Symptoms
- Power bank shows it's connected but laptop battery doesn't increase
- Laptop shows a low-power charger warning when connected to the bank
- Power bank works fine for charging phones but not the laptop
- Power bank drains quickly trying to charge the laptop
Likely causes
- CommonPower bank's output wattage is too low for the laptopLaptops typically need 45–100W, while many power banks max out around 18–30W.
- CommonPower bank doesn't support USB-C Power Delivery at a high enough wattageOnly PD-capable power banks with sufficient wattage can charge most laptops at all.
- PossibleCable used isn't rated to carry the needed powerA thin or basic USB-C cable may not support high-wattage charging even with a capable power bank.
- PossibleLaptop's specific USB-C port doesn't accept charging inputNot all ports on a laptop are wired for charging.
What to do
- Check the power bank's maximum output wattage and Power Delivery support against your laptop's requirement.
- Use a high-quality USB-C cable rated for at least 60–100W if attempting to charge a laptop.
- Try each USB-C port on the laptop individually, since some may not support charging input.
- Lower the laptop's brightness and close demanding apps to reduce power draw while trying to charge from the bank.
- If the power bank isn't rated for laptop charging, use it for phones/tablets and get a dedicated PD power bank rated for laptops instead.
Tools and parts
- None required
USB-C PD power bank rated 45W or higherSearch: “USB-C PD power bank 45W 65W laptop charging”
When to call a pro
This is generally a capability mismatch to solve by buying the right power bank rather than a repair issue.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.