TL;DR
Try the following fixes if your Macbook battery not charging:
- Check the Charging Cable: Inspect the charging cable for damage and ensure it is properly connected.
- Check the Power Adapter: Examine the power adapter for any damage and verify it is functioning by looking for indicator lights.
- Check the Charging Port: Clean the charging port of any debris and inspect it for damage to ensure proper connection.
- Reset the SMC: Reset the System Management Controller to resolve power-related issues affecting charging.
- Reset the PRAM or NVRAM: Reset the PRAM/NVRAM to clear corrupted settings that might be causing charging problems.
- Replace the Battery: If all else fails, consider replacing the battery if it no longer holds a charge effectively.
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.
You’re about to get into something important, and suddenly your MacBook won’t charge—it’s frustrating, right? Don’t worry, there are easy ways to fix this. Whether it’s a problem with your cable, a software glitch, or something else, this guide will show you simple steps to get your MacBook charging again. I’ll walk you through the solutions so you can quickly get back to what you need to do. Let’s solve this problem together!
Before We Begin
Mac charging issues may be due to malware, debris, and outdated macOS. To prevent such issues, consider using MacKeeper – a one-stop solution where you can run a malware scan and track updates in seconds. So, Download MacKeeper to get rid of your MacBook charging issues.
Reasons Why Your MacBook Won’t Charge
Before addressing the issue of a MacBook battery not charging, it’s important to understand some common reasons why this might be happening.
Here are a few potential causes of your MacBook not charging:
- 🔌 Damaged Charging Cable: If your charging cable is frayed, bent, or otherwise damaged, it may not be able to deliver power to your MacBook properly.
- 💡 Faulty Power Adapter: The power adapter itself could be the issue. If the adapter is damaged or not working properly, it won’t be able to supply power to your MacBook.
- 🧹 Dirty Charging Port: If your charging port is clogged with dirt, dust, or debris, the connection between the charging cable and your MacBook may not be strong enough to allow for proper charging.
- 💻 Software Issues: Software problems can sometimes cause issues with your MacBook’s charging. For example, a faulty update could prevent your MacBook from recognizing the power adapter or charging cable.
- 🔋 Battery Issues: There could be issues with the MacBook’s battery itself. For example, if the battery is old or damaged, it may not hold a charge or charge properly.
Don’t forget the importance of keeping your macOS updated. Regular updates not only enhance your MacBook’s performance but also include vital fixes that could resolve charging and battery issues.
7 Ways to Fix Your MacBook Battery Not Charging Issue
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There are multiple reasons why your MacBook may not be charging. But you can eliminate any problem by following one of the methods I shared below.
First, check your Mac’s hardware using the first three methods and then move to other methods.
1. Check the Charging Cable
The charging cable is the primary power source for your MacBook, so it’s essential to ensure that it works correctly.
Sometimes, the cable can get frayed, bent, or damaged, leading to connectivity issues and preventing proper charging. In this case, it’s best to check and replace the charging cable if necessary.
You can follow these steps to check your Mac’s charging cable:
- Unplug the cable from the MacBook and the power adapter.
- Check the cable for any visible signs of damage, such as frayed or bent areas.
- Try plugging in the cable again and see if the MacBook starts charging.
2. Check the Power Adapter
The power adapter is responsible for supplying power to the MacBook, so if it’s not working correctly, your MacBook won’t charge. Like the charging cable, the power adapter can also get damaged or stop working properly over time. In this case, it’s best to check and replace the adapter if necessary.
Here’s how to check if your adapter is damaged:
- Unplug the adapter from the wall outlet and the MacBook.
- Check the adapter for any visible signs of damage, such as bent or broken areas.
- Plug the adapter back in and see if it works correctly by looking for a green or amber light.
3. Check the Charging Port
The charging port on your MacBook is where you plug in the charging cable, and it can get dirty or damaged, preventing proper charging.
