TL;DR
To check if your MacBook is charging:
- Click the battery icon in the menu bar.
- A dropdown menu will appear.
- Look for the Power Source in the menu.
- If it says Power Adapter, your Mac is charging.
Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.
It’s frustrating to think your MacBook is charging, only to find it isn’t. I’ve learned a few simple tricks to prevent this and keep your MacBook powered. These methods are easy and can save you a lot of hassle.
How to Check If Your MacBook Is Charging
Why You Can Trust MacBook Journal We always conduct first-hand research and verify every method or solution we present, ensuring you receive reliable and effective advice. Learn more about our process.
💡 Did You Know? MacBooks with M1 and M2 chips have optimized charging, which learns your daily charging routine to reduce battery wear. This means your MacBook might delay charging beyond 80% until you need to use it, helping to extend battery life over time.
A. When Your MacBook Is Turned On
Here are some quick and easy ways to check your MacBook’s charging when it is turned on and you have access to its screen.
1. Look at the Battery Icon in the Menu Bar
When your Mac is connected to a power source and charging, you should see a lightning bolt icon inside the battery icon.
If your battery icon is not shown in the menu bar Here are the steps how to enable it.
- Open System Settings from the Apple menu. Select Control Center from the sidebar. Scroll to Battery, then toggle on Show in Menu Bar.
2. Use System Information
You can also use the System Information utility to check the charging status. Here’s how:
- Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen and select About This Mac.
- In the window that appears, click More info.
- Scroll to the bottom and click the System Report button.
- In the System Information window, select Power from the sidebar and look at Charge Information. If it says Yes next to Charging, it means your Mac is charging.
- Scroll down to the AC Charger Information section. If the Connected and Charging fields show Yes, it means your Mac is charging.
3. With Charging Sound
Some newer models of MacBook, like the MacBook Air 2020, have a feature where they emit a sound when you connect the charger, like an iPhone. This is a useful indication that the device is charging.
Here are the steps to check if your MacBook is charging using this sound:
- Make sure your MacBook’s sound is not muted and the volume is at a level where you can hear it.
- Unplug the charger from your MacBook.
- Wait a few seconds, then plug the charger back into your MacBook.
- Listen for a quiet ding sound, similar to the sound when plugging in an iPhone.
If you hear the sound, your MacBook is charging.
This sound will not play if your MacBook’s battery is completely dead when you plug in the charger. In such a case, wait a few minutes for the battery to charge sufficiently before you can hear the sound.
4. Check Battery Health
Here’s how to use MacBook’s battery health feature to check if your Mac is charging:
- Click the Apple icon in the upper left corner and select About This Mac.
- Click More Info on the next window.
- Click Battery in the left sidebar.
- Under Battery in the right pane, you’ll see a battery icon with Charging: X% next to it. It means your Mac is charging.
B. When Your MacBook Is Turned Off
Now you know how to check if your Mac is charging while it’s turned on. But what about when it’s turned off? Here, I’ve shared how you can check whether a Mac is charging or not while its powered off.
1. Using the MagSafe Power Adapter
Here’s how to use the MagSafe Power adapter to check if your Mac is charging:
- Connect the MagSafe power adapter to your MacBook and a power source.
- Look at the MagSafe LED indicator lights on the connector.
- If the LED is green, your MacBook is charging.
- If the LED is amber, your MacBook’s battery is low and charging.
- If the LED is not lit, there may be a problem with the power source or adapter.
- Check for common issues that may prevent charging, such as debris in the MagSafe port or a damaged MagSafe connector.
If your MacBook isn’t charging, try resetting the SMC (System Management Controller). This can often resolve power-related issues.
2. Using the Charging Cable
If your MacBook predates 2016 and uses a magnetic charging cable, including the older L-shaped version, you can determine its charging status through a light on the cable’s end.
This light serves as an indicator:
- an orange light signifies your MacBook is currently charging
- a green light indicates the battery is full, and your device is operating on the power adapter
🛑 Warning: Avoid using your MacBook in extremely hot or cold environments while charging, as this can damage the battery or reduce its efficiency over time.
Final Words
Now that you know how to check if your MacBook is charging, you may want to learn more about extending its lifespan and preventing issues like the MacBook battery not charging
Here are a few tips to get your started:
- Monitor if your Macbook is quickly draining battery and resolve it by taking specific measures.
- Keep your MacBook system at a moderate temperature and learn how to check the temperature of your MacBook.
- You should also prevent your Mac from overheating to protect its inner components and maintain its performance.