How to Stop Charging Your Phone When Connected to a Laptop
When connecting your phone to a laptop via USB, it often charges the device, which can be inconvenient, especially when you're using USB tethering to access the internet. Here, we'll explore methods to prevent your phone from charging while maintaining data transfer.
Why Stop Charging?
There are several reasons why you might want to stop your phone from charging when connected to a laptop. For instance, you might prefer to use your laptop's keyboard instead of a phone keyboard, you might want to avoid draining the battery, or you might be using USB tethering to access the internet without needing to charge your phone.
Method 1: Use a Data-Only USB Cable
Some USB cables are designed to transmit data only and do not carry power. Using such a cable will prevent your phone from charging. This is a simple and effective method that works across different operating systems.
Method 2: Adjust Laptop Settings for Windows
For Windows users:
Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings. Look for USB settings and disable the USB selective suspend setting. Open Device Manager, find Universal Serial Bus controllers, right-click on your USB device, and select Properties. Under the Power Management tab, uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power and Device is always to be managed by the operating system.Method 3: Adjust Laptop Settings for macOS
On macOS, there isn't a direct setting to stop charging, but you can:
Use a USB Hub: Some powered USB hubs allow you to disable power on certain ports. Use Terminal Commands: Advanced users can explore pmset commands, but this is more complex.Method 4: Use Airplane Mode on Your Phone
If your phone supports it, turning on Airplane Mode can reduce power consumption and, in some cases, slow down the charging process. This method works on both iOS and Android devices.
Method 5: Disconnect and Reconnect
Sometimes unplugging and reconnecting the phone can reset the charging state, especially if the laptop is not providing enough power. This method is straightforward but may need to be repeated.
Method 6: Check for Software Settings
Some devices have settings that allow you to control charging behavior. Check your phone's settings to see if there is an option related to USB or charging. For example, on Android, you might find a setting to disable charging when connected to a computer.
Conclusion
While you may stop charging your phone, data transfer may still occur depending on the method used. By using a data-only USB cable or adjusting laptop settings, you can effectively stop charging your phone while maintaining data transfer, making USB tethering more convenient.
Additional Tips:
When connecting to a laptop via USB for internet access, ensure that you use a reliable and high-speed connection to avoid frequent disconnections. Consider using a powered USB hub if you need to disable power on certain USB ports.If you still face issues connecting to WiFi, using a phone charger that is designed not to charge the phone when connected to a computer might be a useful workaround.