TL;DR
To fix the Macbook battery not charging:
- Ensure the charging cable isn’t damaged.
- Inspect and test the power adapter.
- Gently clean the charging port.
- Reset the SMC to fix charging issues.
- Reset PRAM or NVRAM to clear charging-related settings.
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.
When your MacBook won’t charge, your first thought might be that the charger or battery needs replacing. But sometimes, the solution is simpler than you think. Here’s what you can try before heading to the store.
Monitor Your MacBook’s Battery Health
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Before attempting any fixes, monitoring your MacBook’s battery health regularly is important. Over time, batteries naturally degrade, so knowing your battery’s condition can help you decide whether it’s time for a replacement or if other optimizations might help:
- Click the Apple logo and select System Settings.
- Click the Battery tab.
- On the right side, you should see the Battery Health status.
It will show one of these four statuses:
- Normal: Your battery is functioning properly. Since my MacBook Air is pretty new, my battery health is Normal.
- Replace Soon: Your battery still functions but holds less charge than it did when it was new. You may want to consider replacing it soon.
- Replace Now: Your battery is functioning but holds significantly less charge than it did when it was new. You should replace the battery as soon as possible.
- Service Battery: Your battery is not functioning properly and needs to be serviced.
Keeping your MacBook’s battery between 20% and 80% charged can help extend its lifespan. Fully draining or overcharging the battery on a regular basis can reduce its long-term capacity.
5 Ways to Fix Your MacBook Battery Not Charging Issue
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Here are tips to follow if your MacBook battery is not charging:
First, check your Mac’s hardware using the first three methods and then move to other methods.
1. Check the Charging Cable
Ensure your charging cable isn’t frayed, bent, or damaged. If you notice any issues, try another cable to see if your MacBook starts charging.
2. Check the Power Adapter
If your adapter is damaged, your MacBook won’t charge. Look for signs of wear or try a different adapter to see if it works. Here’s how to check if your adapter is damaged:
- Unplug the adapter from both ends.
- Check for damage (bent pins, broken areas).
- Plug it back in and check for a green or amber light.
3. Check the Charging Port
A dirty or damaged charging port can prevent charging. Clean it gently or seek professional help if it appears damaged. Follow these steps to clean the charging port on your Mac:
- Turn off your MacBook and unplug it.
- Use a soft brush to gently clean the port.
- Reconnect the cable and see if it charges.
4. Reset the SMC
Resetting the SMC can resolve power management issues that may be causing charging problems. To reset the SMC on your Mac, follow these steps:
On a Mac With a Removable Battery
- Shut down your Mac.
- Remove your MacBook’s battery.
- Press and hold the Power button for 5 seconds while the battery is removed.
- Release the Power button and reinstall the battery.
- Turn on your Mac by pressing the Power button.
On a Mac With a Non-Removable Battery
- Tap the Apple icon and select Shut Down from the drop-down menu.
- Press and hold the Shift ⇧ + Control ^ + Option ⌥ keys with the power button for 10 seconds.
- Release the keys and press the Power button to turn on your MacBook.
5. Reset the PRAM or NVRAM
Resetting the PRAM or NVRAM clears corrupted settings that may be interfering with your MacBook’s charging. Here’s how to reset the PRAM/NVRAM on your Mac using the following steps:
- Turn off your Mac.
- Press the Power button to turn on your Mac.
- Press and hold the Option ⌥ + Command ⌘ + P + R keys before the gray screen appears.
- Hold the keys until your Mac restarts and you hear the startup chime twice. If you have a Mac with the T2 Security Chip, keep holding the keys until the Apple logo appears and disappears twice.
- Release the keys and let your Mac start up normally.
- Try charging your MacBook again to see if the issue has been resolved.
Resetting the PRAM will not delete your files or data, so you don’t have to worry about losing any information.
🔋Replace the Battery (Last Resort)
If none of the above methods work, your battery might be worn out and need replacing. Over time, batteries lose their ability to hold a charge.
If you’re comfortable with DIY repairs, replacing the battery yourself can be cost-effective. Otherwise, it’s best to take your MacBook to a professional service.
Extend Your MacBook Battery’s Lifespan
Once you have resolved the charging issues on your MacBook, monitor it to prevent MacBook issues in the future and ensure that it stays powered up. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Regularly update your MacBook’s software to fix charging and battery issues.
- Keep your MacBook’s firmware updated to address potential charging problems.
- You should also clear the cache on Mac to avoid a burden on your system.
