A Mac’s battery not charging is a frustrating experience. It can disrupt your workflow, limit your portability, and even hint at underlying hardware problems. But before you rush off to the Apple Store, there are numerous troubleshooting steps you can take to potentially resolve the issue yourself. This comprehensive guide will walk you through these steps, covering everything from basic checks to more advanced solutions.
Understanding The Problem: Why Isn’t My Mac Charging?
Several factors can contribute to a Mac’s battery failing to charge. These can range from simple software glitches to more serious hardware malfunctions. Identifying the potential cause is the first step towards finding the right solution.
One common culprit is a faulty charging cable or adapter. These accessories are subjected to wear and tear and can become damaged over time. A damaged port on your Mac can also prevent proper charging. Software issues, such as outdated macOS versions or conflicting applications, can sometimes interfere with the charging process.
In other cases, the battery itself might be the problem. Mac batteries have a limited lifespan, and as they age, their ability to hold a charge diminishes. If your Mac is several years old, the battery might simply need to be replaced. There are also circumstances when the battery is overheating or unable to charge in a high-temperature environment.
Basic Troubleshooting Steps: The First Line Of Defense
Before delving into more complex solutions, it’s crucial to start with the basic troubleshooting steps. These are often the easiest and quickest to implement and can resolve many common charging issues.
Check The Power Adapter And Cable
The first thing you should do is visually inspect your power adapter and cable for any signs of damage. Look for frayed wires, bent pins, or cracks in the adapter casing. Try a different power outlet to rule out a faulty outlet as the source of the problem.
If you have access to another compatible power adapter and cable, try using them to charge your Mac. This will help you determine whether the issue lies with your original accessories. If your Mac starts charging with the new adapter and cable, then you know the original ones are faulty and need to be replaced.
Also, ensure that the power adapter is properly connected to both the power outlet and your Mac. A loose connection can prevent the battery from charging.
Inspect The Charging Port
Carefully examine the charging port on your Mac for any debris or damage. Dust, lint, or other particles can accumulate in the port and interfere with the charging connection.
Use a can of compressed air to gently blow out any debris from the port. Be careful not to insert any sharp objects into the port, as this could damage the internal components. After cleaning the port, try charging your Mac again.
Restart Your Mac
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve software glitches that may be preventing your Mac from charging. Restarting your Mac clears its memory and resets its system processes, which can often fix temporary software issues.
To restart your Mac, go to the Apple menu and select “Restart.” Once your Mac has restarted, try charging it again to see if the issue has been resolved.
Deeper Dive: Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques
If the basic troubleshooting steps don’t work, it’s time to move on to more advanced techniques. These involve checking your Mac’s battery health, resetting the System Management Controller (SMC), and updating your macOS.
Check Battery Health
macOS has a built-in feature that allows you to check the health of your battery. This can give you an indication of whether the battery is functioning properly or if it needs to be replaced.
For macOS Monterey or later:
1. Go to System Preferences (System Settings).
2. Click on Battery.
3. Select Battery Health.
For older versions of macOS:
1. Hold down the Option key and click the Apple menu.
2. Select System Information.
3. In the Hardware section, select Power.
4. Look for the Battery Information section.
The Battery Health section will display the condition of your battery. If the condition is “Normal,” then the battery is likely functioning as expected. However, if the condition is “Service Recommended,” then the battery may need to be replaced.
You can also see the cycle count of your battery in this section. The cycle count is the number of times the battery has been fully discharged and recharged. Mac batteries have a limited number of cycles before their performance begins to degrade. Apple provides cycle count information for different Mac models on their website.
Reset The System Management Controller (SMC)
The SMC is a chip on your Mac’s logic board that controls various hardware functions, including battery charging. Resetting the SMC can sometimes resolve charging issues that are caused by software glitches.
The steps for resetting the SMC vary depending on the type of Mac you have.
