How to Charge a Chromebook without a Charger

Have a deadline but running out of battery and your charger is misplaced? Such situations can be frustrating when you urgently need to access the usual cloud-based work apps on your Chromebook. Thankfully, modern Chromebooks are versatile and can be powered using USB-C chargers. But what about those that don't?

No worries! You can still manage to charge your device using quick alternative methods. I will take you through five easy and practical ways to charge a Chromebook without a charger. This article also gives you a few tips on improving your laptop's charging efficiency. So, dive right in.

Understanding Chromebook charging basics

Ever since they were released in 2011, Chromebooks have given other operating systems serious competition in the battery department, with a less resource-intensive OS. These laptops typically use lithium-ion batteries and have most of their data on the cloud, promoting long battery hours without charging.

Today, it has become a standard for Chromebooks to have USB-C chargers for convenience. You will hardly find early models using proprietary barrel jacks. Type-C chargers support reversible plugging by carrying power and data through a single cable, making them efficient.

Yet, it is also possible to power your Chromebook without its original chargers. Many employ quick fixes like compatible USB-C ports, portable chargers, universal adapters, and solar chargers for emergencies. But, it comes with its set of challenges.

Like every battery, the Chromebook battery has a charging cycle, which requires keeping your charges between 40-80% for maximum battery life. However, maintaining this percentage with non-traditional chargers is almost impossible.

Alternatives like mobile chargers, power banks, and universal chargers take an eternity to power your laptop. Frequently using them means the Chromebook is going through constant incomplete charging cycles. It can negatively impact the charging efficiency and battery service life.

How to charge a Chromebook without a charger?

Have your charger forgotten or misplaced and desperately need your Chromebook? Check out these five alternative ways to power your laptop without a traditional charger.

1. Use USB C cables

The most feasible alternative Chromebook charger is a USB Type-C port, as the majority of Chromebooks have a Type-C port. If your device has this option, try out the following steps.

• Plug one end of the cable into the power adapter and the other into your Chromebook.
• Open your device and press Time > Settings from the bottom right corner. Navigate to Power and select USB-C Port as your power source.
• It will initiate the charging process.

2. Charge Chromebook with portable chargers

Another way to power your Chromebook is a portable power bank. Again, it is only possible when your laptop has a USB Type-C port.

• To use this, plug each end of your Type-C cable into your Chromebook and power bank. Check whether it is charging, and that's it.

It is a low-charging method, which takes longer to complete the charging. So, it is better to only use it in emergencies.

3. Try universal chargers

Have a universal charger at home? It might be helpful in charging your electronics like Chromebooks. The best part; it works, irrespective of the laptop model. Here's how you can use the universal chargers the correct way.

• Plug the universal charger into the power source and connect it to your Chromebook. Make sure the tip is inserted properly, or the device won't be charged. It should be charging by now.

The laptop charging efficiency takes a toll with this method. Like mobile chargers, it takes an eternity to fill up the device.

4. Solar-powered chargers

Solar chargers are a convenient, eco-friendly alternative to generate electricity. Plus, it is accessible whether you are at home facing a power outage or traveling. You can use solar chargers in two ways; to directly power the Chromebook or charge the battery and use it for Chromebook charging.

• To use solar chargers for Chromebooks, buy a portable solution, compatible with your laptop's model. Place the charger in direct sunlight and connect your laptop to it. It should start charging.

A great example of backup solar chargers for outdoor adventures would be the Renogy 10W, solar battery charger. With monocrystalline solar cells and built-in MPPT, it is a safe bet and handles around a 12V lead battery. And, it is convenient to use with SAE connectors.

5. Use car chargers

Don't have the option to wait for long? Your last resort to charge your Chromebook without the charger would be your vehicle. Some Chromebooks have a DC car charger, so just plug it in your car's charging port and let the vehicle run until it's powered sufficiently.

Maximizing your Chromebook's charging efficiency

It's crucial to keep your Chromebook's battery in good condition. Here are a few things you can do to maximize its charging efficiency and maintain its battery health.