If the charging port is dirty or damaged, it can interfere with the connection between the charging cable and your MacBook. In this case, cleaning the charging port or taking your MacBook to an authorized repair center for further inspection is best.
Follow these steps to clean the charging port on your Mac:
- Turn off your MacBook and unplug it from the power adapter.
- Use a toothbrush or a small, soft-bristled brush to clean the charging port gently.
- Blow into the charging port to remove any dust or debris.
- Plug in the charging cable and see if your MacBook starts charging.
4. Scan for Malware to Resolve MacBook Charging Problem
Malware or virus infections can slow down your MacBook and cause it to use more power, leading to issues with charging. Running a malware scan with MacKeeper can help you identify and remove malware, potentially resolving any charging issues caused by malware.
Here’s how to run a malware scan using MacKeeper:
- Download and install MacKeeper.
- Launch MacKeeper and click the Antivirus tab in the left sidebar.
- Select the features you want to use to secure your Mac. For example, you can enable real-time antivirus protection.
- Once you have configured your security settings, MacKeeper will continue to protect your Mac in the background, scanning for threats and blocking malicious activity.
- You can also run an instant virus scan by clicking the Start Scan button.
- If the scan finds any viruses, click the Fix Items button.
- If there are no issues in your system, click Restart to run the scan again or close the program.
What Else Can MacKeeper Do?
Besides scanning your Mac for malware, MacKeeper can do plenty of other things, like removing login items, stopping annoying ads, and freeing up your Mac RAM. Check out my detailed MacKeeper review to learn about its amazing features.
5. Reset the SMC
The System Management Controller (SMC) controls power management functions on your MacBook, including charging. Resetting the SMC can sometimes resolve issues with the MacBook not charging correctly.
This method is useful if you have checked the charging cable, power adapter, and charging port, and they are working correctly.
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.
6. Reset the PRAM or NVRAM
The Parameter RAM (PRAM) or Non-Volatile RAM (NVRAM) is a small amount of memory that stores information about your MacBook’s hardware settings. Sometimes issues with the NVRAM/PRAM can cause problems with charging.
Resetting the NVRAM or PRAM can clear corrupted settings and potentially resolve the charging issue. 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.
7. Replace the Battery
If none of the above methods work, there may be a problem with the MacBook’s battery itself. The battery can wear out over time and become less effective at holding a charge or charging properly. In this case, replacing the battery may be necessary.
- If you are comfortable with DIY repairs, replacing the battery can be a cost-effective solution to the charging issue.
- If you are uncomfortable with DIY repairs, it is best to take your MacBook to a professional repair service to replace the battery.
DIY repairs can be tempting, but they come with risks. If you decide to replace the battery yourself, make sure to use genuine Apple parts and follow official guidelines to avoid causing further damage to your MacBook.
Here is a detailed guide on how you can extend your Mac’s Battery Life.
Signs Your MacBook Battery Needs Attention
Your MacBook’s battery might be struggling if you notice any of these signs:
- ❌ Failure to Charge: If your MacBook doesn’t charge at all, even when plugged in, the battery might need to be replaced. This issue can also be related to problems with the charging cable, adapter, or port, but a non-responsive battery is often a key indicator of a deeper problem.
- ⚡ Slow Charging: If your MacBook takes much longer than usual to charge, it could be a sign that the battery is wearing out or there’s an issue with the charging components.
- 🔋 Rapid Battery Drain: When your battery drains quickly, even with minimal use, it’s a clear sign that the battery isn’t holding a charge as well as it should. This could mean the battery is aging or has been damaged.
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 and ready to go when you need it by implementing these tips:
- Software updates often include fixes for issues related to charging and battery life. Make sure to update your MacBook’s software to avoid these problems regularly.
- Apple occasionally releases firmware updates that can fix issues with your MacBook’s charging system. Keep your firmware updated to meet the new requirements.
- You should also clear the cache on Mac to avoid a burden on your system.
