Start with the charger itself, not your computer
A charger that does not work is usually the charger, not your computer. Before you assume your device is broken, test whether power is actually reaching the charger cable. Plug the charger into a different outlet in your home — not just a different socket on the same power strip. Power strips can fail, and so can individual outlets. If the charger works in a different outlet, your original outlet is the problem, not the charger.
Next, look at the cable where it enters the charger brick (the rectangular power adapter). Bend it gently back and forth while the charger is plugged in. If you see a light on the charger flicker or turn on, the cable has a broken wire inside the rubber coating. This is the most common failure point. The charger itself may be fine, but the cable is damaged and needs replacement.
If the charger has a light indicator (many do), check whether it is lit. A charger with no light and no heat after five minutes of being plugged in is likely dead. A charger that is warm or hot to the touch but not charging your computer may have an internal failure even if the light works.
Key Takeaways
- Test the outlet first by plugging the charger into a different wall socket, because a dead outlet is more common than a dead charger.
- Bend the cable gently where it enters the power brick while plugged in — a flickering light means the internal wire is broken and the cable needs replacement.
- Check the charging port on your computer for debris, bent pins, or corrosion, because a damaged port will not charge even with a working charger.
- If your charger is warm but not charging, the internal components have likely failed and the charger needs to be replaced.
- Buying a replacement charger from the manufacturer is safer than a third-party option, because counterfeit chargers can damage your computer or create a fire risk.
Inspect the charging port on your computer
Even a working charger will not charge a computer with a damaged port. Look at the port where the charger plugs in. Shine a flashlight into it and look for bent metal pins, corrosion (green or white buildup), or debris like lint or dust. If you see debris, use a wooden toothpick or a plastic dental pick to gently remove it — never use metal, because metal can short the port and destroy it.
If the port has bent pins, you cannot fix this yourself. A repair shop can replace the port, but the cost is often $100 to $300 depending on your computer model. If the port looks corroded, it may have been exposed to moisture. Let the computer dry completely in a warm room for 24 hours before trying to charge again. Do not use a hair dryer or heat gun — the heat can damage other components.
Try inserting the charger plug slowly and feel for resistance. The plug should slide in smoothly and sit firmly without wiggling. If the plug is loose or falls out on its own, the port is worn out and needs professional repair.
Test with a different charger if you can borrow one
If you have access to another charger for the same computer model, borrow it and try charging. This tells you whether the problem is the charger or the computer. If the borrowed charger works, your original charger is dead and needs replacement. If the borrowed charger also does not work, the problem is your computer's port or internal charging circuit, and you need professional repair.
Do not try a charger from a different computer model, even if the plug looks similar. Using the wrong charger can damage your computer's battery or motherboard. The voltage and connector type must match exactly. Check the label on your original charger — it will list the voltage (usually 19V, 20V, or 65W) and the connector type. Your replacement must have the same specifications.
Know the difference between a dead charger and a failing battery
A charger that does not work and a battery that does not hold a charge are two different problems. If your charger is plugged in and the charging light is on, but your computer's battery percentage does not increase, the charger is working but the battery is failing. Batteries in laptops and tablets wear out over time and eventually stop holding a charge.
If you see the charging light on but the computer shuts down when ready when you unplug it, the battery is dead even though the charger works. You can still use the computer while it is plugged in, but you cannot use it unplugged. A new battery costs $50 to $150 depending on the model.
If there is no charging light and the computer does not charge at all, the charger itself is the problem, not the battery.
Where to buy a replacement charger
Buy a replacement charger from the computer manufacturer's official website or store. Dell, Apple, Lenovo, HP, and other makers sell chargers directly. The cost is usually $60 to $120. A charger from the manufacturer is may provide to have the correct voltage and connector, and it comes with a warranty.
Third-party chargers sold on online marketplaces are cheaper but carry real risks. Counterfeit chargers can overheat, damage your computer's battery, or start a fire. If you must buy a third-party charger, buy from a brand with a long track record in computer accessories, read the reviews carefully, and check that the voltage and connector type match your original charger exactly.
Do not buy a charger from an unknown seller on a marketplace, even if the price is very low. The savings are not worth the risk of a fire or a damaged computer.
Troubleshoot if your charger is plugged in but not charging
If the charger is plugged in, the light is on, but your computer is not charging, try these steps in order. First, unplug the charger from both the wall and the computer. Wait 30 seconds. Plug the charger back into the wall first, then into the computer. Sometimes the charging circuit needs to reset.
Second, check your computer's power settings. On Windows, go to Settings, then System, then Battery. Look for a "Battery Saver" or "Power Saver" mode that might be blocking charging. On Mac, go to System Settings, then Battery, and check whether Low Power Mode is on. Turn off any power-saving mode and wait five minutes to see if charging starts.
Third, restart your computer while it is plugged in. A software glitch can sometimes prevent charging even when the hardware is working. If charging starts after a restart, the problem was a temporary software issue.
If none of these steps work, the charger or the computer's charging circuit has failed and needs professional repair or replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a phone charger to charge my laptop?
No. Phone chargers have much lower voltage than laptop chargers. Using a phone charger will not charge your laptop, and it could damage the charger. Always use a charger with the exact voltage and connector type listed on your original charger's label.
Is it safe to use a charger that gets very hot?
A charger that is warm to the touch is normal. A charger that is too hot to hold for more than a few seconds is a fire risk and should not be used. Unplug it and replace it with a new one from the manufacturer.
Why does my charger work sometimes but not other times?
An intermittent charger usually has a broken wire inside the cable. Bend the cable gently near where it enters the power brick while plugged in. If the charging light flickers on and off, the cable is damaged. You can buy a replacement cable or a new charger.
What should I do if my charger smells like burning plastic?
Unplug the charger when ready and do not use it again. A burning smell means the internal components are overheating and the charger is a fire hazard. Throw it away safely and buy a replacement from the manufacturer.
Can I fix a charger myself?
You can replace a damaged cable if your charger has a detachable cable, but you cannot safely repair the power brick itself. Opening a charger exposes you to high voltage that can cause serious injury. Buy a replacement instead.