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Published on: 17.02.2024 | updated on: 02.04.2024
Premium and reliable, MacBooks are truly the best in their class. Their raw processing power, incredible battery time, and multi-tasking capabilities make it a top choice for professionals and daily use. However, if the device is mishandled, it may run into battery issues, such as not charging. This article will guide you about why the MacBook battery is not charging and how you can fix this issue.
MacBook is undoubtedly one of the best devices you can ever invest in, with a sleek design, powerful battery, and advanced features. The MacBook relies heavily on its battery for optimal performance and excellent user experience. However, there have been complaints about the battery issues with Macs. These issues can arise due to various causes, such as faulty charging cables, dust stuck in the charging port, or a damaged battery. But they can easily be fixed by restarting the Mac, updating the macOS, or, as a last resort, replacing the battery.
If you rely on your MacBook for daily productivity and entertainment, a sudden battery malfunction can be stressful. Knowing why the MacBook battery is not charging can help you understand the problem and fix it.
If the cable or adaptor is damaged, it won't be able to deliver power to your MacBook efficiently. Inspect the cable and adaptor for any visible signs of wear or damage.
Sometimes, the operating system or certain software bugs can prevent the battery from charging.
There may be damage to internal components or the charging port itself. Such physical damage can prevent the MacBook from charging properly.
As your device ages, so does the MacBook battery. If your battery is old or faulty, it might not hold a charge anymore.
MacBooks are designed to stop charging if they overheat to protect the battery and internal components. If your device is too hot, it might temporarily stop charging until it cools down.
Dirt or debris in the charging port can obstruct the connection between your MacBook and the charger, preventing charging.
First, try charging your MacBook with the charger plugged into different outlets to rule out a power supply issue. Also, inspect your charger for any damage and test charging with a different charger if the MacBook refuses to charge. Now, inspect the charging port for any debris, damage, or bent pins inside that could prevent the device from charging.
If everything else is okay and the MacBook still won't charge, the issue likely lies with the hardware. This could either be the charging port or something more severe like the battery or internal damage.
Yes, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take if your MacBook says the battery is not charging properly:
Inspect both ends of the charging cable and make sure they are fully inserted into the wall outlet/power source and the MacBook.
Plug the MacBook and charger into another power outlet that you know is working, to determine if the issue is with a particular outlet.
Carefully examine the charger and ports on both the charger and MacBook for any debris, damage, or bending. Clean out any debris and replace damaged cables.
Reset the System Management Controller on your MacBook to clear up any potential software and hardware issues preventing charging.
Shut down, then restart the MacBook.
A MacBook failing to charge can be a huge hindrance. Here is what you can do to fix the problem.
Clean the charging port. Use a can of compressed air or a soft brush to gently blow away or clean any debris from the charging port.
Ensure the power outlet you are using is functioning properly. Try plugging in another device to see if it receives power.
Check Battery Health by clicking on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen. Then select "System Settings" and click on "Battery" in the sidebar, then click "Battery Health" to see the condition of your MacBook's battery.
Reboot your MacBook by clicking on the Apple logo in the top left corner, then choosing "Restart" and waiting for your MacBook to reboot. This may resolve charging issues.
Try resetting SMC. First, shut down your MacBook and then press and hold Shift+Control+Option. Then press and hold the power button at the same time. Hold these keys for 10 seconds. Now, release all keys and press the power button to turn on your MacBook.
Reset PRAM by first turning off your MacBook. Press the power button, then immediately press and hold Command + Option + P + R. Hold these keys for about 20 seconds and then release the keys.
If either the charger or MacBook is overheating, it could prevent the battery from charging efficiently, so let it cool down before trying to charge again.
In case of a damaged cable, charging port, or battery, consider getting it replaced.
If the issue remains, then there is a strong possibility of internal damage, like issues with the logic board or internal connectors.
If none of the above steps resolve the charging issue, it's advisable to take your MacBook to an Apple service provider for further diagnostics and repair.
