When you find yourself in a situation where your laptop charger breaks and your laptop shuts down, especially when you urgently need to use it, discovering an alternative charging method becomes crucial. One such method you might come across is using an HDMI cable for charging. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on charging your laptop using HDMI, which should be considered only as a temporary solution.

Understanding HDMI Cable Charging

Contrary to some beliefs, HDMI cables are primarily designed for transferring audio and video signals, not for charging devices. However, they can be repurposed as makeshift laptop chargers in dire situations. It’s important to note that not all HDMI ports support charging, and there are two types of HDMI ports: HDMI IN and HDMI OUT. Modern laptops typically feature only the HDMI OUT port, which displays content on secondary monitors. However, some laptops are also equipped with HDMI IN ports, which can facilitate charging through an HDMI cable.

Safety Concerns with HDMI Charging

The major concern with using an HDMI cable for laptop charging is that HDMI cables deliver lower voltage levels compared to standard laptop chargers. This means that not only does charging take longer, but it could also potentially harm your laptop’s battery. Therefore, HDMI cable charging should only be used as a last resort when no other charging options are available.

How to Charge Your Laptop with HDMI

There are two common methods to charge a laptop using HDMI: through an HDMI to HDMI cable or an HDMI to USB adapter.

1. HDMI to HDMI Cable Charging
   • Check if your laptop has an HDMI IN port, as most modern laptops only have HDMI OUT.
   • Connect the HDMI cable to the HDMI IN port on your laptop and the HDMI OUT port on a power device, like a TV or monitor.
   • Confirm that the battery icon shows ‘plugged in,’ indicating a successful connection.
2. HDMI to USB Adapter Charging
   • This method is feasible for laptops with USB-C ports.
   • Connect the HDMI cable to the HDMI OUT port of the power device.
   • Use an HDMI to USB-C adapter, such as the Anker 310 USB-C Adapter, to connect the HDMI cable to your laptop.
   • Check the battery icon for the ‘plugged in’ status.

Precautions and Facts

Before attempting to charge your laptop via HDMI, consider the following points:

• Not all laptops can be charged through HDMI.
• HDMI charging is slower and potentially harmful to the battery.
• Ensure your laptop has the necessary ports (HDMI IN or USB-C).
• The use of adapters, like a USB-C to HDMI adapter, might be required.
• This method should be a temporary solution and not used regularly.

Conclusion While charging your laptop with an HDMI cable is not a common practice and comes with its own risks, it can be a lifesaver in situations where you have no other charging options. It’s important to check your laptop’s compatibility and proceed with caution. Remember, this method is a temporary fix and should not replace a standard laptop charger.