Framework 13 doesn't always charge via USB C

Which Linux distro are you using?
Linux Mint 22.2 (Cinnamon), but this also happens with Ubuntu 24.04.

Which kernel are you using?
6.14.0-29-generic

Which BIOS version are you using?
Version: 03.16
Release Date: 07/25/2025

Which Framework Laptop 13 model are you using?
AMD Ryzen 7 7840U w/ Radeon 780M Graphics

I’ve been happily using my F13 for a few months now, but I have a very small issue where when I plug the laptop into my USB C dock to connect to my external peripherals (widescreen monitor KB/M).

Around 50% of the time, the laptop doesn’t charge though. It connects to all the peripherals, and everything works as it should, but I eventually get a low battery warning, or notice to status in the panel. Generally if I unplug and re-plug, it all works fine and charges as expected, so I don’t think it’s a power output issue from the dock (it’s 65w and the monitor has its own power).

Unfortunately I don’t have another OS I can test on, so I don’t know if it’s an Ubuntu issue, or something else.

I realise this is a really niche issue, so I’m not holding out much hope for a resolution, but hoping for some pointers on how I can better identify the source of the problem please?

Thanks,

Kev

If it’s happening on both Ubuntu and Mint, then it’s probably not a software problem. They would be different copies, even if they’re mostly the same files, and I haven’t seen anything from anyone else with this problem (though I may have missed it, I don’t have a FW13 myself so I don’t often read messages specifically about that model).

It could be an issue with the dock, but more likely it’s the connection between your USB-C cable and the USB-C port. I’m pretty sure USB-C uses different pins for power and data, which would explain how everything but power connects without issue.

If it were happening to me, I would try a different USB-C cable and/or port. It’s rare that either one would wear out within months, but it’s always possible. Could also be a very slight incompatibility between that specific port and cable.

Have you tried charging the laptop from different ports, or are you using one of them for charging all the time? Maybe try to see if the other 3 ports have the same issue.

That happens to me too. I’ve mentioned it previously here:

My dock is a Lenovo Thunderbolt 4 dock 40b00135us.

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