Are you tired of experiencing frustration when your Mac is plugged in but refuses to charge? It’s a problem many Mac users face, but the good news is that it’s often an issue that can be easily resolved. In this comprehensive article, we’ll delve into the possible reasons behind this annoying issue and provide step-by-step solutions to get your Mac charging smoothly once again.
Causes Of The Mac Not Charging Issue
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the possible causes behind the issue. There are several reasons why your Mac might not be charging, and they can be broadly classified into hardware and software issues.
Hardware Issues
Some common hardware-related causes of the Mac not charging issue include:
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Malfunctioning Power Adapter or Charger:** A faulty or damaged power adapter or charger can prevent your Mac from charging. Make sure to inspect your charger for any visible signs of damage, such as frayed cords or broken plugs.
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Dead Battery:** A dead battery can also cause the Mac not charging issue. Over time, lithium-ion batteries like those in MacBooks can wear out and lose their capacity to hold a charge. However, a dead battery is usually caused by software issues or user behavior, which we’ll discuss later.
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Overheating:** Overheating can also prevent your Mac from charging. If your Mac is exposed to high temperatures or has accumulated dust and debris in the vents, it might not charge properly.
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Loose or Faulty DC-In Board:** The DC-In board is the component that connects your power adapter to the logic board. A loose or faulty DC-In board can cause charging issues. However, this is a rare issue that typically requires professional repair.
|h3>Software Issues/h3>
Some common software-related causes of the Mac not charging issue include:
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Corrupted System Management Controller (SMC):** The SMC is responsible for managing various system functions, including battery charging. A corrupted SMC can cause charging issues. We’ll discuss how to reset the SMC later in this article.
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Battery Calibration Issues:** Improper battery calibration can cause charging issues. If the battery is not calibrated correctly, it may not charge to 100% or may not hold a charge.
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Conflicting System Preferences:** In some cases, conflicting system preferences can prevent your Mac from charging. We’ll discuss how to resolve this issue later in the article.
Troubleshooting Steps To Resolve The Mac Not Charging Issue
Now that we’ve discussed the possible causes, let’s move on to the troubleshooting steps to resolve the Mac not charging issue.
Basic Troubleshooting Steps
Before we dive into the advanced troubleshooting steps, let’s start with the basics.
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Check the Power Adaptor and Charger:** Ensure the power adapter and charger are functioning correctly. Try using a different power outlet or a different charger to rule out any issues with the current charger.
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Inspect the Power Cord and DC-In Board:** Inspect the power cord for any visible signs of damage or wear. Also, ensure the DC-In board is securely connected to the logic board.
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Restart Your Mac:** A simple reboot can often resolve charging issues. Press the Power button to turn off your Mac, then press it again to turn it back on.
Resetting The System Management Controller (SMC)
Resetting the SMC can often resolve charging issues. Here’s how to do it:
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For MacBooks with a Non-Touch Bar Display:
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Shut down your MacBook.
- Locate the following keys on your keyboard: Power button, Command (⌘) + Option (⌥) + Shift (⇧) + Power button.
- Press these keys while powering on your MacBook.
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Hold the keys for 10 seconds. Release the keys when you hear the boot chimes for the second time.
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For MacBooks with a Touch Bar Display:
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Shut down your MacBook.
- Locate the following keys on your keyboard: Power button, Control (⌃) + Option (⌥) + Shift (⇧) + Power button.
- Press these keys while powering on your MacBook.
- Hold the keys for 10 seconds. Release the keys when you hear the boot chimes for the second time.
Battery Calibration
Improper battery calibration can cause charging issues. Here’s how to calibrate your Mac’s battery:
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For MacBooks with a Non-Touch Bar Display:
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Shut down your MacBook.
- Unplug the power adapter from the wall outlet.
- Press the Power button and the Volume Down (-) key.
- Hold the keys for 10 seconds.
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Release the keys and plug the power adapter back in.
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For MacBooks with a Touch Bar Display:
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Shut down your MacBook.
- Unplug the power adapter from the wall outlet.
- Press the Power button and the Volume Down (-) key.
- Hold the keys for 10 seconds.
- Release the keys and plug the power adapter back in.
| Tips for Calibrating Your Mac’s Battery: | More Information: |
|---|---|
| 1. Let Your Mac Run on Battery Power Until It’s Completely Discharged. | This will help your Mac recalibrate the battery. |
| 2. Charge Your Mac to 100% Capacity Without Interruptions. | This will help your Mac recalibrate the battery charge capacity. |
| 3. Repeat the Calibration Process for a Few Cycles. | This will help your Mac fully recalibrate the battery. |
Resolving Conflicting System Preferences
Conflicting system preferences can sometimes cause charging issues. To resolve this issue, try the following steps:
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Check System Preferences: Go to System Preferences > Energy Saver. Ensure the “Prevent computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off” option is unchecked.
