How to Charge Multiple Laptop Batteries

Few laptop computers can operate all day away from power outlets. Some users supplement their portable computing by purchasing a spare battery to switch out with the included battery. Laptops can charge only one battery at a time, which leaves the extra battery out in the cold unless you use an external battery charger.

Things You'll Need

• Internal laptop battery
• Extra laptop battery
• External battery charger

Instructions

1. Buy an external battery charger. There is no one-size-fits all charger, so when you search online, include the make and model of your laptop in addition to the term "external battery charger."

2. Plug the power cord into the power jack on the laptop and then into a wall power socket. This will charge the battery that is currently in the laptop.

3. Locate the charger connector on the spare battery. This is likely on the long side of the rectangular battery in the direction that it is inserted into the laptop.

4. Connect the external battery charger cable to the power port. Insert the plug end into a wall socket to charge the extra battery.

Tips & Warnings

• External battery charge bays that can handle multiple batteries for certain models of laptops are available for corporate customers.

• External battery chargers may not be available for all models of laptops. If no charger is available, you will need to swap out batteries inside the laptop and charge them consecutively using the laptop's power adapter.

References

• Dummies: How to Use a Spare Battery with Your Laptop
• Dell: Laptop Battery FAQ