Start with the simplest fixes first

A charger that stops working usually fails for one of three reasons: a loose connection, a damaged cable, or a problem with the power outlet itself. Before you buy a replacement, spend five minutes checking these things in order, because the fix is often free.

First, unplug the charger from both the wall and your computer. Look at the connector that plugs into your laptop — the metal pins or contacts should be clean and shiny, not dark or corroded. If they look dirty, gently wipe them with a dry cloth. Do the same for the port on your computer where the charger plugs in. Dust and lint collect there and can block the connection.

Next, plug the charger back in and listen for a light click or feel for a slight vibration — most chargers have a small light that turns on when they are working. If nothing happens, try a different outlet in a different room. If the charger works there, the problem is your outlet, not the charger. If it still does not work, move to the next section.

Key Takeaways

  • Clean the metal contacts on both the charger connector and your computer's charging port with a dry cloth, because dust and corrosion block the connection.
  • Test the charger in a different electrical outlet to rule out a broken wall socket before assuming the charger itself has failed.
  • Bend the cable gently along its entire length while the charger is plugged in — if the light flickers or turns on, the internal wires are damaged and the charger needs replacement.
  • If your charger is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer before buying a new one, because many will replace a failed charger at no cost.
  • Buying a replacement charger from the manufacturer costs more than a third-party option but carries a lower risk of damaging your computer's battery.

Check for a broken cable by flexing it gently

The most common failure point in a charger is the cable where it connects to the brick — the rectangular power adapter. The wires inside can break from repeated bending, but the outer covering stays intact, so you cannot see the damage.

Plug the charger in and watch the light on the adapter. Starting at the connector end, gently bend the cable in small curves along its entire length toward the wall. If the light flickers, dims, or turns off when you bend a certain spot, the cable is broken inside at that point. This charger cannot be repaired safely and should be replaced.

If the light stays steady the whole way, the cable is probably fine. Move on to testing whether your computer itself is the problem.

Test whether your computer is accepting power

Sometimes the charger works but your computer does not recognize it. Shut down your computer completely — not sleep mode, but a full shutdown. Leave it off for 30 seconds, then plug in the charger and turn it back on.

While it boots up, look at the charging indicator. On most laptops this is a light near the charging port or a battery icon on the screen. If you see a charging symbol appear, your charger is working and the problem was a temporary software glitch. If nothing appears, your computer's charging port may be damaged, or the charger may not be compatible with your model.

Check your charger's label for the voltage and amperage — usually printed as something like "19.5V 3.34A" or "20V 2.25A". Compare this to the specifications in your computer's manual or on the manufacturer's website. If the numbers do not match, the charger will not work with your computer, even if it physically fits.

Understand the difference between manufacturer and third-party chargers

Chargers sold by the computer manufacturer — Dell, Apple, Lenovo, HP — are engineered specifically for your model and tested to protect your battery. They cost more, usually between $60 and $120 depending on the brand and wattage.

Third-party chargers from companies like Anker or Belkin cost $20 to $50 and work with many laptop models. They meet basic safety standards, but they are not tested by your computer's maker. Using a third-party charger that outputs slightly different voltage or amperage can degrade your battery faster or, in rare cases, damage the charging circuit inside your computer.

If your original charger is still under warranty — usually one to three years from purchase — contact the manufacturer before buying anything. Many will replace a failed charger for free or at a reduced cost. Check your receipt or the manufacturer's website to see how long your warranty lasts.

Know when the problem is your computer's charging port

If you have tested a working charger in your computer and it still does not charge, the port itself may be loose or damaged. Look into the charging port with a flashlight. The connector inside should sit flush and centered, not tilted or pushed to one side.

If the connector looks off-center or if the charger wiggles when plugged in, the port is loose. This usually happens from years of plugging and unplugging. A loose port cannot be tightened by the user and requires a technician to resolder or replace it — a repair that typically costs $100 to $300 depending on your computer model.

If the port looks normal but still will not charge, the problem is likely inside the charging circuit on your computer's motherboard. This also requires professional repair. Before you pay for that, try one more thing: leave the charger plugged in for 15 minutes without turning the computer on. Some computers have a safety feature that prevents charging until the system cools down.

Decide whether to repair or replace

If the charger itself is broken, replacement is cheaper and faster than repair. A new charger from the manufacturer arrives in a few days and costs less than a service call.

If the problem is your computer's charging port or internal circuit, you have two choices. A repair from an authorized technician or repair shop costs $100 to $400 depending on the damage and your computer model. If your computer is more than five years old, that repair cost may be close to the price of a used replacement computer, so compare the two before deciding.

While you wait for a replacement charger or repair, you can extend your battery life by lowering screen brightness, closing unused programs, and enabling battery saver mode. This buys you time if you need the computer for work or school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone charger to charge my laptop?

Only if your laptop uses USB-C charging and your phone charger outputs enough wattage. Check your laptop's manual for the required wattage — most need 45 watts or more. A phone charger usually outputs 18 to 30 watts and will charge very slowly or not at all. Using an underpowered charger can also damage your battery over time.

Why does my charger get hot?

Chargers naturally warm up during use, especially under heavy load. If it is too hot to touch for more than a few seconds, unplug it immediately. Excessive heat means the internal components are failing and the charger should be replaced to avoid fire risk or damage to your computer.

Does leaving my charger plugged in all the time damage it?

Chargers are designed to handle continuous power draw, but leaving one plugged in when not in use wastes electricity and generates unnecessary heat. Unplugging it when your computer is fully charged extends the charger's lifespan and saves money on your power bill.

What should I do if my charger sparks or smells like burning plastic?

Unplug it immediately and do not use it again. Sparking or burning smells mean the charger is failing internally and poses a fire or electrical hazard. Do not try to repair it — buy a replacement from the manufacturer or an authorized retailer.

Is a charger covered under my computer's warranty?

Most manufacturers cover chargers under the same warranty as the computer itself, usually one to three years. Check your warranty paperwork or the manufacturer's website to confirm. If your charger failed within the warranty period, contact the manufacturer's support team to request a replacement.