MacBook not charging? Here's what you can do if the battery isn't charging.

Is your MacBook battery not charging? Here you’ll find all possible solutions.

A MacBook that won’t charge can be frustrating—especially when you’re in the middle of work. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to identify and fix the problem. In this post, we’ll show you what to do if your MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air won’t charge and how to quickly recognize the most common causes.

1. Basic check: Is the MacBook properly connected?

Before you dive into technical details, check the basic factors:

Test the power source: Is the outlet working? Plug in another device to check.
Check charging cable & power adapter: Use an original Apple charger. Third-party products can cause charging issues.
Check the port: Dirt, dust, or debris in the USB-C or MagSafe port can prevent charging. Carefully clean the ports with compressed air or a dry cotton swab.

2. Check battery status on MacBook

Here’s how to check your battery status:

Click the battery icon in the menu bar.
If it says: “Not Charging”, it doesn't always mean there's a problem. macOS can sometimes automatically pause charging to extend battery lifespan (keyword: battery health management). This often happens when the battery level is above 95%.
Open System Settings > Battery > Battery Health to check if you see a message like “Service Recommended.” “Service Recommended” usually means something is wrong with the battery and a replacement is often needed.

3. Reset SMC (System Management Controller)

The SMC controls, among other things, your Mac’s power management. A reset can fix charging issues:

How to reset the SMC on an Intel Mac:

Shut down your MacBook.
Hold Shift + Control + Option and the power button for 10 seconds.
Release all keys and restart the MacBook.

For M1, M2, M3, M4 Macs—or any Mac with an Apple CPU—an SMC reset isn’t possible; everything happens automatically on restart.

4. Check for software updates & macOS

Outdated software can cause charging problems. Go to:

System Settings > General > Software Update
and install available updates. Sometimes a simple restart can work wonders.

5. Run a hardware test

Apple offers a built-in diagnostic tool:

Shut down your MacBook.
Hold down the D key when turning on.
Follow the on-screen instructions.

The built-in Apple tool detects many hardware issues, including defective batteries or charging electronics.

6. Alternative solutions: Apple Support & Repair

If none of these steps work, your last resort is to contact Apple Support or an authorized service provider. You can schedule a repair appointment through the Apple Support App or at support.apple.com.

Bonus: Tips for extending battery life

Keep battery cycles low
Avoid keeping your battery at 100% for extended periods
Enable optimized battery charging in the settings

Conclusion

If your MacBook or battery won’t charge, don’t panic. Most of the time, it’s caused by simple issues like a faulty cable, dirty port, or software glitch. With our tips, you can fix the most common charging problems yourself – and get professional help if needed.

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