Find out why your MacBook Pro's battery isn't charging and how to troubleshoot it.
Dust or debris stuck in the charging port can prevent a proper connection between the Mac and the cable, hindering charging.
Damaged charging cables or adapters can fail to deliver power to your Mac.
Outdated software or software glitches can affect the battery and its charging process.
If the MacBook Pro is overheating, it can affect the battery.
An old or worn-out battery may not charge effectively.
Restart your MacBook Pro. Restarting can often fix charging issues.
Clean the charging port with a soft brush. It can help restore a connection and resume charging.
Inspect the charging cable and adapter for any signs of damage and replace them if needed.
If the MacBook Pro is overheating, let it cool down before charging again.
Replace the battery if it’s old or worn out.
Here are the possible causes behind your MacBook Air battery that is not charging and solutions to fix it.
Accumulation of dust in the charging port can affect the connection between the MacBook Air and its charger, preventing it from charging properly.
A damaged or faulty charging cable or adapter may not provide adequate power to the MacBook Air, leading to battery charging issues.
Power-consuming applications can significantly drain the battery, affecting its charging ability.
Aged battery can also refuse to charge adequately.
Clean the charging port with a soft brush or use compressed air if needed.
If the adapter or charging cable is damaged, consider buying a new one.
Reduce the usage of power-intensive apps for some time to check if the battery starts charging properly.
Replace the battery if it has aged or has sustained damage.
Here is why the battery is not charging on your MacBook Pro using USB C:
A damaged or malfunctioning USB-C cable or power adapter can lead to charging failure.
Occasionally, software glitches can interfere with charging through USB C.
Your MacBook Pro's battery health might have deteriorated, impacting its ability to charge.
Check the USB-C cable and power adapter for any signs of damage. Replace them if needed and see if the charging resumes.
Ensure your MacBook Pro is running the latest version of macOS and check for any firmware updates that might fix any bugs and resolve charging issues.
Consider replacing the battery if it's significantly degraded.
Find out the reasons your MacBook battery is not charging when plugged in and how to address it.
A defective or damaged charger or cable can fail to deliver power to the MacBook.
If the MacBook is overheated, it can prevent charging even when plugged in.
Your MacBook’s battery might have worn out and is refusing to charge even when plugged in.
Replace the damaged charger or cable if they are damaged.
In case of overheating, close all applications and let the device cool down before trying to charge again.
If the battery is damaged or aged, consider getting it replaced.
Here are the reasons why the MacBook Pro battery is not charging after SMC reset and how to resolve it:
Your SMC reset might have been interrupted, which is why the hardware issues remain unresolved.
There is an issue with the battery; either it’s depleted or damaged.
Your MacBook Pro is overheating, resulting in no charge after the SMC reset.
Ensure you've followed the correct procedure to reset the SMC based on your MacBook model.
Charge the battery to full, and don’t use it while it’s charging to see if it functions.
Let the MacBook cool down and then check if the battery charging issue is resolved.
Perform the SMC reset again to see if the charging resumes.
Here are the potential reasons why your MacBook Pro is not charging or turning on and what to do next:
A malfunctioning power adapter or power source can prevent the MacBook Pro from charging or turning on.
A depleted or damaged battery might not hold a charge, which could also prevent the MacBook Pro from turning on.
Critical hardware issues, such as a failed logic board or other internal components, can prevent the MacBook Pro from charging or turning on.
There might be an issue with the screen, which is not letting the MacBook Pro charge or turn on.
Check if the power outlet and adapter are working correctly. Try a different power outlet or adapter if available.
If possible, check the battery's condition through the battery health feature. If it says “service recommended”, get the battery replaced.
In case of hardware damage or screen issues, consider getting it repaired or replaced by a professional.
Learn about the causes behind the MacBook Air that is not charging with no light and how to fix it:
For models with MagSafe connectors, ensure the connector is clean and securely attached. Dirt or debris can prevent a proper connection, leading to charging issues and no indicator light.
