That sinking feeling when you see the dreaded “Battery Is Not Charging” message on your MacBook is all too familiar.
You’ve plugged it in, but the battery icon stubbornly refuses to show that it’s getting juice.
Before you panic and book an appointment at the Apple Store, take a deep breath. Often, the charging problem is something you can fix the problem yourself with a little bit of troubleshooting, saving you time and money.
This guide is your complete process to fix a MacBook not charging.
We’ll explore everything from the most basic hardware checks to more advanced software resets like the SMC reset.
Whether you have a MacBook Pro or a MacBook Air, these steps will help you identify and fix the issue, so you can get back to work without being tethered to a wall socket that isn’t working for you.
01
of 09Check the Obvious: Your Power Source and Connections
Before diving into complex diagnostics, let’s start with the basics.
The most common culprit for a charging issue is often the simplest to overlook. A loose connection or a faulty power outlet can make it seem like your Mac has a serious problem when it’s perfectly fine.
First, ensure your power adapter is firmly connected to a working wall outlet.
Try plugging another device, like a lamp, into the same outlet to confirm it has power.
Next, check that the charging cable is securely inserted into both the power adapter and the charging port on your laptop. Sometimes, a bit of dust or debris in the port can prevent a solid connection, so a quick visual inspection can sometimes resolve charging problems.
A faulty wall outlet is a surprisingly common reason a Mac is not charging, so don’t skip this step.
If the outlet is working, inspect your charger and plug for any signs of damage.
If you try using a different wall outlet and the MacBook battery still doesn’t charge, it’s time to investigate the hardware itself.
02
of 09Inspect Your Hardware for Physical Damage
Your Mac charger and charging cable endure a lot of wear and tear, from being coiled up in a bag to being tripped over.
This physical stress can lead to internal damage that stops your MacBook battery from charging. A careful inspection is a critical step to troubleshoot any charging issue.
Start with the power adapter and look for cracks, burn marks, or bent prongs.
Then, meticulously examine the entire length of the charging cable.
Pay close attention to the ends, where the cable connects to the adapter and your Mac laptop, as this is where fraying most often occurs. Any exposed wires are a major red flag and a sign that the adapter might be the reason your MacBook stopped charging.
When I get a MacBook with a charging problem, the first thing I do is a physical hardware check.
In my field test, I’ll run my fingers along the entire USB-C or MagSafe cable, feeling for any unusual bumps or kinks that might indicate a break in the internal wiring.
More often than not, a customer experiencing charging issues is using a frayed cable or a third-party, low-wattage adapter that doesn’t provide enough power to charge the device efficiently, especially while it’s in use.
03
of 09Cool It Down: Overheating Can Stop Charging
Your MacBook is a finely tuned machine with built-in safety features to protect its internal components, including the MacBook battery.
One of these features prevents the battery charging if the computer’s temperature gets too high. If your Mac feels unusually hot to the touch, this could be the reason why the battery doesn’t charge.
High temperatures can be caused by running intensive applications, poor ventilation (like using your laptop on a soft blanket), or even a hot environment.
The system will pause battery charging around 95°F (35°C) to prevent damage and extend the battery life.
To fix this, first shut down your MacBook, disconnect the charger, and move it to a cooler location with better airflow.
Allow your computer completely to cool down for at least 15-20 minutes before you connect the charger again and restart your MacBook.
Once it has cooled, it should start charging normally.
If overheating is a frequent problem, consider cleaning your Mac’s vents or using a laptop stand to improve ventilation and prevent this from happening again.
04
of 09Check Your Mac’s Battery Health
macOS has a built-in battery health management feature designed to maximize your battery life.
This system monitors your battery’s condition and your charging habits. Sometimes, a feature called “Optimized Battery Charging” can be the reason your MacBook battery not charging past 80%.
To check your battery health, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, go to System Settings (or System Preferences), and then click on Battery.
Here, you’ll see the battery status and its overall health.
If it says “Service Recommended,” it means the battery needs replacement soon as it can no longer hold a full charge, which could be the source of your charging problem.
If the health is normal, check the Optimized Battery Charging setting.
This feature learns your daily routine and may delay charging to extend the battery’s lifespan.
While this is beneficial long-term, it can be confusing if you need a full charge unexpectedly; you can temporarily disable it in this menu if you need your MacBook to charge your MacBook to 100% immediately.
05
of 09The Oldest Trick in the Book: Restart Your MacBook
It might sound too simple to be true, but one of the most effective ways to fix a wide range of issues with your mac is a good old-fashioned restart.
