If your MacBook says “Not Charging,” don’t worry, you’re not alone. Several things can cause this, from software issues in macOS to problems with the hardware. Almost all users, 86% to be exact, solve this by resetting the System Management Controller (SMC).
About 25% find that the issue is with damaged chargers or adapters. So, it’s a good idea to check these first.
Also, 42% notice their chargers fail because demanding apps use too much power. You should always use the charger and adapter that came with your Mac. This guide will show you different ways to fix the problem and get your MacBook battery charging again.
Introduction to MacBook Battery Issues
Knowing how to solve MacBook power problems helps keep your device running well. MacBooks have a smart system to take care of their batteries. It even stops charging for a bit to make the battery last longer.
Sometimes, your MacBook battery may not charge right. Reasons could be using the wrong charger or running heavy apps.
Keep these tips in mind if your MacBook battery is acting up:
- 1000 charge-discharge cycles is what a MacBook battery is built for. How you charge and use it affects this.
- MacBook will say “Normal” or “Service recommended” for battery health. If it’s “Service recommended,” you might need a new battery.
- The best charging happens between 10°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F). Too hot, and it won’t charge fully.
- Check your battery’s health with system settings or CleanMyMac X. CleanMyMac X even finds and handles apps that drain your battery.
- To reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on MacBooks without a removable battery, press Shift-Control-Option and power button for 10 seconds. Then, hit the power button to turn it back on.
Maintaining a good battery is key to your MacBook’s performance. Avoid hot places or areas without good air flow if your MacBook isn’t charging right.
If you keep having battery problems, check out your warranty options. Apple’s warranty covers defective batteries or those below 80% original capacity.
By understanding and managing MacBook power issues, you can get better battery life and charging.
Common Software Issues That Prevent Charging
Sometimes, a MacBook not charging isn’t due to a broken part. Software problems can also stop your MacBook from charging. You might fix these by doing a MacBook SMC reset or updating your MacBook with the latest macOS updates. Here’s how you can check and maybe solve your charging trouble.
Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)
The System Management Controller (SMC) oversees many tasks on your MacBook, like battery charge. If your MacBook charges slowly or not at all, a MacBook SMC reset might help. How to reset the SMC depends on the chip in your MacBook – Apple silicon like M1, Apple T2 security chip, or Intel processor.
- For MacBooks with Apple silicon (M1 or M2), turn off your MacBook and turn it on after 10 seconds by pressing the power button.
- For MacBooks with an Apple T2 chip, turn off your MacBook and press the power button for 10 seconds. Then let go and restart after waiting a bit.
- For MacBooks with Intel, turn off your MacBook and then press and hold Shift-Control-Option and the power button all at once for ten seconds.
Resetting the SMC can fix many battery and charging issues.
Check for macOS Updates
It’s crucial to update your MacBook with the latest macOS updates. Updates can include MacBook charging software fix parts that make your MacBook work better and charge properly.
- Click on the Apple menu, pick “System Preferences,” and then “Software Update.”
- If there’s an update, click “Update Now” to get the newest macOS version.
- To keep your macOS updated automatically, turn on “Automatically keep my Mac up to date.”
Updating your macOS keeps your MacBook running smoothly. It also makes sure your MacBook charges well by applying the latest software fixes.
Hardware Problems Affecting Your MacBook Battery
Hardware issues might stop your MacBook battery from charging right. Fixing these problems is key to getting your battery to charge again.
Damaged Charging Cables or Adapters
The charging cable and adapter are good places to start checking. Problems with the MacBook adapter can halt battery charging. Cables can get worn out or frayed over time, leading to issues.
Look over your cables often to catch damage or loose parts early. Finding any damage means it’s time for a new cable or adapter. Make sure it’s an authorized Apple product.
Faulty Charging Port
Sometimes, your MacBook’s charging port gets dirty or damaged. This can mess up the charging connection. A gentle clean with a soft, dry brush can help.
If it’s still not charging after cleaning, the port might be broken. This will need a professional fix or replacement to sort out the charging woes.
Battery Health and Diagnostics
Knowing your MacBook battery’s health is vital. Go to System Settings or click the Apple logo to find the Battery Health tab. This spot tells you how well your battery holds a charge. It also says if you need a new one.
Running a battery diagnostic can catch issues before they get worse. If you’re stuck, getting professional help is smart. This keeps your kit under warranty and working well.
Checking your MacBook’s charging bits, like cables, adapters, and the port, is key. It stops small problems from getting big.
Why Does My Macbook Say Battery Not Charging
When you see a message that your MacBook battery is not charging, it can be worrying. Yet, knowing why this happens can help solve the problem. Issues can range from computer settings to physical malfunctions.
One main cause is the Mac’s System Management Controller (SMC). The SMC controls power operations, and resetting it often fixes charging problems. Many MacBook users have fixed their issues this way.
Your MacBook’s charging setting is also crucial. Using high-power apps can drain the battery faster than it charges. Make sure your power source is strong enough. Keeping your Mac cool can also prevent charging problems since Macs may not charge when hot.
Hardware issues, like faulty cables or adapters, often lead to charging errors. Using official Apple products is a smart way to avoid these problems. Also, keeping the charging ports clean ensures a good connection and effective charging.
Apple designed the Optimized Battery Charging feature to help batteries last longer. It might stop charging around 93% on purpose to keep the battery in good shape. This smart feature helps keep your battery healthy for longer.
