It is normal for chargers to make quiet humming but if you notice unusual noise from your charger. It may mean that your charger is damaged, defective or overheating.
If your charger begins to make a buzzing noise or high-pitched noise, then that indicates an underlying problem that needs to be fixed.
Some of the possible causes of the buzzing noise in your charger include; electrical issues, physical damage, transformer issues, old chargers, and off-brand chargers.
In this article, we will help you help discover why your charger makes a buzzing noise and how to fix it.
When It’s Normal for Your Charger to Make Noise
Sometimes your charger may make noise due to the mini transformer operating at high-frequency levels inside your charger. In most cases, it may be operating above 50hz.
This usually happens when your phone battery is very low and due to this, the charger works extra hard to take up more power. The power current flows through the transformer to charge your device. This can be relative to a roadside transformer making a humming noise.
In most instances, users dealing with noisy chargers don’t worry much about it. But sometimes the problem of high-pitched buzzing noise is a cause for major concern. It may even be an indication that your charger is prone to becoming a fire hazard.
Potential Causes of Buzzing Noise in Your Charger
1. Instability of the Magnetic Field
If the magnetic sheet steel inside your charger begins to expand all by itself. Then it is likely for it to create vibrations. The vibrations will induce high-pitched noise due to the variations in the magnetic field. There is nothing to worry about when this occurs as it is normal.
2. Electricity Issues
If your charger begins to make a buzzing noise one of the first things you should check out for is electricity issues. This is due to the reason that many electronic devices that make weird buzzing noises usually have a faulty electrical issue.
Inspect to be sure that the noise is coming from your charger and not your wall outlet. If you realize the noise is coming from your wall outlet, we recommend you call up an electrician right away as your home may be at risk of fire or other dangerous events.
3. Physical Damage
Even though many people take good care of their smartphones and laptops, they usually abuse their chargers. For instance,y may leave their chargers on the floor where somebody can easily stumble over the cable. Sometimes people may heavily bend and twist the cable to make it fit in a bag. Over time this careless habit may cause physical damage to the charging device.
4. Broken Components in Your Charging Device
There are several types of charge but one common thing is that they all have a similar set of basic parts. Generally, these components include;
- Diodes
- Rectifiers
- Transformers
- Capacitors
However, some models may have resistors and regulator chips.No matter how different the structure of your charger maybe you will still hear a buzzing noise if any of these components breaks.
5. Transformer Issues
Similar to the transformers on the roadside, the small transformer inside your charger can make vibrations and induce noise. This usually occurs when your phone battery is very low. Once your battery is almost charged the buzzing noise will stop. This is normal and there is nothing to be worried about.
6. Fast Charging
Most fast chargers use and convert more power within a short term than the normal pace charger. When you are using a fast charger it increases the current extremely hence causing the magnetic field to become unstable. This can lead to the amplification of sound waves. The sound waves will become very loud when the current reaches a certain level.
7. Off-brand Chargers
Off-brand chargers usually don’t carry the right voltage and due to this they often make odd noises. Sadly many of these off-brand chargers are poorly designed and don’t follow the ideal safety and quality standards. Due to this the chargers often don’t work properly even when they are new. These off-brand chargers do not carry the right voltage and this can damage your device battery after a short term.
8. Old Charger
Even the most expensive brand-name chargers will eventually break down. If you have been using yours for several years then it is likely there may be some signs of wear. For example, they can be bent in several places or the charging port has become loose. However, when there is a problem with your charger you may hear a buzzing noise.
9. A Defective Outlet
Hearing a buzzing noise from your outlet isn’t a good sign at all. Inspect to ensure whether the noise is from your charger or the wall outlet. You can try plugging your charger into a different outlet. However, the wires in your outlet may become loose and an e buzz.
If you notice the noise is from your outlet then you need to contact an electrician immediately.
What to Do When Your Charger is Making Buzzing Noise
Inspect Your Charger for Damage
The first thing you need to do when your charger starts making a buzzing noise is to look out for damage. Physical damage can be the cause of the sudden buzzing noise in the charger.
Unexpectedly dropping your charger or standing on it could knock the components out of order. Inspect the entire length of your charger along with the cable and AC adapter.
Sometimes common damages such as broken connectors, cracks, and dents in the plastic housing. If you notice your charger has a sign of damage the best line of action is to invest in a new charger.
You can try to patch some parts of your charger for a temporary fix depending on the extent and location of the damage. You can also buy a new charger from a reliable supplier to ensure it’s of high quality and your device brand type.
Plug Your Charger Into a Different Outlet
If you inspect your charger for damage and can’t find anything wrong with it. Then you need to unplug your charger and try it on a different power outlet.
The cause of the noise could be that the outlet is under or overpowered. So this quick and easy check-up will help remedy the issue. Plug in your charger on a different outlet and pay attention to the noise.
Many people notice the noise stops, once they plug their chargers into a different outlet. However, if the noise persists, then it means your charger has a problem. So you need to continue your list of checks.
Test Your AC Adapter
If there is a problem with your laptop charger, then you need to run an AC adapter test through the diagnostic tools on your laptop. If your laptop has that capability it will be found in settings or the diagnostic menu.
This quick test will help you determine whether your AC adapter is performing as it should or not.
However, if you realize the adapter is not working, then you need to fix it or replace it through the company, that’s if it’s still within the warranty period.
Inspect the Voltage Output
If you notice your charger is working properly and the AC adapter is working as it should then you need to check out the cord output. You can adjust the voltage fluctuations using a voltmeter.
The readings of the voltmeter should be steady, however, if the readings increase or decrease suddenly then it’s an indication that the capacitor doesn’t allow an equal flow of power.
If the capacitor isn’t working properly then you need to replace it by buying a new charger. Make sure to do some research on the specific charger you are using to work out the most cost-effective solution.
Replace the Components of Your Charger
If you are dealing with a USB phone charger, then you can try replacing the USB cable to see if that makes a difference. You can also consider repairing or replacing your charger. But if you are trying to repair your charger it is essential to make certain what you are doing.
Bear in mind that replacing your charger may cost much less than trying to repair the components of your old charger.
Deactivate Fast Charging
One way to get rid of the noise in your charger is to deactivate the fast charging. Simply switch off the fast charging feature on your device and see if the noise stops.
In most cases, fast charging usually leads to loud noise as there is too much power moving through the components.
How to Take Good Care of Your Charger
- Protect your charging device against moisture or water
- Unplug your charger by pulling the head out of the socket and the cable
- Desist from bending the cables of your charger
- Unplug your charging device when it is not in use.
- Use a surge protector
Conclusion
A noisy charger shouldn’t always be a reason to panic, since it is normal for chargers to make noise. However, if your charger makes high-pitched noise or starts ticking then it means there is a problem. Fortunately, we have discussed some of the potential causes and solutions to help you fix your noisy charger.
But also bear in mind that noise is not only irritating but it can also damage your phone or even start a fire, so don’t ignore it.
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