Last updated on April 5th, 2024 at 10:21 am
Yes, we can charge our phones with a USB-C laptop charger. This is possible due to the power delivery(PD) feature in USB-C. PD is a universal standard set between the power source(laptop charger) and the device(laptop, smartphone). So before the actual transmission of power, the two devices have to agree on how much power one can give and the other can receive safely.
The figure below shows the specifications of a USB-C laptop charger. The charger is rated at 45 watts and it also supports an output rating of 5V, 2A.
While in the figure below shows the specifications of a USB-C smartphone charger. The charger is rated at 30 watts and it supports an output rating of 5V, 2A.
As they both are capable of providing an output at 5V, 2A, they can be used as a replacement for each other. It must be noted that the laptop charger is rated at 45 watts, while the smartphone charger is rated at 30 watts. So, if we are using a laptop charger to charge our phone, it will charge faster.
Table of Contents
Things to check before using a laptop charger for your smartphone
Although you can connect the USB-C charger to the phone without any issue, there are some things to keep in mind:
- Size Compatibility
- Charging Protocol
Let’s discuss them in detail.
Size compatibility
The first and foremost criterion is to check whether the charger pin suits the socket. The size and shape of the connector matter for the perfect placement of the connector in the port. The USB C is a small-sized connector. It is rectangular with round edges.
A major advantage is that the USB-C connector is symmetric. Hence nowadays, most devices come with a USB C port for charging as well as data transfer. So if both your phone and laptop use a USB Type C charger, the size compatibility is satisfied.
Charging protocol
The common charging protocol is another essential feature that must be met for successful communication between the connector and the device. The charging protocol determines the current, voltage, and power delivered while charging the device. So, if the charger delivers a different power output than what the device requires, it will overheat and damage the device.
USB C has an attractive solution for this too. It has an efficient charging technology called USB Power Delivery (USB-PD). This is the technology of ‘fast charging’. It is capable of transferring the output power of up to 20V/5A (100W) in laptops. But isn’t it higher than what a phone needs? Yes, it is, but we don’t need to worry.
The beauty of USB-PD is that initially, it charges the device fast by increasing power flow. It lowers the voltage in the second phase. This method not only prevents overheating but also makes charging quick. In addition, most devices today have a built-in charge controller that prevents overheating by regulating the input voltage. This creates double protection. In this respect, it is safe to charge your phone with a Type C USB laptop charger.
Related to USB: How does USB C to HDMI Work? Adapter and Cable and if you are looking for USB-C to HDMI adapters, read: Best USB-C to HDMI Adapters in 2023 (Our Top 7 Picks)
Is it safe to charge your phone using a USB-C laptop charger?
Yes, it is safe to charge your phone using a USB-C laptop charger. But before using one, make sure to check the ratings of the charger. Only use the laptop charger if it provides similar output ratings as your smartphone. Using a charger with mismatched output ratings may damage your device and/or charger.
Even though the charger size and protocol match the device, we should confirm the quality of the charger. Only a good quality charger gives safe and efficient fast charging. Otherwise, it may damage the device.
Though this choice may seem harmless at the first glance, it is always safe to charge a device with its respective charger. Still, you can depend on the other (laptop charger) if you are in a hurry or if you have no other option. So always keep in mind that things might go wrong.
What about charging a laptop using your phone charger?
Yes, we can charge a laptop with a smartphone charger if they both have similar output ratings. As discussed in the example above, the input voltage of both chargers (smartphone and laptop) are the same and they provide a common output of 5V, 2A. Hence in this case we can use this smartphone charger to charge a laptop.
It must be noted that the laptop charger is rated at 45 watts, while a smartphone charger is rated at 30 watts. So, charging a laptop with a smartphone charger would take more time.
