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How to Check if Your MacBook Is Charging: 7 Best Ways

Simple tips to verify your MacBook’s charging status.

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Last updated: November 24, 2024

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TL;DR

To check if your MacBook is charging:

  1. Click the battery icon in the menu bar.
  2. A dropdown menu will appear.
  3. Look for the Power Source in the menu.
  4. 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 verify badge 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.

    battery icon in the menu bar

    If your battery icon is not shown in the menu bar Here are the steps how to enable it.

    1. Open System Settings from the Apple menu. Select Control Center from the sidebar. Scroll to Battery, then toggle on Show in Menu Bar.
    toggle on show in menu bar switch for battery

    2. Use System Information

    You can also use the System Information utility to check the charging status. Here’s how:

    1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen and select About This Mac.
    1. In the window that appears, click More info.
    click more info
    1. Scroll to the bottom and click the System Report button.
    click system report in general
    1. 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.
    charge information in system report
    1. Scroll down to the AC Charger Information section. If the Connected and Charging fields show Yes, it means your Mac is charging.
    ac charger information in system report

    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:

    1. Make sure your MacBook’s sound is not muted and the volume is at a level where you can hear it.
    2. Unplug the charger from your MacBook.
    3. Wait a few seconds, then plug the charger back into your MacBook.
    4. 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:

    1. Click the Apple icon in the upper left corner and select About This Mac.
    click apple icon and select about this mac
    1. Click More Info on the next window.
    click more info
    1. Click Battery in the left sidebar.
    click battery in system settings
    1. 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:

    1. Connect the MagSafe power adapter to your MacBook and a power source.
    2. 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.
        1. 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.

        macbook charging cable light
        Source: Malyshev Alexander

        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:

        Frequently Asked Questions

        How do I know if my MacBook’s battery needs to be replaced?

        To know if your MacBook’s battery needs to be replaced, check its battery health by clicking the Apple icon > About This Mac > More Info. From there, click System Report and then Power. Look for the Cycle Count and Condition fields to determine the health of your battery.

        Is it wrong to use my MacBook while it’s charging?

        No, it’s not wrong to use your MacBook while it’s charging. However, you should avoid using your MacBook for processor-intensive tasks while it’s charging, as this can cause the device to heat up and potentially reduce the lifespan of the battery.

        How can I tell if my MacBook’s battery is in good condition?

        To tell if your MacBook’s battery is in good condition, click the battery icon in the menu bar. It indicates that your battery is in good condition if it displays Normal. Another way to check by About This Mac > System Report. Under Power, you can view the cycle count of your battery. If your cycle count is approaching 1000 cycles, consider replacing your battery to keep your MacBook running optimally.

        Ojash

        Author

        Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

        Hashir Ibrahim

        Reviewer

        Hello! I'm Hashir, a seasoned tech journalist with a unique blend of academic expertise and hands-on experience. With a bachelor's in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and over a decade in the industry, I've built a reputation for demystifying complex Apple hardware. My work has been featured in top tech outlets like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac.

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