Having a laptop that doesn’t hold charge while plugged in is beyond frustrating. As a college student, I’ve experienced this issue countless times due to poor cable management. But there are simple fixes to get your laptop to charge again. Read on to learn more.
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Check the Cables
Make sure the charging cable is firmly plugged into the power source and the laptop’s power brick. It’s easy for a cable to get knocked loose, so ensure everything is snug. Also, try a different outlet if needed.
Correct Charger and Port
IDG / Matthew Smith
Some laptops use a specific port for charging. Look for a power icon next to the port, or try all USB-C ports if it isn’t clear. It’s best to use the charger that came with the laptop to avoid potential damage to the battery.
Inspect for Cable or Port Damage
Check the cable for damage and ensure there’s no debris in the ports. Clean out any dust or debris with a cotton swab or toothpick, but be gentle to avoid damage. Avoid using third-party chargers or low-wattage options.
Further reading: Use the best USB-C cables for charging and data transfer
Check for any dust or debris in the ports, as this can prevent the charging cable from being fully inserted. If there’s debris, use a cotton swab or toothpick to remove it, or try compressed air to blow it away.
Battery Concerns
If you have a laptop with a removable battery, try removing it and holding down the power button before reconnecting the charger. This can help reset the hardware. If your laptop works without the battery, the issue may be with the battery itself. Cleaning the battery compartment may resolve the problem. Avoid removing the battery on laptops without a detachable battery.
Resource-Heavy Programs
If your laptop is running resource-heavy programs, the battery won’t charge efficiently. Access the task manager to see which programs are running and close any unnecessary ones to improve charging efficiency. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then select Task Manager to manage running programs.