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For Mac laptops with a non-removable battery:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Press and hold the Shift, Control, and Option keys on the left side of your keyboard, along with the power button, for 10 seconds.
- Release all keys and the power button.
- Press the power button to turn on your Mac.
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For Mac laptops with a removable battery:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Remove the battery.
- Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
- Reinstall the battery.
- Press the power button to turn on your Mac.
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For iMac, Mac mini, Mac Pro, and Xserve:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Unplug the power cord.
- Wait 15 seconds.
- Plug the power cord back in.
- Wait 5 seconds, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.
After resetting the SMC, try charging your Mac again to see if the issue has been resolved.
Update MacOS
Outdated macOS versions can sometimes cause charging issues. Updating to the latest version of macOS can often fix these issues by installing bug fixes and performance improvements.
To update macOS, go to System Preferences (System Settings) and click on Software Update. If there is an update available, click “Update Now” to download and install it.
Make sure to back up your Mac before updating macOS, as there is always a risk of data loss during the update process.
Addressing Specific Scenarios
Sometimes, the charging issue might be related to specific scenarios or circumstances. Understanding these scenarios can help you narrow down the cause of the problem and find the right solution.
Mac Not Charging Past 80%
macOS has a feature called Optimized Battery Charging, which is designed to prolong the lifespan of your battery. This feature may prevent your Mac from charging past 80% in certain situations.
Optimized Battery Charging learns your charging habits and waits to finish charging the battery until just before you need to use your Mac. This reduces the amount of time your battery spends at 100% charge, which can help to slow down battery aging.
If you want to disable Optimized Battery Charging, go to System Preferences (System Settings), click on Battery, and then select Battery Health. Uncheck the “Optimized Battery Charging” box.
Mac Battery Draining Quickly
If your Mac’s battery is draining quickly, it could be due to several factors, such as running too many applications, using power-intensive applications, or having an old battery.
Close any applications that you are not using. Some applications consume a lot of battery power, even when they are running in the background. Use Activity Monitor to identify applications that are using a lot of CPU or memory.
Adjust your screen brightness and turn off features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when you are not using them. These features can also drain your battery quickly. Consider replacing your battery if it’s old.
Mac Overheating While Charging
If your Mac is overheating while charging, it could be due to a faulty battery, a malfunctioning charging adapter, or running power-intensive applications in a hot environment. Avoid using your Mac in direct sunlight or in a hot car.
Ensure that your Mac has adequate ventilation. Do not place it on a soft surface, such as a bed or blanket, as this can block the ventilation vents. It is also recommended to shut down power-intensive apps.
When To Seek Professional Help
If you have tried all of the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide and your Mac is still not charging, it may be time to seek professional help. A certified Apple technician can diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate solution.
Hardware issues, such as a faulty logic board or a damaged battery, may require professional repair or replacement. Attempting to repair these issues yourself could potentially damage your Mac further.
Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider for assistance. They will be able to provide you with expert advice and repair services.
Preventative Measures: Keeping Your Battery Healthy
Taking preventative measures can help to prolong the lifespan of your Mac’s battery and prevent charging issues.
Avoid extreme temperatures. Extreme heat and cold can damage your battery. Store and use your Mac in a temperature-controlled environment.
Keep your macOS updated. Software updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can help to optimize battery performance.
Use Optimized Battery Charging. While it may seem counterintuitive, this feature can help to prolong the lifespan of your battery by reducing the amount of time it spends at 100% charge.
By following these preventative measures, you can help to keep your Mac’s battery healthy and avoid charging issues in the future.
Why Is My Mac Battery Not Charging Even When Plugged In?
Your Mac might not be charging despite being plugged in due to a variety of reasons. These can range from simple issues like a faulty power adapter or cable to more complex problems such as software glitches or a damaged battery. Inspect the power adapter and cable for any visible damage, and try using a different outlet. Also, ensure the charging port on your Mac is clean and free of debris.
