Surface 3 Charger

[Isror]

Does anyone else have an issue where you feel like even though the light is on the charger end, unless you position the charger "the right way" it's not actually charging... like a loose connection or something?

Posted via the Windows Central App for Android

 

[oditius]

That is what it sounds like. Under warranty, so get it fixed...

 

[Isror]

There is a whole string of users on TechNet claiming the same issue. The power cable is connected, the light is on, the Surface 3 even says "plugged in not charging" so I don't know what the heck is going on. I REALLY wish they would have used the same charging apparatus as the SP3...This micro USB junk needs to go.

 

[dakranii]

I just noticed the "plugged in, not charging" today for the first time on my Surface 3. Not sure if that's always been the case, as I've never paid attention. I restarted, same message appeared. After about 20 minutes it showed "plugged in, charging" even though I didn't do anything to the physical plug. Not sure what's going on.

One thing I do notice is that the charger isn't strong enough to charge the Surface while it's in use. At work, I'll often prop my S3 up and have a game open all day (I have the S3 set to not shut the screen off when on the charger) and it never gains battery during the day. It just maintains whatever battery level I was at in the morning.

 

[Paten1]

I just received my Surface 3 yesterday, so this may not be worth much. Rather then use the charger that came with my Surface, I used a USB charger and cable that I already had set up on my desk for my Nexus 7. It plugged in fine and completely charged my Surface from just out of the box to "full" within about 2 hours. So have you tried a different USB cable?

 

[scrumperman]

Mine is doing the same thing...taking it to the Microsoft store by me later today. Will post how it goes there!!

 

[scrumperman]

Well apparently the warranty on my purchased 2nd charger had expired.....BUT by taking it into the store and showing them the problem they went ahead and replaced it anyways!!!!!! Gotta love that they have the flexibility like that!!! Microsoft is doing there best to make me a Microsoft ****** for life!!! LOL

 

[GizmoEV]

I just received my Surface 3 today. I charged it up, which took a long time compared to my Lumia 2520, and then used it without it plugged in. I then plugged it back in when it was around 73% or so and just noticed that it said, "73% plugged in, not charging." I unplugged the cord and it said that it had 80% battery. I plugged it in and it still said not charging. I then switched the power supply to one from an iPad which is 3A rather than 2.5A and it now says that it is charging. I think that the charger is undersized maybe. FWIW, this Surface 3 came with Win 8.1 Pro. Are you on Win8.1 or Win10?

 

[GizmoEV]

I have now had several times where the charge cable was plugged in and the light on but no charging happening. The battery icon didn't even show being plugged in. Unplugging at the Surface and plugging in again didn't change anything. I discovered that unplugging the cable from the charger itself and plugging it in again got the Surface charging again. I don't know why it would matter but at least this works.

I also learned the hard way to check the screen after plugging in to make sure it is charging before going to bed. I woke up the other morning to 7% battery so it lost over 30% overnight while being plugged in!

 

[MrSchneiderish]

I already got my 2nd charger....and it happen again. What I could notice is that this issue occurs a lot less whem I'm using an USB Cable of my companys blackberry.
I really love the Surface 3 and it's build quality but this charging solution is just crap. Thats so sad.
Maybe I'll send in my Surface to check the Micro usb Input. It seems to be a little bit "lose"

 

[3earnhardt3]

Mine completely stopped charging, replaced with high quality power brick and cable and the problem is 100% gone. Don't bother with the original brick and cable, they are junk.

 

[GizmoEV]

Mine completely stopped charging, replaced with high quality power brick and cable and the problem is 100% gone. Don't bother with the original brick and cable, they are junk.

What power brick did you get?

 

[alan61]

Which brick and cable did you buy?

 

[3earnhardt3]

What power brick did you get?

ravpower desktop charger and a portapow 20awg charging cable. I read the travel chargers don't put out consistent 2.4a current so I went with the desktop version instead. I spent about $17 total.

 

[PJ Benson]

There is an article on LoveMySurface which explains a process of plugging into the Surface first and then plugging into the wall.
This has worked for me ever time the last month. No more dead battery. Not the best solution but better than a dead battery.
You can search this issue and find the article.
I would post the link but I am not worthy of that privilege until I post 10 replies...

http://www.lovemysurface.net/surface-3-is-plugged-in-but-not-charging/