7 Easy Yet Intricate Ways to Charge a MacBook Pro Without a Charger (2025 Guide)

Why GaN chargers are ideal:
• Smaller and lighter
• Higher efficiency
• Faster cooling
• Stable PD output

Many European buyers prefer OEM GaN chargers or wholesale PD chargers from factories because Apple’s original chargers are expensive.
👉 Example:
100W GaN PD charger or 140W USB-C PD charger (E-Mark certified cable available)

✅ 2. Charge Using a High-Power USB-C Power Bank (PD 60–140W)
A PD power bank is the best “outdoor” charging solution.
Requirements:
• Must support USB-C PD
• Must output at least 30W (but 60W+ recommended)
• For MacBook Pro 16": ideally a 100W or 140W power bank

Good for:
• Travel
• Emergency work situations
• Power outages

⚠️ Regular non-PD power banks cannot charge MacBooks.

✅ 3. Use a USB-C Monitor That Supports PD Output
Many new monitors (LG, Dell, Xiaomi, Samsung, Philips) have USB-C ports with PD output.
What it does:
• Transmits video signal to the monitor
• Charges the MacBook at the same time

Typical PD Output:
• 45W
• 65W
• 90W

If you have a 16-inch MacBook Pro, 45W may not charge while in heavy use, but it will still slow the battery drop.

✅ 4. Charge Through a USB-C Docking Station (With PD Input)
Modern docking stations include pass-through PD charging, meaning:
→ Your MacBook connects to the docking station
→ The docking station connects to a PD charger
→ Power is forwarded to the MacBook

Typical Outputs:
• 60W
• 85W
• 100W

Important: You still need a PD wall charger, but the dock “extends” it into a multi-port workstation.

This is popular in:
• EU offices
• Work-from-home setups
• Laptop docking environments

✅ 5. Use a Car Charger (PD 45W–100W)
If you’re traveling, a USB-C PD car charger can charge your MacBook Pro surprisingly well.
Requirements:
• PD 45W minimum
• Preferably GaN car chargers for higher stability
• E-Marked cable

Great for field work, sales, logistics, content creators, and business trips.

✅ 6. Use Another Laptop’s USB-C PD Port (Yes, This Works!)

Some laptops can output power through USB-C PD.
For example:
• Lenovo ThinkPad
• Dell XPS
• HP EliteBook
• Surface devices (USB-C PD models)

How it works:
If that laptop’s USB-C port supports PD power sharing, it can charge another laptop at:
• 30W
• 45W
• 60W

This isn’t fast, but it’s a legit emergency solution.

❌ 7. Methods That Do Not Work (But People Still Google Them)
To avoid misinformation, here are things that definitely cannot charge a MacBook:
• iPhone chargers (20W too low)
• USB-A chargers (no PD protocol)
• HDMI cables
• Wireless chargers
• Power banks without PD
• Phone-to-laptop charging cables
• Solar panels without USB-C PD modules

You may see these online — but none are valid or safe.

🧠 Bonus: How to Choose the Right PD Charger for Your MacBook (2025 Guide)
Step 1 — Check your MacBook model
Use  > About This Mac.

Step 2 — Match the wattage
• 67W (14" base)
• 96W (14"/16")
• 140W (16")

Step 3 — Choose a reputable manufacturer
Look for:
• CE / UKCA / RoHS / ERP / EAC / GRS (Europe)
• PD 3.0 or PD 3.1
• OEM chargers with certifications
• GaN technology
• Wholesale suppliers for bulk orders

Step 4 — Use an E-Marked USB-C cable
Required for 100W–240W charging.

❓ FAQ

Q1. Can any USB-C charger charge a MacBook Pro?
No. It must support USB-C Power Delivery (PD).

Q2. Is it safe to use third-party GaN chargers?
Yes — as long as they are certified (CE, RoHS, ERP, EAC, UKCA) and from reliable OEM factories.

Q3. What happens if I use a low-watt charger?
The MacBook may:
• Charge slowly
• Not charge while in use
• Display “Not Charging”
• But it will not be damaged.

Q4. Can a phone charger charge a MacBook Pro?
No. Phone chargers (even 30W) are insufficient for MacBook charging.

Q5. Does Apple recommend third-party chargers?
Apple supports USB-C PD universal charging, but recommends certified chargers.

🎯 Conclusion
Yes — you can charge a MacBook Pro without the original Apple charger.
In fact, 2025’s fast-charging ecosystem makes it easier than ever.

The safest and most reliable alternatives are:
• USB-C GaN PD chargers
• PD power banks
• PD monitors
• USB-C docks
• PD-compatible laptops
• Car chargers

These solutions give you reliable, safe, and practical charging options — even without Apple’s original adapter.