• Always ensure your Chromebook doesn't get overheated, as it directly influences the battery's life. For this, avoid putting it near heat sources like direct sunlight. Similarly, it shouldn't be doing intense tasks, requiring the processor to overwork.
• When using public USB-C outlets for charging your Chromebook, ensure they are working well. Using damaged adapters and outlets means a higher electric hazard risk for your laptop.
• Voltage spikes are detrimental to the laptop battery. And, to avoid them, it is ideal to invest in surge protectors. These protectors will also promote charging efficiency, extending the battery's life.
• Always optimize your Chromebook's Bluetooth and brightness usage. Reducing brightness or turning off Bluetooth when not in use, helps significantly with battery consumption.
• Moreover, Chrome OS has power-saving settings that fine-tune basics like display and sleep to manage your battery consumption. Implement them to conserve your laptop's battery when it is idle.

How long does it take to charge a Chromebook?

Chromebooks are designed to run for long hours, as they are targeted toward professional work. Typically, these batteries last approximately 9-10 hours, depending on the model. Similarly, an average Chromebook takes around 2 to 3 hours to charge.

However, different Chromebook models have varying battery capacities. For instance, the Dell XPS 13 takes around 2.3 hours, whereas it takes up to 3 hours to charge the Chromebook Pixel. Eventually, both will have a different battery life.

The charging source is the first parameter to decide your Chromebook's charging time. Where a regular charger takes 2-4 hours, a low-power source can prolong it significantly. A power bank or smartphone charger may take 3-6 hours to fill the battery. It can even take up to 24 hours of charging with portable chargers.

In addition, the charging speed of your Chromebook is also influenced by the activity. The device charges faster when it is in sleep mode and turned off. Using it while it is charging also impacts the battery life significantly.

How many watts does a Chromebook use?

An average Chromebook uses 45 watts per hour, as compared to an average laptop that consumes around 200 watts per hour. However, it all depends on how you use it. For instance, gaming consumes more battery than working on MS Office apps. Here's an overview of different Chromebook models and their estimated wattage.

Chromebook	Wattage	Estimated Daily Power Requirements/ hours
Asus Chromebook	45W	360 Wh/ 8 hours
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2	45W	360 Wh/ 8 hours
Lenovo Chromebook 3	45W	360 Wh/ 8 hours
Samsung Chromebook 4+	45W	360 Wh/ 8 hours

Moreover, the mode you run your Chromebook in also affects how much power it consumes throughout the day. For instance, sleep and standby modes have significantly lower battery usage than the work mode. On average, these laptops use 14 hours of sleep, 10 hours of work, and 0.3 hours of standby mode. Let's have a detailed look at Chromebook power consumption in different modes.

Chromebook Mode	Daily Watt Hours Use	Monthly Watt Hours Use
Sleep	4.88 Wh	148.4 Wh
Standby	0.23 Wh	7.1 Wh
Work	35.16 Wh	1054.8 Wh
Total	40.27 Wh	1210.3 Wh

FAQs

Are there other ways to charge a Chromebook?

Yes, you can charge your Chromebook without its original charger with an alternate USB-C charger. Make sure your device model has a Type-C port and the adapter supplies an adequate voltage for charging.

Plug each end of the USB cable into the Chromebook and adapter. Open your device, navigate to Time > Settings > Power from the bottom-right corner, and select the USB-C Port as your power source.

Can you charge a Chromebook with your phone charger?

Definitely! A smartphone charger is a quick alternative to charging your Chromebook without its original charger. All you need to do is make sure the laptop is compatible with Type-C chargers.

Once sure, just plug it into the device and power source and start charging. However, it is a low-power charging method, which means it is slower and takes a long time to fill up your battery.

How do I charge my Chromebook with a broken charger?

It is not recommended to use a broken charger for Chromebooks, as it compromises the battery life and charging efficiency. Still, if you are in a desperate situation, switch to non-traditional methods like power banks and universal chargers. You can even use your smartphone charger and car DC port to power your Chromebook in emergencies.

How to charge a laptop without a charger?

You can still charge your laptop if your original charger is lost or forgotten. Some alternative charging solutions include portable power banks, eco-friendly solar chargers, external laptop chargers, and even your car batteries. Just assess your situation, find the most feasible option, make sure it's compatible with your laptop, and start charging.

Conclusion

Next time you have to work on your Chromebook and don't seem to find the charger, don't panic. Try using your phone's USB-C charger or portable power banks for a quick fix.

However, do not constantly rely on these low-power charging alternatives. These methods are inadequate to complete your charging cycle, negatively impacting your laptop's charging efficiency. Still, if you frequently experience power outages, invest in an eco-friendly solar charging backup.