Why does my laptop shock me when it's charging?
A small tingle on the metal parts while charging is common, and is usually a grounding problem with the socket or a faulty charger rather than the laptop itself.
It usually needs a technician, but it's rarely an emergency. The checks below are safe to try first.
Does this sound like yours?
- I feel a tingle or small shock while it's charging
What usually causes it
- Socket or extension box with no earth connection
- Faulty or non-original charger
- Damage inside the laptop's charging circuit (less common)
Most likely first. A hands-on test confirms which one it is.
What you can safely check
- Try a different socket, ideally a 3-pin socket that's properly earthed
- Check whether it still happens on battery only (it shouldn't)
Please don't
- If it's a strong shock, a burning smell or sparks, unplug it and stop using it
- Don't use it while barefoot on a wet floor
Not sure it's this? Check yours in a minute
Bring the laptop and charger. We'll test both and tell you which one is the problem. Our free repair checker asks a few quick questions about your laptop or desktop and tells you the most likely cause.
No diagnosis fee. Clear quote before any work. Visit us: Yaba, Lagos · Owerri · +234 902 730 1128
Questions people ask
Why does my laptop shock me when it's charging?
A small tingle on the metal parts while charging is common, and is usually a grounding problem with the socket or a faulty charger rather than the laptop itself. The most common causes are: socket or extension box with no earth connection; faulty or non-original charger; damage inside the laptop's charging circuit (less common).
What can I safely check myself?
Try a different socket, ideally a 3-pin socket that's properly earthed. Check whether it still happens on battery only (it shouldn't).
What should I avoid doing?
If it's a strong shock, a burning smell or sparks, unplug it and stop using it. Don't use it while barefoot on a wet floor.
Where can I get it fixed in Lagos or Owerri?
ENB Technologies repairs laptops and desktops at our offices in Yaba, Lagos and in Owerri, Imo State. There's no diagnosis fee, you get a clear quote before any work, and most common repairs are done the same day. Call or WhatsApp +234 902 730 1128.
Written by the ENB Technologies repair team from the faults we see on the bench every week.
ENB TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED (RC 7714368) repairs laptops and desktops in Yaba, Lagos and Owerri. This page is general information, not a diagnosis of your device. Please don't open your device or try hardware repairs yourself.
