What are the Reasons Behind a MacBook Battery Not Charging?
Before you start troubleshooting, it’s essential to understand what could be causing the issue. There are several reasons why your MacBook battery might not be charging:- Faulty Charging Cable or Adapter – A damaged charger can prevent your MacBook from receiving power. Using a charger that is not MFI (Made for iPhone/Mac) certified may also result in compatibility issues.
- Dirty or Obstructed Charging Port – Dust, debris, or corrosion can block a proper connection. Even minor obstructions can interrupt the power flow, making it seem like the charger isn’t working.
- Software Glitches or macOS Issues – Sometimes, software bugs interfere with the charging process. If the system fails to recognise the battery, it may not charge even if the hardware is fine.
- Battery Health Deterioration – Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, losing their ability to hold a charge efficiently. This degradation can make your MacBook behave erratically when plugged in.
- Power Management System Issues – The System Management Controller (SMC) is responsible for managing battery-related functions. If it encounters errors, it might prevent the battery from charging properly.
- Hardware Damage – Internal components like the charging circuit, logic board, or battery connector might be damaged. Water spills or accidental drops can also contribute to these failures.
Common Issues and How to Solve Them?
Check the Basics
Before diving into more complicated troubleshooting, ensure you’ve checked the basics. It might be something as simple as a loose cable or an incorrect setting.
Ensure the Power Adapter Is Working
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Inspect the Charging Cable: Look for any visible damage to your charging cable, especially near the ends where it connects to the MacBook and the power brick. Frayed cables or broken connectors can prevent charging.
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Try a Different Outlet: Ensure the outlet you’re using is functional. Sometimes, outlets can be faulty, and trying another one might solve the problem.
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Test with Another Adapter: If possible, try using another compatible charger to see if the issue lies with your adapter. If your MacBook charges with a different charger, you’ll know the issue is with the original charger.
Check the Charging Port
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Inspect the Charging Port: Dust, dirt, or debris may accumulate in the charging port, preventing the charger from making a solid connection. Use a flashlight to check the port and gently clean it with a soft brush or compressed air.
2. Check Your Battery Health
Your MacBook’s battery health may be compromised, which could lead to charging issues. MacOS provides built-in tools to help you assess the health of your battery.
Check Battery Health
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Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
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Select About This Mac.
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Click the System Report button.
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Under Hardware, select Power.
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Look for the Battery Information section. Here, you’ll find details such as the battery’s cycle count and its health status.
If the status shows anything like “Replace Soon”, “Replace Now”, or “Service Battery”, then your battery might be defective or nearing the end of its lifespan. In such cases, you may need to replace the MacBook battery.
3. Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)
The SMC controls various hardware functions on your MacBook, including battery management. Resetting the SMC can often resolve charging issues.
Steps to Reset the SMC on MacBooks with a T2 Chip (2018 and later models):
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Shut down your MacBook.
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Press and hold the Control + Option (Alt) + Shift keys on the left side of the keyboard for 7 seconds.
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While holding these keys, press and hold the Power button for another 7 seconds.
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Release all keys and the power button.
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Wait a few seconds and turn your MacBook back on by pressing the power button.
Steps for MacBooks without a T2 Chip (pre-2018 models):
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Shut down your MacBook.
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Press and hold the Shift + Control + Option keys on the left side of the keyboard, and the Power button, all at the same time, for 10 seconds.
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Release all keys and the power button.
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Wait a few seconds and turn your MacBook back on.
Resetting the SMC can help resolve power-related issues, including charging problems.
4. Check for Software Issues
Sometimes, software bugs can interfere with the charging process. It’s worth ensuring your macOS is up to date and that no software conflicts are causing the issue.
Update macOS
Apple frequently releases macOS updates that include bug fixes and improvements, including those related to battery performance.
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Click on the Apple menu.
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Select System Preferences.
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Choose Software Update and install any available updates.
Check Battery Preferences
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Open System Preferences and click on Energy Saver or Battery (depending on the macOS version).
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Look for any settings that may be limiting battery charging, such as “Battery Health Management” or “Optimized Battery Charging.” These settings are designed to extend battery lifespan but could potentially confuse if you’re expecting the battery to charge fully.
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You can toggle these settings off to see if it resolves the charging issue.
5. Look for Potential Hardware Issues
If your MacBook still isn’t charging, the issue may be related to the hardware itself.
Inspect the Logic Board
In some cases, a malfunctioning logic board or internal hardware component can cause charging issues. If you’ve ruled out external factors like cables, charging ports, and settings, this might be the cause of your problem. This is a more advanced issue and usually requires a professional technician to diagnose and repair.
Try a Third-Party Charger
Sometimes, third-party chargers may not be compatible with your MacBook, especially if they don’t meet Apple’s charging standards. Always use Apple-certified chargers, or try borrowing a charger that is specifically made for your MacBook model.
6. Visit an Apple Store or Authorized Repair Center
If none of the previous steps resolve the issue, it’s time to visit an Apple Store or an Authorized Service Provider. They can run diagnostics to check for hardware failures, such as a faulty battery or charging port, and provide you with repair options.
Warranty and AppleCare+
If your MacBook is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, repairs may be free of charge, depending on the issue. AppleCare+ also provides extended coverage, so it’s worth checking whether your device is still covered.
Prevent Future Charging Issues
Once your charging issue is resolved, here are a few tips to help prevent similar problems in the future:
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Avoid Overcharging: It’s best not to keep your MacBook plugged in all the time, especially when it’s at 100%. Try to unplug it once it reaches full charge to prolong battery life.
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Charge in a Cool Environment: High temperatures can damage the battery over time. Avoid charging your MacBook in hot environments.
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Store the MacBook Properly: If you’re not using your MacBook for an extended period, store it with the battery charged to around 50% to maintain battery health.
Conclusion
A MacBook battery not charging can be a frustrating issue, but most of the time, the problem is solvable with some basic troubleshooting. From checking the basics (such as the charging cable and power adapter) to resetting the SMC and checking your battery health, you can often identify the cause of the issue. If all else fails, visiting an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider is the best course of action.
At Same Day Mac Repairs, we understand the importance of technology in daily life. Whether you’re working, studying, or managing personal tasks, a fully functional MacBook is a key tool. If you need professional help or have further questions about your MacBook’s performance, don’t hesitate to reach out to experts who can guide you through the solution.