In this guide
Yes, you can charge through a multiport adapter while using video output — but only if the adapter has a dedicated USB-C pass-through charging port, and power delivery is often limited compared to a direct connection.
- Your adapter has a dedicated USB-C charging pass-through port
- Your laptop is a smaller MacBook or USB-C device with lower power needs
- You connect your charger to the correct USB-C port on the adapter
- You try to use the USB-C port for data or charging a second device like an iPhone
- Your laptop needs more than 60W to fast charge (e.g., 15-inch MacBook Pro)
- Your adapter does not have a separate pass-through charging port at all
How Pass-Through Charging Works on a Multiport Adapter
Most multiport adapters that support simultaneous video and charging use a pass-through USB-C port — a separate port dedicated only to receiving power from your charger and forwarding it to your laptop. On Apple’s USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, this allows up to 60W of pass-through power while the HDMI port handles video output at the same time.
The key point: the USB-C pass-through port is for charging your host device only. You cannot use it to connect storage, peripherals, or charge a phone.
Power Delivery Is Often Capped
Even when charging works alongside video, you may not get full wattage. Apple’s adapter caps pass-through at around 60W, which is fine for a MacBook Air or 13-inch MacBook Pro, but insufficient for larger laptops that require 96W or more. In those cases, the battery may charge slowly or even drain under load.
If you need maximum charging speed, plug your charger directly into your laptop and use the adapter only for video. Check Apple’s official USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter specs for exact wattage limits on your device.
Common Setups at a Glance
| Setup | Works? | Need | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air + adapter + HDMI + charger | Yes | USB-C charger into adapter pass-through port | Up to 60W pass-through |
| 15-inch MacBook Pro + adapter + HDMI + charger | Partial | Higher wattage charger direct | May charge slowly or drain |
| Adapter USB-C port used for iPhone charging | No | Separate USB-A or USB-C port on adapter | Pass-through is host-only |
| Adapter with no pass-through port | No | Different adapter or direct charger connection | Video-only adapter limitation |
What to Check Before You Buy an Adapter
- Confirm the adapter lists a dedicated USB-C power pass-through port in its specs
- Check the wattage limit on that pass-through port against your laptop’s requirement
- Look for adapters that support USB-C video output and Power Delivery simultaneously
If you are already getting video but no charge, the issue may be with the USB-C port itself — see our guide on why USB-C to HDMI is not working for troubleshooting steps that also apply to multiport adapter setups.
Bottom line: You can charge through a multiport adapter while using video output as long as the adapter has a dedicated pass-through charging port and your laptop does not exceed its wattage cap. For larger laptops or faster charging, connect the charger directly to your laptop instead.