What To Know
- Before we dive into the solutions, it’s important to understand that charging your Surface Pro without its official power adapter isn’t as straightforward as plugging in a phone with a USB cable.
- If you have access to a laptop or desktop computer with a USB-C port, you can use it to charge your Surface Pro.
- If you frequently find yourself in a situation where you need to charge your Surface Pro without its charger, consider investing in a dedicated Surface Pro charging dock.
So, you’re on the go and your Surface Pro battery is dwindling. You’ve left your charger at home, and panic starts to set in. Don’t worry! This guide will explore various methods for charging your Surface Pro without its dedicated charger, helping you stay productive even when you’re in a bind.
Understanding the Limitations
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s important to understand that charging your Surface Pro without its official power adapter isn’t as straightforward as plugging in a phone with a USB cable. The Surface Pro uses a proprietary charging system, and while there are workarounds, they come with certain limitations:
- Slower Charging: You won’t achieve the same fast charging speeds as with the official adapter.
- Limited Power Output: Some methods might not provide enough power to fully charge your device, only extending its battery life for a short period.
- Compatibility Issues: Not every charging method will work with every Surface Pro model.
Method 1: Using a USB-C Power Bank
One of the most common and convenient methods is using a USB-C power bank. Many modern power banks offer USB-C output, which can be used to charge your Surface Pro. Here’s how:
1. Choose a Compatible Power Bank: Ensure your power bank has a USB-C output with enough power (at least 45W) to charge your Surface Pro.
2. Connect the Cable: Use a USB-C to USB-C cable to connect the power bank to your Surface Pro‘s charging port.
3. Charge Your Surface Pro: The power bank will start charging your device.
Important Note: While this method is effective, charging speeds will be slower than using the official charger.
Method 2: Utilizing a USB-C Laptop or Desktop
If you have access to a laptop or desktop computer with a USB-C port, you can use it to charge your Surface Pro.
1. Connect the Cable: Use a USB-C to USB-C cable to connect your Surface Pro to the laptop or desktop’s USB-C port.
2. Enable Power Delivery: Make sure your laptop or desktop supports power delivery, which allows it to provide enough power to charge your Surface Pro.
3. Charge Your Surface Pro: The laptop or desktop will start charging your device.
Important Note: The charging speed will depend on the power delivery capabilities of your laptop or desktop.
Method 3: Employing a Car Charger with USB-C Output
If you’re on the road, a car charger with a USB-C output can come to your rescue.
1. Choose a Compatible Car Charger: Ensure your car charger has a USB-C output with enough power to charge your Surface Pro (at least 45W).
2. Connect the Cable: Use a USB-C to USB-C cable to connect the car charger to your Surface Pro.
3. Charge Your Surface Pro: Your Surface Pro will start charging while you’re driving.
Important Note: The charging speed will depend on the power output of the car charger.
Method 4: Using a Dedicated Surface Pro Charging Dock
If you frequently find yourself in a situation where you need to charge your Surface Pro without its charger, consider investing in a dedicated Surface Pro charging dock. These docks offer a convenient and efficient way to charge your device.
1. Connect the Dock: Plug the charging dock into a power outlet.
2. Place Your Surface Pro: Place your Surface Pro on the dock, ensuring it makes proper contact.
3. Charge Your Surface Pro: The dock will start charging your device.
Important Note: Dedicated docking stations are designed specifically for Surface Pro models and offer faster charging speeds than other methods.
Method 5: Exploring Third-Party Charging Solutions
While the official Surface Pro charger is the most reliable option, several third-party charging solutions exist. These might include:
- USB-C Wall Adapters: Look for USB-C wall adapters with enough power output to charge your Surface Pro.
- Universal Laptop Chargers: Some universal laptop chargers support various devices, including Surface Pro models.
Important Note: Before purchasing any third-party charger, ensure it meets the power requirements of your Surface Pro model and is compatible with its charging port.
Important Considerations
- Battery Health: While these methods can help you charge your Surface Pro in a pinch, frequent use of alternative charging methods might not be ideal for your battery’s long-term health.
- Device Compatibility: Always check the compatibility of the charging method with your specific Surface Pro model.
- Power Output: Ensure the chosen charging method provides enough power to charge your device effectively.
Tips for Conserving Battery Life
While these methods can help you charge your Surface Pro without its charger, it’s always wise to prioritize good battery management habits to maximize your device’s battery life:
- Adjust Screen Brightness: Lowering your screen brightness can significantly extend battery life.
- Turn Off Unnecessary Features: Disable Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other features you’re not actively using.
- Close Background Apps: Apps running in the background can drain your battery. Close any unnecessary apps to save power.
- Use Power Saver Mode: Many devices offer a power saver mode that reduces power consumption by limiting certain features.
Beyond the Charge: A Final Word
While finding yourself without your Surface Pro charger can be a frustrating experience, you now have a range of options to keep your device powered up. From power banks and car chargers to dedicated docking stations, there’s a solution for every situation. Remember, prioritize battery health and use these methods sparingly to ensure your Surface Pro remains in top condition.
Information You Need to Know
1. Can I charge my Surface Pro with a regular USB-A cable?
No, you cannot charge your Surface Pro with a regular USB-A cable. Surface Pro models use a proprietary charging port that requires a USB-C cable.
2. How long does it take to charge a Surface Pro with a power bank?
The charging time will vary depending on the power bank’s capacity and your Surface Pro‘s battery level. It will generally be slower than using the official charger.
3. Is it safe to use a third-party charger for my Surface Pro?
It’s generally safe to use a third-party charger as long as it meets the power requirements of your Surface Pro model and is compatible with its charging port. However, always choose reputable brands and read reviews before purchasing.
4. Can I damage my Surface Pro battery by using alternative charging methods?
While occasional use of these methods is unlikely to cause significant damage, frequent use of alternative charging methods with lower power output or incompatible chargers might affect your battery’s health over time.
