If your laptop charger is broken and you don’t have any way to find a replacement charger, you’re probably looking for other ways to power up your laptop. Perhaps, you’re curious if you can use your HDMI cord to charge your computer.
Desperate times call for desperate measures, right? While it isn’t impossible to use a different cable to power your device, it comes with risks that you should be aware of.
In this article, we will discuss how to charge a laptop with HDMI, any risks that you should be aware of, and how it compares to your original charger.
The short answer is yes; you can use HDMI to charge your laptop. If your computer charger failed and you don’t have any other cord you can use to power up your device, HDMI is enough to keep your laptop from dying.
However, HDMI isn’t a replacement for your original charger, and it is only recommended to use it until you get the correct charger for your laptop.
If you don't have any option, you can use your HDMI cable to continue using your laptop. But remember, HDMI cords don't have the same regulators as your regular laptop chargers. So there's no assurance that your device will receive the correct current and voltage that it needs to be charged safely.
An HDMI cable can only provide a small current or voltage that can be used to keep your laptop from dying, especially if you are in a tight situation, but it doesn’t suit all type of electrical appliances, so use it at your own risk. However, if you have limited resources, an HDMI cord can enable you to charge your laptop in power outages.
Is It Safe To Charge Your Laptop With HDMI?
Laptops come with specialized adapters that provide your device with the correct voltage, ensuring the safety of your computer. In general, HDMI cables are used to provide you with a better display as a connection to an external screen from your computer.
HDMI cords have the capability to give your device big amounts of current or voltage, which isn’t usually ideal for many electrical appliances.
While temporary usage of HDMI as a charger is okay, long-term use can be detrimental to your laptop. That’s why it is only recommended to use HDMI if you’re in a pickle and don’t have any option to find a replacement charger. Otherwise, it is best to use the charging adapters that come with your laptop.
However, we’d recommend you to charge your laptop using an HDMI cable if you are getting badly stuck in someplace. Otherwise, it would be best to use the charging adapter that accompanies the laptops.
How To Charge Laptop With HDMI? (2 Easy Methods Explained)
No need to worry if your laptop charger broke in the middle of the night. Your HDMI cable can help power your computer while you’re waiting for the store to open. There are two methods that you can do. Here they are:
1. Charging a Laptop With HDMI Port
If your laptop comes with an HDMI port, you’re in luck. You won’t need many accessories, and you can continue your work with no hassles. Now, your only concern is to learn how to charge your laptop using an HDMI cable. The method below can charge any notebook, laptop, or ultrabook with an HDMI port.
Things You Need
Step-By-Step Instructions to Charge Your Laptop
- 1Plug your HDMI cord into your TV. Make sure that it’s correctly plugged in to avoid issues.
- 2Connect the HDMI cable to your laptop’s HDMI port.
- 3You’re all set. Your laptop should have a power connection now.
2. Charging a Laptop Without HDMI Port
If you don’t have an HDMI port in your device, don’t fret. There’s still a way for you to charge your laptop using an HDMI cord. However, your device must have a Type-C port for this method to work.
Things You Need
Step-By-Step Instructions to Charge Your Laptop
- 1Connect the HDMI cord to the TV or LCD that will act as your laptop’s power source.
- 2Then, plug the HDMI cable into the Type-C to HDMI connector and make sure to put it in the right end of the adapter.
- 3Next, connect the USB Type-C to HDMI connector to your laptop port.
- 4Your laptop should work just fine.
Charging Laptop With HDMI Vs Charging Port: Which Is Faster?
An HDMI cable is an acceptable alternative for your laptop charger. However, its primary purpose is to project high-definition content on larger screens; that’s why it doesn’t have the electricity regulator that regular chargers have.
Because of this, charging through your HDMI port can be slower than usual and can have a negative effect on your device. If you don’t have any other options, you can use it as a temporary charger.
On the other hand, your original laptop charger comes with specialized adapters that can regulate the voltage of electricity coming into your laptop.
Because of this, your device gets the correct current it requires to charge at a much faster speed. So, if you’re using your laptop port, charging will be so much quicker than the HDMI port.
Related: Here's How To Charge A Laptop During A Power Outage
Common Laptop Charging Questions
Can I charge my laptop with my phone charger?
If your phone charger uses USB Type-C and your laptop has a Type-C charging port, it is possible to charge your computer with your phone charger. But, if the power voltage isn’t enough, it would do more damage than good. So, it’s better to use the appropriate charger for your device.
How can I charge my laptop with a USB port?
Your laptop should have a USB Type-C port for you to charge it with a USB port. If it doesn’t have any, it’s impossible to power up your laptop with a USB.
Can I use the charger of another laptop model to charge my laptop?
Unfortunately, you can’t charge your laptop using another model’s laptop charger. Plugging a different charger that isn’t made for your device can lead to more harm than good. It may immediately or eventually fry your battery, and you will need to replace it with a new one.
What voltage is needed to charge a laptop?
Most laptops typically require 12 to 20 volts for charging. However, 19 volts seems to be the common value of most external power supplies of notebooks.
Conclusion
While you can charge your laptop using HDMI, it may not be the most effective method available. An HDMI cable provides less power and will take more time to fully charge your computer. That’s why it is only recommended if you don’t have any choice to power up your computer.
While you can still charge your laptop if the original charger is broken or misplaced, it is best to purchase a new one rather than continue using an HDMI. The HDMI may weaken and decrease the lifespan of your battery and laptop. So only use it during emergencies.
Holly Curell is a US-based freelance writer & editor extraordinaire. With over a decade of writing technical manuals, blog articles, & even company communications, Holly has a passion for providing value to readers on everything she knows about tech-related topics. When she’s not writing, Holly enjoys reading, hiking, wine, & wandering the aisles of Trader Joe’s. Holly is currently based out of North Carolina, where she lives with her husband Ken & their three children.