A faulty power adapter or outlet can cause charging and light issues.
A significantly degraded battery may fail to charge and also affect the light.
If your MacBook Air uses a MagSafe charger, check both the port and the charger connector for debris or damage. Clean gently with a dry, soft brush.
Try a different power outlet and ensure the power adapter is functioning correctly. If possible, test with another compatible charger to rule out adapter issues.
If the battery has aged or is damaged, consider getting it replaced.
Yes, always ensure your macOS is up to date, as software updates can include fixes for battery and charging issues.
Yes, batteries can become faulty over time. You can confirm battery health by checking the "Battery Health" status in System Settings under "Battery." If it says Normal, it indicates the battery is functioning normally. However, if it says Service Recommended, it means the battery is functioning normally, but it’s not able to hold full charge and needs replacement.
Yes, using a non-Apple charger or a damaged cable can affect charging and potentially harm your MacBook's battery.
The MagSafe connector is a magnetic power connector that attaches the MacBook charger cable to the charging port on the MacBook. It works by using magnets to align and securely connect the charger cable to the MacBook while also safely disconnecting when pulled on to prevent damage to the laptop or cord.
Yes, certain settings or system preferences, like Energy Saver Settings, can influence how your MacBook charges or uses battery power.
It's appropriate to replace the MacBook battery when it holds less than 80% of its original charge or fails to sustain decent runtime before needing to be recharged.
It is possible to replace the battery yourself if you have the right tools and follow Apple's battery replacement guides carefully, but seeking professional assistance is generally best to avoid further damage.
The typical lifespan of a MacBook battery is about 1000 full charge cycles, or 2-4 years, before needing replacement. So yes, age can contribute to charging problems.
Excessive heat is detrimental to battery capacity and charging. So overheating issues that cause the battery to get too hot can definitely prevent the MacBook battery from charging properly.
To prevent future issues with the battery not charging on the MacBook, consider adopting the following practices:
Only use original Apple chargers and cables.
Keep macOS updated, as it can fix any software bugs or any other issues.
Monitor battery health and get it replaced if it shows a “service recommended” sign.
Avoid exposing your MacBook to extreme temperatures.
Utilize the Energy Saver settings on your MacBook to optimize battery life and performance.
Try to keep your MacBook battery charged between 20% and 80% to maximize its lifespan.
Avoid letting the battery drain completely before charging.
Regularly clean your MacBook charging port.
Avoid running too many applications simultaneously, as it can cause your MacBook to overheat, which might affect the battery.
Consider getting your MacBook professionally checked every once in a while, especially if you notice any issues with performance or charging.
If you've thoroughly tried all standard troubleshooting steps and the battery still fails to charge properly, then you should seek professional help, as the battery might need replacement.
MacBooks are powerhouses but can run into battery issues if mishandled. Some of the common reasons why MacBook fails to charge are a faulty cable, charger, and debris stuck in the charging port. These issues can be solved by simply cleaning the port and replacing the charger or the cable. But, if there is an issue with the device itself, like a damaged battery, charging port, or internal hardware, then only a skilled technician can properly diagnose and fix the problem.
To prevent the issue, consider using only Apple genuine chargers and do not over-charge your device. Also, refrain from using your device when it is charging.
Tech Writer | Photographer
LinkedIn: Madiha Khadim
Madi is a dynamic tech writer with a passion for simplifying complex concepts. Her expertise lies in creating clear and concise guides, blogs, manuals, and tutorials that empower users to navigate the technological landscape with ease. Throughout her career, Madi has worked with numerous leading tech companies, collaborating with engineers, developers, designers and marketers to create user manuals, FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and tech articles, on the websites such as "Technology Castle" and "Bilzimo". She can transform intricate technical jargon into user-friendly language, empowering users to understand and utilize products effectively.
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