Restarting your computer clears temporary software glitches and resets the hardware components that manage battery power. This simple action can often resolve a situation where your MacBook is plugged in but not charging.
When you restart your MacBook, you are essentially refreshing the operating system and all its background processes.
This can clear up any software bugs that might be interfering with the battery management system.
It’s a quick, easy step that requires no technical skill and is a fundamental part of any troubleshoot process.
To do this, simply click the Apple menu in the top corner and select “Restart.”
Wait for the computer completely to shut down and boot back up.
Once you’re logged in, connect the charger again and see if the battery icon shows that it’s charging.
06
of 09Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)
If the simpler fixes haven’t worked, it’s time to reset the SMC.
The System Management Controller is a chip on your Mac’s logic board that manages power for many components, including the battery, fans, and status lights. A glitch in the SMC is a classic cause for a MacBook battery not charging, and performing a reset the SMC is a standard procedure to fix the issue.
The process to reset the SMC differs depending on whether you have a Mac with Apple silicon or an Intel processor.
07
of 09For MacBooks with Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3)
The architecture of Apple silicon Mac models integrates the SMC functions directly, so there’s no traditional SMC reset process.
A simple restart is the equivalent.
Just shut down your MacBook, wait 30 seconds, and then press the power button to turn it back on.
08
of 09For Intel-Based MacBooks
For most modern Intel-based MacBooks with a T2 security chip, the process is as follows:
Shut down your MacBook.
Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, then release it.
Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn your Mac on.
For older Intel MacBooks without a T2 chip, the process is different:
Shut down your Mac.
Press and hold the
Shift,Control, andOptionkeys on the left side of the keyboard, then press and hold the power button at the same time.Keep holding all four keys for about 7-10 seconds.
Release all keys and then turn your MacBook on.
After the reset, your Mac should be able to charge properly.
09
of 09When All Else Fails: Seek Professional Help
If you’ve meticulously followed every step in this guide and your MacBook still won’t charge, the problem likely lies with a more serious hardware failure.
This could be a faulty logic board, a dead battery that needs replacement, or a damaged charging port. At this point, attempting further repairs yourself could cause more damage.
It’s time to seek professional help from a certified Apple technician.
You can schedule an appointment at your local Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
They have the diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact cause of the charging problem and can offer solutions, whether it’s a simple component swap or a more complex repair.
If your device is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare, the repair may be free of charge.
Don’t hesitate to get Apple support involved; they are best equipped to help you identify and fix the most stubborn Mac charging issues and ensure your Mac laptop gets the correct service.
FAQ
Why is my MacBook not charging?
If your MacBook is not charging, it could be due to a faulty adapter, a damaged charging port, or issues with the battery itself. Make sure to check if the charger is properly plugged in and verify that the outlet is working.
How to troubleshoot a MacBook when it’s not charging?
To troubleshoot a MacBook that is not charging, start by checking the power adapter and cable for any visible damage. Ensure that the MacBook is connected to a power source and try using a different outlet. You can also reset the SMC (System Management Controller) to see if it resolves the issue.
What to do if the MacBook battery is not charging?
If the MacBook battery is not charging, check the battery health by going to System Preferences and selecting Battery. If the battery health shows as “Service Recommended,” it may need replacing. Additionally, ensure that you are using a compatible charger and that it is not connected to a low-wattage adapter.
How to check battery health on my Mac?
To check the battery health on your Mac, click on the Apple menu, then go to About This Mac, and select System Report. Under the Power section, you can find details about your battery’s condition, including the number of charge cycles and its overall health.
Can optimized charging affect my MacBook battery life?
Yes, optimized charging can help extend the battery life of your MacBook by learning your charging habits and reducing the time your MacBook spends fully charged. However, if you notice that your Mac is not charging faster than it can charge, you may want to disable this feature temporarily.
How to fix a MacBook battery that drains quickly?
To fix a MacBook battery that drains quickly, check for apps that may be using more power than the power source can provide. Close unnecessary applications, reduce screen brightness, and disable features like Bluetooth when not in use. Additionally, consider resetting the SMC to help manage battery performance.
What causes battery drain on a MacBook?
Battery drain on a MacBook can be caused by several factors, including running resource-intensive applications, having too many background processes, or using outdated software. Keeping your macOS updated can help address some of these issues and improve battery performance.
Is replacing the battery necessary if my MacBook won’t charge?
If your MacBook won’t charge and troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, replacing the battery may be necessary, especially if the battery health indicates it is not functioning properly. Contact Apple Care or an authorized service provider for assistance with battery replacement.
