HP Charger Guide: Blue Pin vs Black Pin vs USB-C (45W, 65W, 90W, 120W)
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HP chargers are easy to get wrong because HP changed the plug twice in about ten years. The good news: once you know the three types, you can identify yours from a single photo.
The three HP plugs
| Plug | Size | Where you'll find it |
|---|---|---|
| Blue pin (blue tip inside) | 4.5mm × 3.0mm | Most HP laptops from around 2013 to 2019: Pavilion, ProBook 4xx, EliteBook 8xx G1–G4, HP 250/255 |
| Black pin (big round) | 7.4mm × 5.0mm | Older EliteBook and ProBook (e.g. 6560b, 8460p), older Pavilion dv series |
| USB-C | Type-C | Newer EliteBook (G5 onwards), ProBook 4xx G6+, Envy, Spectre, Chromebooks |
Look into the end of your old plug. If you see a blue ring around the centre pin, it's blue pin. If the plug is thick and the hole is wide, it's the older black pin. Flat oval plug that fits your phone too? USB-C.
Now match the watts
HP blue pin chargers all run at 19.5V. The amps change the wattage:
- 2.31A = 45W – small 11–14" laptops and some HP Stream models.
- 3.33A = 65W – the most common. Fits most ProBook, EliteBook and Pavilion models.
- 4.62A = 90W – larger laptops and some with dedicated graphics.
- 6.15A = 120W – gaming and workstation models like some Omen and ZBook.
Rule of thumb: equal or higher watts is fine, lower watts is not. A 65W charger on a 45W laptop works normally. A 45W charger on a 65W laptop will charge very slowly, and under load the battery can actually drain while plugged in.
A typical UAE example
A university student in Al Ain has an HP 250 G6. The charger cable got crushed under a chair. The 250 G6 uses the blue pin and a 65W adapter. A 65W blue pin charger is the right replacement, and since it's the same 4.5mm plug as many other HP models, it'll also work on her brother's ProBook 450 G4.
HP chargers on toptechuae.com
- HP 65W Blue Pin Charger, 19.5V 3.33A – EliteBook, ProBook, Pavilion.
- 120W Charger for HP Laptops, Blue Pin 4.5mm – for high-power HP models.
- 65W USB-C Charger for HP Laptops – EliteBook G5+, ProBook, Envy.
- HP Pavilion TouchSmart 17 Charger, 65W 4.5mm
All chargers are checked by hand in our Sharjah shop and carry a 12-month warranty.
FAQ
Why does my HP say "plugged in, not charging" with a new charger?
HP blue pin chargers send an ID signal through the centre pin. If the charger is too low in wattage, or the centre pin is damaged, the laptop refuses to charge. Check the watts first, then the pin.
Can I charge my HP USB-C laptop with my phone charger?
It may trickle charge with a 20–30W phone charger, but it'll be slow and won't keep up while working. Use 65W USB-C for normal use.
Where is the model number on my HP?
Under the laptop on a sticker, or press Fn + Esc on most HP models to open the system info window.
Delivery and payment?
UAE-wide in 1–2 working days. AED 20 delivery, free over AED 1,000. Card or cash on delivery.
Send your laptop model to us on WhatsApp (+971 56 265 5845) if you're unsure, or see all HP chargers on toptechuae.com.