One of the most important components of a laptop is the laptop charger. Without this handy device, your computer battery will run out of juice — and render your laptop unusable.
The charger of your laptop, when taken care of properly, can last for years. There will, however, come a time when this device will fail to function properly. If you own an HP laptop and your charger isn’t working, take note of this short guide. We’ll discuss the reasons behind a faulty HP laptop charger, troubleshooting steps and stores where you can buy a charger (if replacement is necessary).
Why is My HP Laptop Charger Not Working?
Whenever you connect the HP laptop charger to your PC, your desktop should display a notification that your device is charging. You can find that notification at the bottom right of your screen.
Before you assume that your HP laptop charger is faulty, check the battery of your laptop. Sometimes, the charger is not the one at fault. The battery is unable to recharge or store energy properly. If this is the case, you’ll need to replace the laptop battery, not the charger.
You should also check if the outlet is working properly. A faulty outlet will prevent your laptop from charging.
If you find that the battery’s doing fine after doing the appropriate HP diagnostics (and there are no problems with the outlet), you should turn your attention to the device’s power adapter. If the HP laptop charger isn’t working, it may be due to one or more of the following reasons:
- Old Laptop Charger – HP laptop chargers, wear down over time just like the other components of your laptop.
- Faulty Adapter Cable – Sometimes, the cable isn’t providing enough power or charge to your laptop.
- Power Supply Issues – The power supply for your HP laptop charger may have failed. You can test this by borrowing a charger of the same model and checking if the laptop is charging with that borrowed device.
- Power Cord Failure – The elements in your HP laptop charger cord may have a problem, such as a loose connector. This prevents the battery from charging properly.
How Do I Troubleshoot My HP Laptop Charger?
Before you buy a new HP laptop charger for your device, you want to see first if the problem is still minor. After all, you don’t want to spend money on a new charger if you can fix the minor issue.
Here are a few troubleshooting suggestions that can follow:
Check the Connection between the Laptop and the Charger
The HP laptop charger should fit firmly in the DC jack without you having to wiggle the cable just to get things charging. If the charger cable seems loose, hold it in place using electrical tape. This way, the laptop battery can receive power from the charger.
Note: this is a temporary fix. A loose connection can worsen over time. So, have your laptop sent to a specialist for a more technical assessment of the problem.
Detach and Reattach the Laptop Battery
Begin by turning off your laptop. Then, flip it upside down. Look for the latch that secures the battery.
Open the latch properly. The battery should pop out. If it doesn’t, give it a gentle tug.
Next, clean the connectors of the laptop battery by applying a tiny amount of rubbing alcohol to the tip of the connection swab. Dirt and other debris can accumulate and interfere with the connection, giving the impression of a faulty HP laptop charger.
Let the alcohol dry before you reattach the battery. Put the latch back on, secure it and plug in the power cord to check if the laptop will charge.
Power up the Laptop without the Battery
This troubleshooting step will determine if the battery or the charger is faulty. Start by removing the battery of your laptop. Then, power on your computer using only the charger. If the laptop turns on, then you need to replace the battery. If the laptop doesn’t turn on, then your charger might be the problem.
Where Can I Buy an HP Laptop Charger?
If you know for sure that your HP laptop charger is the problem, you can buy this device at an HP store near you. Alternatively, you could check major online retailers, such as Amazon and Walmart. The price of an HP laptop charger will depend on what laptop you have.
Take note, though, that different HP laptops require different voltages. You, therefore, should check the label on your computer or your laptop’s current charger to identify the correct voltage for your device.
When checking the label, look for the word “input.” You’ll then see a number followed by “V.” That number serves as the voltage rating. HP laptop chargers usually range from 11 to 24 volts.
Besides the voltage, check the tip of the connector. When buying a replacement laptop charger, the style of the tip must match that of your original unit.
When your HP laptop charger is not working, do some troubleshooting to identify the root cause. If replacement is necessary, make sure that you buy a charger with the correct voltage and the right connector tip.