Can the monitor charge my laptop with Fast Charging?

With the growing popularity of USB-C monitors, many users wonder: Can my monitor charge my laptop and support fast charging at the same time? The answer is yes, but it depends on a few key conditions. In this guide, we'll explain when reverse charging works, what affects charging speed, and how to check if your monitor and laptop are truly compatible.

What Is Reverse Charging?

Reverse charging means the monitor supplies power to your device (like a laptop or phone) through the USB-C cable, rather than only receiving power. This feature is especially useful when you want to simplify your desk setup and reduce the need for separate chargers.

When Reverse Charging Won't Work

Not all situations allow reverse charging. Here are some common cases where it won't activate:

Devices that require their original power source: Some devices, such as the Nintendo Switch, need their own specific charger and cannot be powered by a monitor.
Incompatible voltage or power requirements: If the monitor only supports 5V 3A (15W), but your laptop requires 9V, 15V, or 20V via PD protocol, the monitor cannot charge your device.
Limited PD output: A few monitor models with PD 30W may not support reverse charging. If reverse charging is important to you, please check with our support team before purchasing.

Battery Monitors: Limited Reverse Charging Power

If your monitor includes a built-in battery, the reverse charging function is intentionally limited to 5V / 1.5A (7.5W). This is done to prevent battery overload and extend battery lifespan. While it may be enough to power smaller devices like smartphones, it's not suitable for charging laptops.

Non-Battery Monitors: How Much Power Can You Get?

For monitors without a built-in battery, the reverse charging output depends on the input power, the monitor's own power consumption, and an efficiency factor.

Theoretical Calculation:

If you use a PD 30W power adapter and the monitor consumes 15W:

➤ Reverse charging ≈ 30W × 80% - 15W = 9W

If you use a PD 45W adapter:

➤ Reverse charging ≈ 45W × 80% - 15W = 21W

Note: These are theoretical values. In real use, power consumption may vary depending on screen brightness, resolution, and usage, so actual reverse charging output may be lower.

Here are some popular monitors that come with a 45W PD charger. Take a look and see which one fits your setup best.

What About Fast Charging?

To enable fast charging, the monitor must support Power Delivery (PD) and the voltage levels must match your device.

For example, a monitor equipped with PD 3.0 30W may support the following profiles:

5V 3A
9V 3A
15V 2A
20V 1.5A

If your laptop also charges at 20V, and the monitor is operating at 20V 1.5A, fast charging can be activated. But if the voltage doesn't match, your laptop will charge more slowly.

Note: If you're unsure about your monitor's supported PD voltage, you can check the product specifications table on the website. Or feel free to contact us, and we're happy to help.

Conclusion

So, can a monitor charge your laptop with fast charging?

Yes, your monitor can charge your laptop, and even support fast charging, but only if these three conditions are met:

The monitor supports USB-C Power Delivery (PD)
The output wattage is high enough (e.g. 21W with a PD 45W adapter and 15W monitor)
The voltage matches your laptop's charging needs (e.g. both use 20V)

Still unsure? Check your laptop's PD specs or contact us. We're here to help!

Can the monitor charge my laptop with Fast Charging?Updated 8 hours ago