We strive to provide you with authoritative, trustworthy, and expert advice. In doing so, the staff at clouddropout.com performs extensive research, editing, and fact checking to every post on this webiste. If you feel that this article can improve, please feel free to reach us at staff@clouddropout.com
Before continuing this article, I wanted to let you know that I have a Youtube Channel where I showcase all sorts of video content related to Tech. Subscribing would mean a lot to me, and I very much appreicate all the support!
Can I charge my Dell laptop with USB C? That’s a question you might be asking if you want to take advantage of the latest charging and transfer technologies for your computer.
USB-C is an amazing new type of charging that offers a compact design, more power, and faster data transfers.
Thus, you might wonder if you can use it on your Dell. These are some answers to the most common questions about Dells and USB C.
Can I Charge Dell Laptop With USB C?
Whether or not you can charge your Dell laptop with USB C depends on which model you have. Many of the newer Dell models come equipped with USB C chargers.
Examples of some models that have a USB C port are the XPS 13, Inspiron 14, and XPS 15.
However, some units are tricky. They come with proprietary AC charging ports set up for a different style of charging, and the USB C port does not work to charge the units. In other cases, the computers come with both options and are capable of accepting a charge either way.
So it really depends which device you own as to whether you’ll be able to charge it with USB C.
You can find out if your specific unit takes USB C by taking note of the model number and searching the specifications on the Dell website.
You may also look for the information in the user’s manual.
Furthermore, you can conduct a visual examination to see if your unit has a USB C port. USB C is much smaller than other USB types and has a horizontally oval shape to it.
Is It Completely Safe to Charge My Laptop With USB C?
It is very safe to charge your laptop with USB C if you have a port for it. You might even find that you can charge your device faster because of the increased power.
The charging speed will ultimately depend on the power delivery method your computer uses, though.
You should have no problem using USB C to safely charge your Dell computer or laptop if you have a USB C charger and a USB C port on the computer. The only issue that could arise is an issue of the charger not working because your computer doesn’t support USB C charging.
That’s why it’s crucial that you first find out your computer’s specifications and capabilities.
What Charger Does Dell Laptop Use?
Dell uses a variety of chargers for its laptops and computers. Many of the older models use a bulky charger that has a long cord, a power supply, and a 3.5 or 4.5mm tip.
Those chargers were commonplace for many years.
As time progressed, the manufacturers wanted to create chargers that would save space for people on the go. They also wanted to make the charging process a bit speedier for people who needed their units up and running at all times.
The bulky units usually have a 45W input and a 19.5v DC output. They are also about 2.31 amps.
There are also some smaller and less bulky chargers that have 65W inputs and do not have a gigantic rectangular power box attached to them.
These chargers are about 3.34 amps and 240 volts. The power supply on these chargers is much smaller, and the shape is more rounded, which helps the users to save space.
These are compatible with some of the Latitude models, such as the 3300, E5470, 7480, and 7490, and many more.
Some Dell units also take the USB C charging unit, which is the most compact and convenient option. They have the smallest power supply and port connection.
Their wattage varies. Some chargers have 45 watts, some have 65 watts, and some have 130 watts. The XPS 15 is an example of a unit that needs one with 130 watts.
You may have only one option for a charging unit for your device. You might also have two options. As mentioned before, some units allow old-school or coaxial charging and USB C charging.
You may want to try both of those methods to see which one works best for you and offers the highest level of convenience.
USB C not Charging Laptop
If your USB-C device is not charging your laptop, it may be that your laptop does not offer that capability. You might only be able to use your USB-C cable for data transfers and such.
Ensure that the power outlet you have the charger connected to is healthy and in good working order.
Try charging your laptop from another outlet to see if that works well for you.
Move on to another troubleshooting method if the issue persists.
Another issue to consider is that your USB C charger might be faulty. In that case, you might want to contact the seller or manufacturer to see what options you have to get a replacement.
Final Thoughts
While the newest units are rolling out with USB C capabilities, many of the older models don’t have it. Not all new models have it either.
Finding out whether your unit accepts USB C is something you have to do a little research to find out. Be sure to use the methods mentioned above to find out if you can take advantage of USB C charging and transfer options.
If not, you can consider investing in a model that accepts USB-C the next time you get ready to buy a new Dell.
