Power is one of those things that just works on the Catsights — but understanding it unlocks a few genuinely handy tricks. Here's the whole story.
One cable, and that's it
The default setup is beautifully simple: plug the display into your laptop with a single USB-C cable, and the power is done. The same cable carries video, powers the display, and sends touch data. It works on most modern USB-C laptops, because the display is designed to run on very little power — just a few watts. Your laptop won't even feel it.
Adding an adapter for all-day sessions
Most of the time the laptop alone is plenty. But if you're settling in for a long day — or your battery's running low — grab a USB-C adapter and plug it into the power-input port on the right side of the hub. The display switches to adapter power, and your laptop battery is off the hook. One cable still runs everything; you're just giving the display its own food source.
Reverse charging: the display becomes a charger
Here's the fun part. When the hub is on adapter power, the screen-input USB-C port can charge whatever's plugged into it — reverse charging, tested up to 45W. So your display is also a charger: plug your phone into the screen-input port and it tops up while you work. Monitor and charger in one cable — that's a setup that earns its spot in your bag.
Worth noting: reverse charging only happens when the adapter is connected. In one-cable mode from a laptop, that port's job is feeding the display, not the other way around.
Adapter compatibility
The display works with USB-C Power Delivery adapters across a nice range of voltages: 5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, and 20V, all at 3A. If you already have a phone or laptop charger in that range, chances are it'll work — no special brick required.
How little it really needs
It's worth repeating: the display sips power — a few watts in normal use. That's why one-cable mode works at all, and why a short session won't meaningfully drain your battery. The draw is small enough that you usually won't think about it.
Power troubleshooting
- Won't turn on? Make sure the USB-C cable is fully seated in the hub, and try a different port.
- Dies when you unplug from power? That's normal if you're running on adapter power — unplug the adapter and the display needs the laptop's feed instead. Reconnect one of the two sources.
- No reverse charging? Check the adapter is connected first. Reverse charging only works on adapter power, and make sure you're using the screen-input port.
- Battery drains fast on your laptop? Use a stronger adapter, or check that the cable is rated for the job. The display itself only draws a few watts.
Travel tips
For short trips, one cable and a laptop is all you need — no adapter, no brick. For longer stretches, pack a compact PD adapter. Since the display works with the standard PD range, one charger can cover your laptop, phone, and the display. Fewer bricks, more desk space.
Power on the Catsights is a "set it and forget it" story — until you realize it can charge your phone too.