In today’s digital age, our devices have become an essential part of our daily lives. From smartphones to laptops, having a reliable power source is crucial. However, encountering the frustrating “Plugged In Not Charging” issue can be a major setback. This article aims to provide quick and practical solutions to common power issues, allowing users to regain control over their devices and ensure they’re always charged and ready to go. Whether it’s a faulty charger or a software glitch, these troubleshooting tips will guide you towards fixing the problem and getting back to using your device hassle-free.
Check The Power Supply And Cables
When encountering the frustrating “Plugged In Not Charging” issue, the first step is to check the power supply and cables. Begin by ensuring that the power cord is properly connected to both the wall outlet and your device. If you are using an adapter or power brick, also confirm that it is firmly plugged into the wall socket.
Inspect the power cable for any visible damage such as frayed wires or loose connectors. If you find any issues, replace the cable with a new one compatible with your device. It is important to use the correct power adapter for your specific device as using an incorrect one can prevent the battery from charging.
Additionally, try connecting the power cable to a different outlet to eliminate the possibility of a faulty wall socket. If available, using a different power supply altogether can also help determine if the issue lies with the cable or power source.
By thoroughly examining and ensuring the integrity of the power supply and cables, you can effectively eliminate common power-related causes of the “Plugged In Not Charging” problem.
Troubleshoot The Battery
When encountering the “Plugged In Not Charging” issue, it is essential to troubleshoot the battery as it may be the root cause of the problem. Start by checking the battery connections and ensuring that they are secure. If the connections are loose or dirty, gently clean them with a soft cloth and reconnect properly.
Next, try removing the battery from the device and inspect it for any physical damage, such as swelling or leakage. If there are signs of damage, it is recommended to replace the battery with a new one.
In some cases, the battery may be drained completely, leading to the “Plugged In Not Charging” problem. To fix this, connect the device to a power source and let it charge for at least 15-30 minutes. If it still doesn’t charge, try a different power outlet or charger to eliminate any possibilities of a faulty power source.
Additionally, some devices have battery management software that can provide insights into the battery’s health and performance. Check if there are any software updates available for your device that could potentially resolve battery-related issues.
If troubleshooting the battery doesn’t resolve the “Plugged In Not Charging” problem, it’s time to move on to the next troubleshooting steps.
Update The Device’s Drivers And Firmware
Updating the drivers and firmware of your device is crucial to ensure optimal performance and resolve power-related issues. Outdated or incompatible drivers can sometimes cause the “Plugged In Not Charging” problem.
To update the drivers, start by accessing the Device Manager on your computer. In Windows, you can do this by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting “Device Manager” from the menu. Look for the “Batteries” category, expand it, and right-click on “Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery.” Select the “Update Driver” option and follow the prompts to search for and install the latest driver updates.
Additionally, it’s essential to update the firmware of your device, especially if you’re using a laptop. Firmware updates can improve power management and battery charging functionality. Check the manufacturer’s website for firmware updates specific to your device model.
Regularly updating both the drivers and firmware of your device can significantly improve power-related issues such as the “Plugged In Not Charging” error, ensuring a seamless and reliable charging experience.
Adjust Power Settings And Battery Usage
Adjusting power settings and optimizing battery usage can help resolve the issue of a plugged-in device not charging. By tweaking these settings, you can potentially overcome common power issues.
One effective way to adjust power settings is by customizing the power plan on your device. For Windows users, go to the Control Panel and navigate to Power Options. Here, you can choose a power plan suitable for your needs, such as Balanced or Power Saver. Additionally, you can modify advanced settings to control how the system handles various power-related tasks.
Optimizing battery usage is equally important. You can do this by lowering the brightness of your screen, disabling unused apps and services, and reducing background processes that consume power. Limiting the number of active applications can ease the workload on the battery, allowing it to charge more effectively.
Remember to check if any specific power-saving modes, such as Battery Saver, are enabled on your device. These modes can significantly impact charging behavior. By making adjustments to power settings and battery usage, you can troubleshoot and resolve the common issue of a plugged-in device not charging.
Reset The Power Management System
Resetting the power management system can often resolve the ‘plugged in not charging’ issue. This process involves discharging and then recharging the battery, which can help recalibrate the power settings and reset any faulty configurations.
