How to Charge Your Microsoft Surface Tablet Using USB-C Chargers and Power Banks
Microsoft Surface devices offer various charging options, but understanding the differences in charging ports, voltages, and compatible accessories is essential for choosing the right charger. This guide explains how to charge different Surface tablets using USB-C chargers and power banks, why some models require adapter cables, and which charger suits each device best.
Understanding Surface Charging Ports
Microsoft Surface devices come with different charging connectors:
- Micro-USB – Found in older models like the Surface 3, allowing for charging via standard smartphone chargers.
- Surface Connect Port – A proprietary magnetic charging port used in most Surface devices.
- USB-C Port – Available in newer models, allowing direct USB-C charging without adapters.
For Surface devices without native USB-C charging, an adapter cable (USB-C to Surface converter) is required to use a USB-C charger or power bank.
Charging Microsoft Surface Devices with USB-C Chargers
The table below outlines the charging requirements for various Surface models and whether they need an adapter.
| Device | Charging Voltage | Charging Current | Power (Wattage) | Charging Port Format | Cable Needed | Recommended Charger |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface 3 | 5.2V | 2.5A | 13W | Micro-USB | Micro-USB cable | Any smartphone charger |
| Surface Pro 3 | 12V | 3A | 36W | Surface Connect | USB-C to Surface cable (12V) | Emperion 45 Mini |
| Surface Pro 4 | 12V | 3A | 36W | Surface Connect | USB-C to Surface cable (12V) | Emperion 45 Mini |
| Surface Pro 5 | 15V | 2.93A | 44W | Surface Connect | USB-C to Surface converter (15V) + USB-C cable | Emperion 65 Pro |
| Surface Pro 6 | 15V | 2.93A | 44W | Surface Connect | USB-C to Surface converter (15V) + USB-C cable | Emperion 65 Pro |
| Surface Pro 7 | 15V | 4.33A | 65W | Surface Connect; USB-C (15V/4A) | USB-C to Surface converter (15V) + USB-C cable | Emperion 65 Pro |
| Surface Pro 8 | 15V | 4.33A | 65W | Surface Connect; USB-C (20V/3A) | USB-C cable (adapter optional) | Emperion 65 Pro |
| Surface Pro 9 | 15V | 4.33A | 65W | Surface Connect; USB-C (15V/4A) | USB-C to Surface converter (15V) + USB-C cable | Emperion 65 Pro |
| Surface Go | 15V | 1.6A | 24W | Surface Connect; USB-C (15V/1.6A) | USB-C cable (adapter optional) | Emperion 45 Mini |
| Surface Go 2 | 15V | 1.6A | 24W | Surface Connect; USB-C (15V/1.6A) | USB-C cable (adapter optional) | Emperion 45 Mini |
| Surface Go 3 | 15V | 1.6A | 24W | Surface Connect; USB-C (15V/1.6A) | USB-C cable (adapter optional) | Emperion 45 Mini |
| Surface Laptop 4 | 15V | 4.33A | 65W | Surface Connect; USB-C (15V/4A) | USB-C to Surface converter (15V) + USB-C cable | Emperion 65 Pro |
| Surface Laptop 5 | 15V | 4A | 60W | Surface Connect; USB-C (15V/4A) | USB-C to Surface converter (15V) + USB-C cable | Emperion 65 Pro |
Charging Surface Devices with USB-C Power Banks
Using a power bank to charge your Surface device depends on:
- Voltage compatibility: The power bank must support 15V output (or 12V for older models).
- Power delivery (PD) support: Surface devices require USB-C PD power banks capable of at least 30W-65W output.
- Adapter requirement: If your device lacks USB-C, a USB-C to Surface adapter is needed.
Recommended power banks:
- For Surface Go and Pro 3/4/5/6 – A 30W USB-C PD power bank with a USB-C to Surface adapter.
- For Surface Pro 7/8/9 and Surface Laptop 4/5 – A 65W USB-C PD power bank, which can charge directly via USB-C.
Why Some Surface Devices Need an Adapter
Some Surface models only have the proprietary Surface Connect port and lack a USB-C port. To charge these devices with USB-C chargers or power banks, a USB-C to Surface converter is necessary. This adapter converts USB-C PD output to the correct voltage (12V or 15V) for Surface devices.
- 12V USB-C to Surface cables work with Surface Pro 3 and Pro 4.
- 15V USB-C to Surface converters are required for Surface Pro 5/6/7/9 and Surface Laptop 4/5.
- Newer models like Surface Pro 8 and Surface Go 3 have built-in USB-C charging and do not require an adapter.
Understanding USB-C Power Delivery Limitations
It is essential to use a charger that can provide the correct voltage and sufficient current. A charger that delivers 15V but lacks enough current (Amps) will not charge the device properly. Always ensure that your charger meets or exceeds the required power and current levels to avoid slow charging or power issues.
Additionally, the USB-C Power Delivery (PD) protocol is limited to 3A at 15V, meaning that standard USB-C chargers cannot provide the 4A required for some Surface devices. To achieve 15V at 4A, a USB-C to Surface converter is needed. This adapter steps down a more powerful 20V USB-C output to 15V at 4A, ensuring full-speed charging for Surface devices that require higher current levels.
With the right USB-C charger or adapter, you can charge your Microsoft Surface device conveniently using universal accessories, eliminating the need for proprietary chargers. Choose the best solution based on your model to ensure fast and reliable charging wherever you go!