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Disable Login Items: Sometimes, login items can interfere with charging. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items. Disable any unnecessary login items.
Conclusion
If your Mac is plugged in but not charging, there are many potential causes, including hardware and software issues. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue. Remember to inspect the charger and power cord, reset the SMC, calibrate the battery, and resolve any conflicting system preferences. With patience and persistence, you should be able to get your Mac charging smoothly once again.
Additional Resources:
If your Mac still refuses to charge after trying all the troubleshooting steps, you may need to take it to an authorized Apple repair center or a professional Mac repair service. They can diagnose the issue and perform any necessary repairs.
In addition, here are some tips to extend the life of your Mac’s battery and prevent future charging issues:
- Keep your Mac away from extreme temperatures.
- Monitor your battery health and adjust your settings accordingly.
- Clean dust and debris from the vents and fans regularly.
- Avoid overcharging or completely discharging your battery.
By following these tips and the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you should be able to keep your Mac charging smoothly and maintain a healthy battery for years to come.
My Mac Is Plugged In But Not Charging. Is This A Hardware Problem?
If your Mac is plugged in but not charging, it could be due to a hardware issue, but it’s not the only possible reason. The issue could be with the power adapter, the charging cable, or even the charging port on your Mac. It’s also possible that there’s a problem with your Mac’s battery or charging circuitry.
To rule out a hardware problem, try using a different power adapter and charging cable to charge your Mac. If the issue persists, it’s possible that the problem is with your Mac’s charging port or battery. You may need to have your Mac serviced or repaired by an authorized Apple repair center.
Can A Faulty Power Adapter Cause My Mac To Not Charge?
Yes, a faulty power adapter can cause your Mac to not charge. If the power adapter is not working correctly, it may not be able to provide the necessary power to charge your Mac’s battery. Over time, power adapters can wear out or become damaged, which can cause charging problems.
If you suspect that your power adapter is faulty, try using a different one to charge your Mac. If your Mac starts charging normally, then it’s likely that the problem was with the power adapter. Make sure to use a genuine Apple power adapter or a high-quality third-party adapter that is compatible with your Mac.
Can I Use Any USB-C Cable To Charge My Mac?
No, not all USB-C cables are created equal. To charge your Mac, you need a USB-C cable that is designed for charging and is capable of carrying the necessary amount of power. Some USB-C cables are only designed for data transfer and may not be able to carry enough power to charge your Mac.
Make sure to use a high-quality USB-C cable that is designed for charging and is compatible with your Mac. Look for a cable that is rated for high-power charging and has a high-quality certification, such as USB-IF certification.
How Can I Reset The System Management Controller (SMC) On My Mac?
Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac can sometimes resolve charging issues. To reset the SMC on a Mac laptop, press the power button, the Command+Option+Shift+Power buttons, or the Power button and the Volume Down button at the same time. Hold the buttons for 10 seconds and then release them.
After resetting the SMC, try charging your Mac again to see if the issue is resolved. If the issue persists, you may need to try other troubleshooting steps or have your Mac serviced or repaired by an authorized Apple repair center.
Can A Software Problem Cause My Mac To Not Charge?
Yes, a software problem can cause your Mac to not charge. Sometimes, a software issue can prevent your Mac from charging properly. This could be due to a conflict with a third-party app or a problem with your Mac’s operating system.
To troubleshoot a software problem, try restarting your Mac in Safe Mode or resetting the System Management Controller (SMC). You can also try uninstalling any recently installed apps that may be causing the problem.
How Often Should I Calibrate My Mac’s Battery?
It’s a good idea to calibrate your Mac’s battery every 3-6 months to ensure that the battery is working properly. Calibrating your Mac’s battery helps to reset the battery’s power gauge and can help to prevent charging issues.
To calibrate your Mac’s battery, let the battery drain to 0% and then charge it to 100%. Repeat this process a few times to help calibrate the battery. Make sure to avoid letting the battery completely drain to 0% on a regular basis, as this can cause damage to the battery.
What Should I Do If None Of The Above Solutions Work?
If none of the above solutions work, it’s possible that there’s a more serious hardware problem with your Mac. In this case, you may need to have your Mac serviced or repaired by an authorized Apple repair center. Make sure to back up your data before taking your Mac in for repair to prevent any data loss.
Before taking your Mac in for repair, make sure to try all of the troubleshooting steps above to rule out any simple software or hardware problems. If the issue persists, it’s best to seek the help of a professional Apple repair technician.