The MacBook not charging issue can make you frantic because your Mac will shut down once the battery is dead, and your productivity will be hindered. So don’t let a “Mac not charging” issue stop you from finishing your tasks.
Before you invest in a new Mac power adapter or take your device to a Mac repair technician, check out the following fixes:
Restart your Mac
A simple restart can quickly resolve common issues, such as a Mac not charging. Rebooting fixes system glitches that often cause such issues. Simply click the Apple Menu and click Restart.
Physically inspect hardware
Do you know dust and foreign objects on charging ports may also keep it from charging? Dust often accumulates in the charging ports and blocks the connection. In this case, a wooden object or toothpick can be used to remove dirt and any foreign object blocking the port.
Check whether you’re plugging into the wall socket and it’s turned on. You can also try a different socket. These basic fixes are always good to double-check.
Check the battery of your Mac
Check your Mac’s battery to see whether it needs a replacement. Here is how to do this:
- Go to System Settings > Battery.
- Check any advice under “Battery Health”.
You often see advice on battery health for older Macs. If the battery is normal, you don’t need to worry about the battery’s health. If it suggests “replace soon”, “service battery”, or “replace now”, it is time to take your Mac to a professional Mac repair technician. You can also use reliable apps to check your Mac’s battery health.
Check for faulty adapters and charging cables
A faulty adapter and broken charging cable could be the culprit. So, check them first. Ensure that your MacBook is switched on and plugged in. If it isn’t charging, there could be an issue with your adapter or charging cable.
Reset the battery
The next quick fix is to try resetting your Mac’s battery. The process of resetting the battery depends on the age of your device and whether it uses an Intel chip or an Apple chip. It’s unlikely that your Mac features a removable battery because that was not an option before 2012.
But if your Mac is old and features a removable battery, then remove the battery, disconnect the device from power, and hold down the power key for 10 seconds. Then, replace the battery and plug the power adapter back in. This process will reset the battery on your Mac.
For Macs that don’t have a removable battery, you need to reset the SMC (System Management Controller). SMC is a chip on the logic board, and it controls the power. Resetting the SMC can fix power and battery-related problems. But again, the process depends on your Mac’s age.
The steps are as follows on the Intel processor:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Plug in the power adapter.
- Hold down Control + Shift+ Option/Alt along with the Power button for 3-5 seconds.
- Release all buttons together.
- Press the Power button to restart your Mac.
Are you using the Apple M1, M2 or M3 chip? Then, you will not be able to reset the SMC. But this doesn’t mean you’re stuck! Instead, turn off your Mac, wait for 30 seconds, and turn it on again.
Cool your laptop and charger.
An overheating laptop or charging adaptor may also cause the Mac not to charge. So, when you feel that any of these components are excessively heated, then allow them to cool down before using them again.
Get rid of battery-draining apps.
Still no luck? Try something different. The issue of the Mac not charging when plugged in could be due to battery-draining apps. These apps often drain your battery faster than it charges.
Here is how to use your Mac for battery-draining apps:
- Open Activity Monitor on your Mac.
- Click Energy.
Now, you will see all apps and programs running, with the most power-consuming apps on the top. Simply close or uninstall unnecessary apps and see if this resolves the issue.
Get the Mac serviced
If none of the above methods work, you should take your device to a Mac repair service provider for servicing. Ensure that you find a reliable Mac technician who is experienced and reputable to work with Macs of all makes and models.
Hopefully, the above fixes will solve the issue of the Mac not charging and related problems. Otherwise, a Mac technician service should be able to help.
