HP laptop chargers are not “one size fits all”. HP uses multiple charging standards and connector designs across different laptop families and generations. The best way to understand HP charger compatibility is to separate chargers by connector type (what plugs into the laptop) and power rating (how many watts the adapter can supply).
1) USB-C laptop chargers (USB-C Power Delivery)
Many newer HP laptops charge through USB-C. However, “USB-C” describes the connector shape—not the power capability. For laptop charging you typically need a charger that supports USB-C Power Delivery (USB-C PD) and provides enough wattage for your model.
- Where you’ll see it: many newer thin-and-light HP laptops and business models.
- What matters: the charger must support USB-C PD and offer sufficient power (often 45W/65W/90W+ depending on the laptop).
- Common mistake: using a phone USB-C charger that only outputs low power—this can lead to slow charging, no charging under load, or battery drain while plugged in.
2) Barrel (round) plug chargers with “smart pin” identification
A large number of HP laptops use a barrel connector (round plug). Many of these designs include a center identification pin (often called a “smart pin”). This pin helps the laptop identify the adapter and its wattage class.
2.1 The 4.5mm “smart pin” barrel (often called the “blue tip” style)
This is one of the most common HP barrel connector families. It’s widely used across many Pavilion/Envy/ProBook/EliteBook generations. The connector must match in size and style—close isn’t good enough.
2.2 The larger 7.4mm “smart pin” barrel
Older HP laptops and higher-power systems commonly use a larger barrel connector style. These are often paired with higher-wattage adapters and can look similar to other brands’ plugs, so measuring and matching is important.
Why “smart pin” matters
- If the laptop cannot correctly identify the adapter, you may see slow charging, charging stops at times, or reduced performance under load.
- A physically compatible plug is not always electrically compatible if the identification design differs.
3) High-wattage HP performance adapters
Some HP laptops—especially larger screens, higher-end CPUs, and models with dedicated graphics—need significantly more power than typical office laptops. These systems may require higher-wattage adapters (for example, 90W, 120W, 150W, 180W, 200W+), depending on the exact model and configuration.
- Typical symptoms of using an underpowered adapter: slow charging, battery percentage drops while plugged in, performance throttling, or charging only when the laptop is idle/off.
- Best practice: match the original wattage, or use a higher wattage adapter with the correct voltage and connector.
4) Docking station power supplies (charger via the dock)
If you use an HP dock, the “charger” may actually be the dock’s power supply. The dock then delivers power to the laptop (often through USB-C/Thunderbolt). In this setup:
- The dock power supply may be higher wattage than a typical laptop charger.
- Compatibility depends on the dock model, laptop model, and supported charging standards.
How to identify which HP charger type you need
Use this order of checks to avoid mistakes:
- Look at the laptop charging port: is it USB-C, or a round barrel port?
- Read the original charger label (best method): note the Output voltage (V) and Output current (A) or Wattage (W).
- Match voltage exactly: output voltage must match the original adapter’s output rating.
- Choose the correct wattage: the same wattage is ideal; higher is usually OK; lower can cause problems.
- Confirm the connector type/size: especially critical for barrel plugs (shape, size, and pin style).
Voltage vs wattage: what must match?
- Voltage (V): must match. Don’t guess—use the value printed on your adapter label.
- Wattage (W): same or higher is usually fine. A higher-watt adapter can supply more power when needed; the laptop draws what it requires.
- Connector: must fit exactly. Wrong connector type/size = no charge or intermittent charge.
Common problems caused by the wrong HP charger
- “Plugged in, not charging” (often underpowered adapter, USB-C PD mismatch, or connector/ID mismatch)
- Very slow charging (insufficient wattage or low-quality cable for USB-C)
- Battery drains while plugged in (adapter too weak for workload)
- Overheating adapter (adapter overloaded or failing)
- Charging starts/stops (loose connector, damaged cable, or port issues)
FAQ
What are the different types of HP laptop chargers?
HP chargers mainly fall into USB-C Power Delivery chargers and barrel (round) smart-pin chargers. Within those, wattage varies by laptop power needs, and docks may use separate high-wattage power supplies.
Do all HP laptops use the same charger?
No. HP laptops use different connector types (USB-C vs barrel), different plug sizes, and different wattage requirements depending on the model and generation.
Can I use a higher wattage HP charger?
Usually yes—if the output voltage matches and the connector is the correct type/size. Higher wattage generally improves stability under load and can charge faster when the laptop supports it.
Can I use any USB-C charger for an HP laptop?
Only if your HP supports USB-C charging and the charger supports USB-C Power Delivery at sufficient wattage. Some low-power USB-C chargers are meant for phones and may not reliably charge a laptop.
How do I identify my HP charger?
Check the adapter label for output voltage and wattage (or calculate watts from V×A), then confirm the connector type (USB-C or barrel) and the exact plug style/size.