Fix Dell Laptop AC Adapter Errors or Battery Not Charging When Docked

You may receive the following error during system startup - Unknown or Incorrect AC Adapter Detected. This issue may prevent the laptop battery from charging.

The wattage of the AC adapter required for your Dell laptop varies, for example, 65W (Watt), 90W, 120W, 130W, 240W, or a 330W AC Adapter. Ensure that you use the original Dell AC adapter that came with your laptop.

To identify the AC adapter that is compatible with your laptop, see the AC Adapters for use with your Dell system section of your product documentation.

• Insufficient power For example, the laptop requires a 240W adapter but you are using a 90W adapter.
• A faulty AC adapter For example, the LED light on the AC adapter brick or the plug does not turn on.

1. Ensure that you use the original Dell AC adapter that came with your device. The wattage of the AC adapter required for your Dell laptop varies, for example, 65W (Watt), 90W, 120W, 130W, 240W, or a 330W AC Adapter. The AC adapter wattage is printed on a label on the AC adapter. See the documentation for your Dell laptop to check the power specifications.
2. If the computer is connected to a docking station, disconnect it from the docking station, and connect the laptop to the AC adapter that was shipped with the laptop. If the error message does not appear, see the docking station section below to troubleshoot the AC adapter connected to the docking station.
3. Ensure that the LED on the AC adapter brick or the plug is turned on.

   

   

   1. If the LED is turned off, disconnect and connect the power cable from the AC adapter. And, connect the AC adapter to known-good power outlet and bypass surge protectors or power strips. If the LED remains off after reconnecting the power cable, contact Dell Technical Support for repair options in your location based on the warranty coverage of your device.
   2. If the LED is turned on, ensure that you use the original AC adapter that was shipped with your laptop.
4. Update the BIOS. See our Dell BIOS Updates.

Docking Stations

• Ensure that you are using the original AC adapter that came with the docking station.
• When you are using a Dell E-series docking station, ensure that the AC adapter is connected to the docking station. Do not connect the AC adapter to the laptop while using the docking station.

D-series docking station has an internal power supply and uses a power cable only.

D-series port replicator uses a 90W AC Adapter.

E-series docking stations and port replicators use 130 W or 210 W AC adapter.

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