Another potential cause is that your Mac is prioritizing performance and drawing more power than the adapter can provide, especially during intensive tasks. This is often seen on MacBook Pros with high-powered processors and graphics cards. In such cases, the battery might maintain its current charge level or even slowly discharge despite being connected to power, especially if the charger is not powerful enough.
How Do I Check The Health Of My Mac’s Battery?
Checking your Mac’s battery health is crucial in determining if the issue lies with the battery itself or something else. You can do this by holding the Option key and clicking the battery icon in the menu bar. A menu will appear, providing information about the battery condition, such as “Normal,” “Replace Soon,” “Replace Now,” or “Service Battery.”
If the battery condition indicates “Replace Soon,” “Replace Now,” or “Service Battery,” it’s a strong indication that the battery is nearing the end of its lifespan and might be the reason it’s not charging correctly. Apple also provides a Battery Health Management feature (available on macOS 10.15.5 and later) that can help extend the battery’s lifespan by managing its charging patterns, although this can sometimes interfere with full charging.
What Can I Do If My Mac Says “Not Charging” But The Battery Is At 100%?
When your Mac displays “Not Charging” at 100% battery, this is usually normal behavior. Apple’s battery management system is designed to optimize battery lifespan by preventing it from constantly being charged at full capacity. This behavior is a feature, not a bug, and helps to reduce unnecessary wear and tear on the battery.
You can verify this by unplugging and replugging the charger. It might briefly show as charging before reverting back to “Not Charging” at 100%. This ensures the battery isn’t continuously topped off, which can degrade its long-term health. If you’re concerned, you can also check the battery health as described in a previous answer to confirm its condition.
How Do I Reset The System Management Controller (SMC) On My Mac?
Resetting the SMC can resolve various power-related issues, including problems with charging. The procedure varies depending on whether your Mac has a removable battery or not, and whether it’s an Apple silicon Mac or an Intel-based Mac. Always back up your data before attempting an SMC reset.
For Intel-based MacBooks with non-removable batteries, shut down your Mac, then press and hold the Shift + Control + Option keys along with the power button simultaneously for about 10 seconds. Release all keys and the power button, then press the power button to turn your Mac back on. For Apple silicon Macs, simply restarting the computer is typically sufficient as the SMC functions are handled differently.
Can A Faulty USB-C Port Cause My Mac Not To Charge?
Yes, a faulty or damaged USB-C port can definitely prevent your Mac from charging. The USB-C ports on modern Macs are responsible for both power delivery and data transfer, so any damage or malfunction can disrupt the charging process. Try using a different USB-C port on your Mac to see if the issue persists.
Also, check for any debris or lint inside the USB-C port. Use a non-metallic tool, like a toothpick, to carefully remove any obstructions. If you suspect physical damage to the port itself, consider taking your Mac to an Apple Store or authorized service provider for inspection and repair.
What If My Mac Battery Is Swollen? Is It Safe To Use?
If you notice that your Mac’s battery is swollen, it is extremely important to stop using the device immediately. A swollen battery indicates a serious safety risk. Swelling is often caused by the battery undergoing a chemical reaction that produces gas, and it can lead to fire or explosion.
Do not attempt to puncture, disassemble, or otherwise tamper with the swollen battery. Contact Apple Support or an authorized service provider as soon as possible to arrange for a battery replacement. It’s best to keep the Mac in a cool, well-ventilated area until it can be safely handled by a professional.
How Can Software Issues Affect My Mac’s Charging?
Software issues, although less common, can sometimes interfere with your Mac’s charging behavior. A corrupted system process or a conflicting third-party application might prevent the battery from charging correctly or displaying the correct charging status. Keeping your macOS updated is crucial for addressing bugs and improving overall system stability.
Try booting your Mac in Safe Mode. This will load only essential system software, allowing you to determine if a third-party application is causing the problem. If your Mac charges normally in Safe Mode, then the issue is likely related to software. You can then try uninstalling recently installed applications or performing a clean installation of macOS if the problem persists.