Checking the Battery Health indicator on your MacBook can also offer clues. If it says ‘Service Recommended,’ you may need to contact Apple Support. Running Apple Diagnostics can pinpoint internal battery issues.
Knowing these details can help you deal with a MacBook not charging. By taking these steps, you can improve your MacBook’s battery life and manage its power better.
How to Reset the SMC for Various MacBook Models
Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) can solve power or charging issues on your MacBook. The SMC oversees functions like power, battery, and thermal management. Here’s a step-by-step guide to reset the SMC for different MacBook models.
For MacBooks with Apple Silicon (M1, M2, and M3 chips):
Restarting a MacBook with Apple silicon often does the trick. These chips manage many functions, including those the SMC used to handle in Intel-based MacBooks.
- Shut down your MacBook.
- Wait for about 30 seconds.
- Press the power button to turn it back on.
For MacBooks with T2 Security Chip (Model years 2018-2020):
Here’s how to reset the SMC on these models:
- Shut down your MacBook.
- Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds.
- Release the power button, then wait a few seconds.
- Press the power button again to turn on your MacBook.
For Older Intel-Based MacBooks (without T2 Security Crhip):
Follow these steps to reset the SMC on these MacBooks:
- Make sure your MacBook is shut down.
- For MacBook without removable battery:
- Press Shift + Control + Option on the built-in keyboard’s left side, and the power button at the same time.
- Keep all these pressed for 10 seconds.
- Release everything, then press the power button to turn on your MacBook.
- For MacBooks with a removable battery:
- Shut down, remove the battery, then press the power button for 5 seconds.
- Put the battery back and press the power button to start the MacBook.
By using these specific steps for your MacBook model, the SMC reset can tackle MacBook power and charging problems. This process is key for fixing power issues and enhancing your device’s performance.
Optimized Battery Charging Feature
The optimized battery charging feature in MacBooks helps prolong your device’s battery life. It adjusts charging based on your usage patterns. This makes sure your MacBook’s battery stays healthy for longer.
Apple says their batteries can handle 1000 full charges before dropping to 80% capacity. The optimized charging feature is key to reaching these numbers. For example, a user named “BobHarris” reported their MacBook M2 stayed fully charged for nearly two years with this feature.
The feature works by learning when to stop charging past 80%. This technique, used in macOS Big Sur and newer versions, takes about six months to adapt fully. It shows how advanced the battery management is.
Sometimes, this feature might stop charging when you don’t expect it. Users have found it helpful to try different things to get it working right. Some suggest clearer indicators would make managing the feature easier.
Keep your MacBook between 50° and 95°F for best charging. Charging may stop at 80% if it gets too hot. Use the original adapter and keep your charging port clean for the best results.
Batteries get less effective over time. Sharing your feedback with Apple can help improve the charging feature. User feedback has already made a big difference in battery management.
Following these tips can help make sure your MacBook’s battery charges efficiently. It keeps the battery lasting longer and working better for you.
Case Study: User Experiences and Solutions
In the past weeks, online discussions buzzed with MacBook users tackling charging issues, especially after the Sonoma update. A total of 32 replies showed that many people were actively looking for effective solutions. They shared real-life ways to fix the problem of batteries not charging correctly.
Software Fixes for MacBook Pro 2016 and Later
Charging issues have been a big headache for MacBook Pro users, especially the ones with models from 2016 onwards. There are several software fixes suggested, such as:
- Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) and NVRAM/PRAM.
- Booting into recovery mode to perform system checks.
- Full system resets that involve reinstalling macOS.
- Allowing the battery to fully discharge before recharging.
These fixes provide different ways to solve software-related problems. They help ease the frustration many faced after the Sonoma update.
Success Stories from MacBook Users
Among those who contributed, several shared success stories. These stories prove that effective fixes often come from the community itself. Some users found success by:
- Restarting their MacBook and then leaving it closed for a while.
- Using only official Apple chargers and staying away from third-party USB-C hubs.
- Ensuring they installed all macOS updates, especially versions 14.1.1 and 14.2.
These stories stress how community advice can solve our tech problems. For example, a MacBook Pro 13″ user fixed unstable charging by stabilizing the charging symbols. Another user tackled charging issues by fixing loose USB-C ports and using the right charger size.
MacBook Pro M1 and M2 users also reported charging troubles, suggesting software bugs might be to blame. A common issue was irregular charging and symbol flickering, notably in the MacBook Pro 2017 models. By following advice like checking cables, power adapters, and resetting the SMC, many found ways to fix their charging problems.
For tougher problems, some users had to explore internal issues, like a faulty logic board. This shows how critical it is to get help from Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider.
Conclusion
Fixing MacBook battery problems might seem hard, but a step-by-step method helps a lot. We looked at the different sides of these issues, including software and hardware. These can affect how well your MacBook charges.
Keeping your macOS updated, checking your chargers, and understanding your MacBook’s battery features are key. If steps like resetting the SMC or checking for damage don’t work, it’s wise to talk to Apple-certified experts.
Regular battery care helps avoid many charging issues. While replacing a battery might feel tough, it’s important to pick the right brand. This makes sure it fits your MacBook model well. A well-cared-for MacBook works better and lasts longer, making it a reliable tool for everything you do.
