
Surface Pro Not Charging? Try These Fixes Before Replacing the Charger
Surface Pro Not Charging? Try These Fixes Before Replacing the Charger
Having trouble charging your Surface Pro? Don't stress or go buying a new charger right away—it's usually something small. This guide breaks down typical problems, shares some useful tips, covers power bank choices, and helps you figure out if a replacement is necessary.
Common Reasons Your Surface Pro May Not Be Charging
The first step is understanding why your Surface Pro fails to charge. Could be as simple as worn-out cable, or maybe there's dust in the port, a bad update, or a power setting that's off. Before blaming the charger, take a minute to check. It could save you time and maybe even some cash.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Now, let's get systematic in the process of having your Surface Pro charge again:
1. Check Your Charger and Cable
Start with the simplest checks. Inspect your Surface Pro charger and cable for visible damage. Any evidence of fraying, or is it bent? Are the connectors loose? Try another outlet first, just in case the power source is the problem. You can also test with a working charger or cable that fits your Surface Pro—it might just be the cable acting up.
2. Clean the Charging Port
Dust or pocket lint might be blocking the charging connection. Give the port a gentle clean using a can of air or a soft brush. Do not push the debris further inside. Following this, plug in the charger gently but firmly. Improper connection can cause occasional charging.
3. Restart Your Surface Pro and Check for Updates
Charging issues can pop up from outdated firmware or buggy updates. Try restarting your Surface Pro—that alone can sometimes clear things up. After that, check for updates in Windows and install what's available. Restart once more after updating.
4. Perform a Battery Reset
Resetting the battery can help fix charging problems:
- Start by unplugging the charger.
- Hold the power button for about 30 seconds until it shuts off.
- Then, press and hold both the Power and Volume Up buttons together for 15 seconds, and release.
- Wait another 10 seconds, then power it back on. This reset often helps bring a "dead" Surface Pro back to life and charging again.
5. Check Power Settings
Go into your Windows power settings and make sure it's not stuck in battery saver mode. Go to Settings > System > Power & Sleep, then find "Additional power settings." Choose either "Balanced" or "Recommended," and adjust anything that could be limiting charging.
When to Consider Using a Laptop Power Bank
For those on the ever-constant, commuter travelling, or being held with back-to-back meetings, having a laptop power bank to rescue one whenever a wall socket is unavailable is the ultimate wish.
Benefits of portable laptop power banks for Surface Pro users:
- Backup power when outlets cannot be found.
- Emergency charges in corridors, meetings, or airport lounges.
- Small size; easy to carry on the go.
Avoid Interruptions During Travel or Meetings
One's presentation, seminar, or meeting suddenly getting interrupted because of a dead battery can never be an option. With a high-capacity power bank, you can keep going through meetings or flights without hunting for an open socket.
Recommended Product
Anker's Laptop Power Bank puts out 165W and holds 25,000mAh of juice, which makes it a strong travel option. The built-in USB-C cables mean you don't have to carry spares. Its display gives you real-time info—like battery level, charging speed, input/output, and how much time is left to top up.
When Is It Time to Replace Your Charger?
If nothing's worked so far, the charger itself might be the issue. Time to consider a replacement if you notice things like:
- No power delivery, even though the port and power outlet are confirmed to be functional.
- The charger or cable feels unusually hot or emits an odour.
- Visible internal damage, or the device sporadically charges only when the charger is positioned just right.
Only then consider replacement, often a branded, high-quality charger is a better long-term investment than constantly swapping low-cost alternatives.
Recommended Chargers for Your Surface Pro
When shopping for replacement chargers for laptop, go for quality and compatibility. Anker features a wide array of GaN technology chargers, small, cool, and more efficient than traditional silicon ones.
The USB-C wall and car chargers are spotlighted on the Australian website for their fast and reliable performance across phones, tablets, and laptops. This charger lineup focuses on safety and offers plenty of multi-port USB-C options that work well for travel or day-to-day Surface Pro use. If you're charging lots of devices or want things to power up fast, go with more than 2 USB-C ports and 100W or higher output.
Tips to Extend Battery and Charger Lifespan
Want to help your Surface Pro battery last longer? Try these:
- Once it's fully charged, unplug the charger. It helps cut down on long-term wear.
- Stick to "Balanced" or "Recommended" modes unless you really need full performance for something demanding.
- Keep your charger and device cool, as heat is bad for battery health.
- Store the Surface Pro and charger partially charged (40 - 60%) when not in use for very long periods.
- Every now and then, wipe out the charging port. It stops grime from messing with the connection.
Final Thoughts
A small charging glitch shouldn't stop you in your tracks. Before assuming that your Surface Pro charger is dead, go through the tips above—clean the ports, check cables, update software, or reset the battery. Still having issues? If you're usually far from wall outlets, a strong power bank—like Anker's 25K 165W model—might just do the trick.
If you're picking up a new charger, stick with a brand that's known for quality. Anker's GaN chargers are a good bet. They deliver solid power without taking up much space. And with some basic care, both your Surface laptop and the charger will keep working well for a long time.
FAQ
Can I use any USB-C charger with my Surface Pro?
Yes, just make sure it has USB-C Power Delivery and puts out 60W or more. Not all chargers are equal, so stick with brands that list proper voltage, current, and built-in safety specs.
How long does it take to fully charge a Surface Pro with a power bank?
It varies by model, but with something like Anker's 25K, 165W charger, you can usually reach 50% in less than an hour—maybe quicker if your Surface isn't pulling too much power.
Is it safe to leave my Surface Pro plugged in all the time?
Laptops today manage charging pretty smartly, but keeping them plugged in all the time—especially in warm spots—can still take a toll on the battery. It's a good idea to unplug once it's almost full and let it drain a bit before the next top-up.
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