To reset the power management system, start by shutting down the device and disconnecting it from the power source. Next, remove the battery if it’s removable, and hold down the power button for around 15-20 seconds to fully discharge any residual power.
After this, reinsert the battery (if applicable) and connect the device to the power source. Turn on the device and check if the ‘plugged in not charging’ problem persists.
Performing a power management system reset can help fix any temporary compatibility or software issues that may be causing the charging problem. However, if the issue continues, it may be necessary to explore other troubleshooting methods or seek professional assistance.
Verify If There Are Any Hardware Issues
When encountering the ‘Plugged In Not Charging’ issue, it is essential to rule out any potential hardware problems. Hardware issues could include a faulty charging port, damaged battery, or broken power adapter.
To verify if there are any hardware issues, start by checking the charging port for any visible damage or debris that may be obstructing the connection. If necessary, clean the port gently using compressed air or a soft brush.
Next, try using a different power adapter or charging cable to ensure the problem isn’t caused by a faulty charger. If the battery charges with a different adapter, it may be time to replace the original charger.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, it might be necessary to inspect the battery itself. Some laptops have removable batteries, while others require professional assistance. Consider consulting the manufacturer’s website or contacting their support team for guidance on safely removing and inspecting the battery.
Remember, diagnosing and fixing hardware issues requires technical expertise. If you are uncomfortable or unsure about handling hardware problems, it is recommended to seek professional assistance to avoid causing further damage.
Consider Professional Assistance
If you have tried all the previous solutions and your device is still experiencing the ‘plugged in not charging’ issue, it may be time to consider seeking professional assistance.
Sometimes, the underlying cause of the problem can be more complicated and require specialized knowledge or equipment that a regular user may not possess. Professional technicians have the expertise to diagnose and fix complex power-related issues accurately.
You can start by reaching out to the manufacturer’s support team or authorized service center for guidance. They can provide you with further troubleshooting steps or advise you on whether the device needs to be repaired or replaced.
Alternatively, you can also consult with a reliable local computer repair shop or a technician specializing in your specific device model. They can assess the situation and offer appropriate solutions tailored to your device’s unique requirements.
Remember, seeking professional assistance can save you time, effort, and potential damage caused by attempting complicated repairs yourself.
FAQs
1. Why is my laptop not charging when it is plugged in?
One possible reason for your laptop not charging when plugged in could be a faulty power adapter or charger. Check if the charger is properly connected to your laptop and if the adapter is working correctly. If it is damaged or not providing enough power, consider getting a replacement.
2. What should I do if my laptop battery is plugged in but not charging?
If your laptop battery is not charging even when it is plugged in, try these quick solutions:
– Restart your laptop and check if the battery starts charging.
– Unplug the charger, shut down the laptop, remove the battery, press and hold the power button for a few seconds, reinsert the battery, and plug in the charger to see if it starts charging.
– Update your laptop’s battery driver or firmware from the manufacturer’s website.
3. How can I fix the ‘plugged in not charging’ issue on my MacBook?
If you have a MacBook and it is not charging, you can try the following steps:
– Reset the SMC (System Management Controller) by shutting down the MacBook, connecting the power adapter, holding the Shift + Control + Option keys, and pressing the power button.
– Check the MagSafe connector and make sure it is clean and not damaged. Use a soft cloth to wipe any debris.
4. My Windows laptop shows ‘plugged in not charging’ even though the charger is fine. What could be the problem?
There could be several reasons for this issue on a Windows laptop. Here are a few things you can try:
– Open Device Manager and uninstall the battery driver, then restart the laptop to reinstall the driver automatically.
– Adjust the power settings in Windows by going to Control Panel > Power Options > Change plan settings. Ensure that the “On battery” and “Plugged in” settings are set appropriately to allow charging.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, experiencing the ‘Plugged In Not Charging’ issue can be frustrating, but it is a common power problem that can usually be easily resolved. By following the quick solutions outlined in this article, such as checking the power source, restarting the device, or resetting the battery settings, users can often fix this issue and get their device charging again. If none of these solutions work, it may be necessary to seek professional help or replace the battery. Overall, understanding the common causes and solutions for this problem can help users quickly address it and get back to using their devices without any interruptions.