Laptop Battery & Charging: Q&A

How do I check my laptop battery health?

You can check your laptop battery health in the following ways:
Windows:
Open Command Prompt and type:
powercfg /batteryreport
This generates a detailed battery report in HTML format.
macOS:
Hold Option and click the Apple logo → choose System Information → Power → check the Cycle Count and Battery Condition.

How much does laptop battery replacement cost in the UK?

The cost of laptop battery replacement in the UK varies depending on brand and model:
General range: £40 to £120
Apple (MacBook): £129 to £199 (official service)
Other brands: Lenovo, HP, Dell — around £50 to £90

How can I charge a laptop without a charger?

You can charge a laptop without a charger using:
USB-C cable (if your laptop supports USB-C charging) and a compatible power bank or USB-C phone charger
Universal laptop charger with interchangeable tips
Car charger (with laptop adapter)
External battery pack designed for laptops
⚠️ Not all laptops support USB-C charging, especially older models.

Can you charge a laptop with a phone charger?

Yes, but only if your laptop supports USB-C charging and the phone charger provides enough power output (wattage).
For example:
A 30W phone charger may slowly charge a lightweight laptop.
Heavier laptops typically need 45W–65W or more.
Always check your laptop's power requirements before using a phone charger.

Can I charge my phone with my laptop charger?

Yes, you can charge your phone with a laptop charger if:
The connector is USB-C to USB-C or USB-A to your phone's cable
The voltage and amperage are safe (most phones will regulate it)
Modern USB-C laptop chargers often support Power Delivery (PD), which automatically adjusts output for phones.