status. If it does not work, that means, you have to replace it.
How to Properly Charge Your Laptop Battery
You should always operate your laptop within a 40% to 80% charging status to get the most out of it. The biggest mistake most people do is that they completely drain their battery before charging it. Doing so minimizes the lifecycle of your battery and raises the damage risk. Most new-age lithium batteries work great in full charge cycles, so keeping the charge above 40 percent can be an ideal choice.
1. Never Heat Your Battery
Heat can strip away the life of your battery and can cause fire hazards (in extreme cases). Never try to overcharge your laptop battery, especially if you have an older model. Most new-age models automatically shut off the power supply, once it reaches 100 percent. Therefore, there is no point to leave the charger on, even though it won’t harm the battery. If your laptop is easily getting heat then make sure to make the following changes:
- Clean the internal fan
- Apply thermal paste to processors and copper heat sink
- Don’t lay your laptop on flat surfaces, allow some air to pass by
- To stay on the safer side, you can always buy vacuum cooler pads to maintain the temperature of your laptop.
2. Prevent Sunlight Exposure
Laptops are not designed to withstand heat and UV rays. Yet, people find it fancy to work with their laptops under direct sunlight- on an open terrace, or in a park. Never open or use your device in direct sunlight. Even a couple of hours of sunlight can damage your laptop and its accessories-especially its screen. Through these days companies are marketing glare-free screens, it is still not advisable to expose them to direct sunlight.
3. Never Mix Up Wires
Always use the ac/dc adapter or cable provided by the manufacturer. Never try to interchange the adapter unless you are 100 percent sure of its compatibility. People often thing adapters with the same end structure share the same duties. However, that assumption may cost your motherboard’s life forever.
Conclusion
Done and Dusted! We hope you found the solution you’re looking for. If the article has helped you fix your problem, share in other communities where people like you might be looking for the same solution. In case you feel it could have listed some more tricks than listed, let’s know. Either way, we want to know your opinion.
