XPS15 not charging

If your intention is to solve the problem, it would help greatly to know exactly what model system you have -- there are XPS 15 models that stretch back more than a decade to models as new as 2023.  Is it an L522x, 9530, 7950?

If the system uses a round barrel connector and the adapter isn't recognized, in descending order of probability, replace the adapter first (new OEM Dell ONLY, not third party), the DC jack next -- one of those should solve the problem.  If not the remaining possibility is a bad mainboard.

It's a Dell XPS 15 9500 and the BIOS is 1.27.0 (which I updated to *after* the charging problems appeared), So what now? 

How about Dell make a laptop that doesn't have this problem? I mean, it worked without issue for a year, and then it started having problems. 

I had to spend about 12 to 15 mins trying to get it restarted again and finally it recognises the charger in one of the 3 USB C ports.

And again, I search for a solution only for the usual "check x,y,z" - this is a problem Dell should face up to and release a fix for.

If one of the three ports works but the other two do not, the issue could still be the adapter - which is the first thing to try replacing.

If that doesn't help, replace the mainboard.

There is no way to make a notebook that doesn't have an adapter/charger problem -- if you want a system that will never suffer the issue, buy a desktop computer.

Anything having battery power, from a notebook to a cell phone to an e-reader will have the possibility of a charging problem.  It's not a matter of if, but when.

@ejn63​ You're not hearing me: there are three USB C ports on this laptop.

THREE 

Do you suppose that after almost a year of this frustrating problem, of trying everything, I would not have figured out that one of the ports works??? No, *none* of the ports work, and when the laptop decides to play ball again, all 3 work for charging. 

The problem does not seem to be related to just one USB C port (....seriously, am I the only person with this problem???) and as I have already said, I *suspect* it's a firmware issue.

As for buying a desktop - no, I'll just buy a Levono laptop instead as for the last 6 or more years they are standard work issue and funnily enough I have never had a charging issue with them.

(I get the feeling that users who are looking for a solution are either being ignored or fobbed off, or in this case..."well, go buy a desktop")

If none of the ports works, then why did you post this

"finally it recognises the charger in one of the 3 USB C ports."

If you want to simply rant, then fine -- if you want to solve the problem, it starts with a new AC adapter.

You may wind up needing a mainboard, but it's better to start with a $50 adapter than a board that will start at six times that price.

@ejn63​ A New AC adapter does not solve the problem.

I don't get why you haven't twigged that the adapter is not the problem by now. I have used my Dell Dock with USB C single connection for charging and driving screens etc and it all worked until it didn't. But my dock was fine.

So I got another Dell Dock - once I drained the battery and did the 12 to 15 mins of trying to get it started and away it went. And funnily enough it worked with the original Dock, and also the AC charger that came with the laptop, and even a Levono dock with USB C.

So why are you telling me this might be an adapter problem.... like there is not a serious and long-standing problem with DELL and its firmware recognising that there is a charger attached?

I appreciate you're trying to help, but you're not actually listening to me - see where I originally posted " compatibility issue between thunderbolt and Dell"?


Perhaps after a year of trying adapters and dancing goats and black magic and everything else, I might be onto something?


This problem is widespread, and this is yet another thread about "hey, try new adapter!" as if all the threads about this issue don't point to a more widespread problem for something that cost me £2000