Dell adapter not detected. Plugged in, not charging.

I had the same problem last month, also did the same thing and it worked...after getting the new Win 10 1803 update, the problem showed up again, but today I tried the "driver" fix with no results...still not charging....anyone else with the same issue?

I have had this problem for nearly a year ( Inspiron 17 7377) and Dell has never had any solution to fix it. They replaced every component except the HD and it still failed. Front line customer support was worthless (although to be fair, their warranty service is far superior) and some of the solutions, including that from CNET, were an utter failure.... until I noticed a connection between the BIOS update from Dell 5/2018 (A16) and the detection problem. After attempting to troubleshoot the BIOS, I found that, at least on my system, if I reboot, start system settings (press F12 as soon as PC starts) and run the BIOS diagnostics, after it is completed: Viola', it recognizes the AC adapter. It takes about 5-6 minutes to complete the basic tests - no need for the expansive memory tests- and this solution has worked without fail every time. I brought this to the attention of Dell support, but since I'm out of warranty, they asked my to send the laptop to them for "7-10 days for diagnostic testing". Again, as someone mentioned this is a Dell problem, and most likely with their BIOS.

I have 2 laptops (XPS 12 and Inspiron 13 7000)with the same problem, unknown adapter, plugged in but not charging. Regardless of the power brick use, same message from both. Run all steps, nothing, used an cable adapter from thick to thin plug and used a bigger adapter from an Inspiron 11 3000 that works like a charm on the 11 and nothing. However if the battery is fully drained the laptop is charging. I agree with the comment above that the problem is with the BIOS as I am able to charge with battery drained when nothing is loading but as soon as BIOS is loaded the adapter shows as unknown. Having this any troubleshooting steps in Windows are useless. What I want to know is why this is happening with the expensive machines while the cheapo one runs like a charm???

Which one?

Hello to everyone, I was trying dozens of solutions suggested by different sources, but later found this video on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5s9guCcRmw

It solved my problem 100%. Computer as new :) The fix is very easy at least for DELL Inspiron 7348, but I believe it will be the same easy on other models as well.

This is a pure cable design issue! Hopefully, it will help you to solve the issue as well. Good luck :)

Guys definitely give this a try, nothing else worked for me but this did. THANK YOU

What is it that you did to get it to work, I’ve tried everything abs I’m pulling my hair out trying to fix this. This problem seemed to start after I updated to windows 10 but it’s been almost a year if this and it’s irritating. 

You *can* try the deleting of the Microsoft AC Adapter and Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery *but* note that the usual step also involves unplugging adapter from laptop. ----> The unplug / replug is what actually has potential to get you back to a charging state and avoid the Error msg at startup. I suggest that you  S L O W L Y   plug the adapter into laptop. It could take several times to get it to re-seat properly.  Wait up to a minute for your battery icon to reflect the "plugged in and charging".  My Inspiron has a faceted plug.. I sometimes rotate it for a better fit. This method (of slowly plugging in) works for me 100% of the time.

To everyone,

https://www.dell.com/community/Latitude/ALERT-The-AC-adapter-wattage-and-type-cannot-be-determined-quot/m-p/7357817#M14672

Best regards,

U2

It is not worth playing with drivers. It is just Dell having it's arms growing from their arses and not able to create a proper charging connector.

Problem is that the center pin in these connectors which kind of tells laptop that the charger is original Dell's charger is . When the center pin does not connect laptop thinks that charger is not original and decides not to charge.

Try wiggling the connector and call a Dell and request a replacement.

At least this is the case on Dell Lattitude 3540.

I have had this issue with my Inspiron 15 7000.  I bought new batter/ac and still the same.  I couldn't update the bios as I only had 6% battery.  After following all the battery in/out suggestions I finally turned my attention to the ac jack.  I opened the back of my lap top and was going to try to open the jack casing but the screws wouldn't turn.  So I just straightened out the cable coming from the jack going to the motherboard a bit and sort of pushed it a bit towards the jack casing.  Put everything back together and ready to admit defeat and only use the laptop with power I had one more try and hey presto; it started to charge!  So might be worth trying the same if you have tried all the other suggestions (and before you update the bios).

If your laptop has a USB-C slot you can charge it with a usb-c charger. It's working for me. Like you, and many others it seems., I've had nothing but trouble with charging issues and my laptop is only 18 months old. Never buying a Dell after this either.  Hope it works for you.