Your fastest options when the charger is missing or broken
If your laptop or tablet battery is dead and you don't have the original charger, you have several real ways forward. The method that works depends on what device you own, what ports it has, and what you have available right now. A USB-C cable and power adapter, a car charger, or even a power bank can work — but not every combination works for every machine.
The key is matching the right power source to your device's charging port and power requirements. Some devices are flexible about what charges them; others are not. Knowing which category your device falls into saves you from buying something that won't work.
Key Takeaways
- USB-C devices (most newer laptops and tablets) can charge from any USB-C power adapter rated for at least the device's wattage requirement, which is usually printed on the original charger.
- Older laptops with barrel connectors need a replacement charger with the exact same connector size and voltage, or a universal adapter with interchangeable tips.
- Power banks work for phones and tablets but rarely have enough power for laptops, unless the power bank explicitly supports laptop charging.
- Car chargers and wall adapters designed for phones will not charge a laptop unless the device also supports USB-C charging.
- Borrowing a charger from someone with the same device model is the safest option if you need to charge when ready.
USB-C devices: what works and what doesn't
If your device has a USB-C port, you have the most flexibility. Any USB-C power adapter will physically fit, but it must deliver enough power. Check the original charger — it will say something like "65W" or "100W" on the label. That number is the wattage. Your device needs at least that much power to charge at normal speed.
A 30W USB-C adapter will charge a 65W laptop, but slowly. A 100W adapter will charge a 65W laptop at full speed with no damage. What you must avoid is using an adapter with less power than the device requires — it may not charge at all, or it may charge while the device is off but drain while it is in use.
USB-C hubs and docking stations often include power delivery. If you have one, check whether it supports the wattage your device needs. Many do not. The hub's specifications will list the power delivery rating.
Barrel connector laptops and older devices
Laptops made before 2015, and many made after, use a barrel connector — a round metal plug with a center pin. These connectors come in different sizes. A charger for one model will not work for another unless the connector diameter and voltage match exactly.
If you have lost or damaged a barrel connector charger, you have two options. The first is to buy a replacement charger for your exact model. Search the manufacturer's website or a retailer for your laptop model number plus "charger." The second is to buy a universal laptop charger with interchangeable barrel connector tips. These cost between $30 and $60 and come with multiple tip sizes. You will need to match the tip size and voltage to your original charger specifications.
Do not guess at voltage. Using a charger with the wrong voltage can damage the battery or the motherboard. If you cannot find the original specifications, contact the laptop manufacturer's support line with your model number.
Power banks and portable chargers
Power banks work well for phones and tablets but are usually too weak for laptops. A typical power bank stores 10,000 to 20,000 milliamp-hours (mAh) and outputs 5V to 12V. Most laptops need 19V to 20V and draw 60W or more. A power bank cannot deliver that voltage or power.
Some newer power banks marketed as "laptop chargers" do support higher voltages and wattages. These are larger, heavier, and more expensive than phone power banks — usually $80 to $150. They will have USB-C output and will list their wattage on the packaging. If you own one, check whether it supports your device's voltage and wattage before relying on it.
For tablets and phones, any power bank works. For laptops, only a power bank explicitly rated for laptop charging will work, and only if it matches your device's power requirements.
Car chargers and wall adapters from other devices
A car charger designed for a phone will not charge a laptop. Car chargers output 5V or 12V — far below what a laptop needs. They also lack the wattage. The only exception is if your laptop supports USB-C charging and the car charger is a USB-C power delivery adapter rated for your device's wattage. These are rare in cars but do exist.
Wall adapters from other devices (phone chargers, tablet chargers, printer power supplies) work only if they match your device's port type and power requirements. A phone charger with a USB-C port will charge a USB-C laptop, but only slowly if the wattage is low. A phone charger with a micro-USB port will not fit a USB-C device at all.
Before plugging in an unfamiliar adapter, compare its voltage and wattage to your device's requirements. The information is printed on both the adapter and the original charger label.
Borrowing a charger: the safest when ready solution
If someone nearby owns the same laptop model or a device with the same charging port and higher wattage, borrowing their charger is the fastest and safest option. Confirm the port type matches — USB-C, barrel connector, or proprietary connector — and confirm the wattage is equal to or higher than your device needs.
If you borrow a charger from a friend with a different brand but the same USB-C port, check the wattage. A Dell USB-C charger will work on a Lenovo USB-C laptop as long as the wattage is sufficient. The brand does not matter; the port and power do.
Borrowing buys you time to order a replacement charger online or visit a retailer. Most replacement chargers arrive within two to five business days.
Where to buy a replacement charger
The manufacturer's official store is the most reliable source. Search "[your brand] official store" plus "charger" and your device model. Prices are usually $40 to $120 depending on the device and wattage.
Third-party retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Newegg carry replacement chargers for common devices. Read the product description carefully to confirm the port type, voltage, and wattage match your device. Customer reviews often mention whether the charger works with specific models.
For universal barrel connector chargers, search "universal laptop charger" and filter by the tip size and voltage your device needs. These are cheaper than brand-specific chargers but require you to match the specifications correctly.
Avoid chargers with no wattage listed, no voltage listed, or reviews mentioning compatibility problems. A charger that is significantly cheaper than the original is often a sign of lower quality or incorrect specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge my laptop with a phone charger?
Only if your laptop has a USB-C port and the phone charger is a USB-C power delivery adapter with enough wattage. Most phone chargers output 18W to 30W, which is too low for laptops that need 45W or more. The charger will fit but may not charge the laptop, or will charge it very slowly.
What happens if I use the wrong wattage charger?
Using a charger with higher wattage than your device needs is safe — the device draws only what it needs. Using a charger with lower wattage may not charge the device at all, or may charge only when the device is powered off. Using the wrong voltage can damage the battery or motherboard and is dangerous.
Is it safe to charge a laptop with a USB-C hub?
Only if the hub supports power delivery and the wattage is sufficient for your device. Check the hub's specifications. Many USB-C hubs do not support power delivery or support only low wattages like 30W. If the hub does not list power delivery specs, it cannot charge a laptop.
How long does it take to charge a laptop with a lower-wattage charger?
A charger with half the required wattage will take roughly twice as long to charge the battery. A 30W charger on a 65W laptop may take 4 to 6 hours instead of 2 to 3 hours. The device may not charge while in use if the charger cannot keep up with power demand.
Can I use a charger from a different brand if the port matches?
Yes, as long as the voltage and wattage match or exceed your device's requirements. A Dell USB-C charger works on a Lenovo USB-C laptop. A Lenovo barrel connector charger does not work on a Dell barrel connector laptop because the connector size or voltage is usually different, even though both are barrel connectors.