MacBook Battery Not Charging? Here‘s What to Do
As a MacOS and software expert, I‘ve helped countless MacBook owners troubleshoot the dreaded "Battery Is Not Charging" warning. While it can be a frustrating issue, it‘s often fixable with some simple software tweaks or good old-fashioned hardware maintenance. In this guide, I‘ll walk you through the 4 most common underlying causes and the step-by-step solutions so you can get your MacBook battery back to peak performance.
1. Software Issues
Before you assume your MacBook battery or charger is defective, rule out software-related issues first – they account for over 60% of MacBook charging problems! Here are some quick fixes to try:
Check for Updates
According to Apple Support Community forums, installing the latest version of macOS resolves battery charging issues more than 70% of the time. To check for and install the latest updates:
- Click the Apple logo in the top left corner
- Click About This Mac > Software Update
- If an update is available, click Update Now and follow the prompts
- Restart your MacBook when prompted
Reset SMC and NVRAM
Resetting your MacBook‘s System Management Controller (SMC) and Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM) can resolve a variety of power and battery glitches.
To reset SMC on MacBooks with non-removable batteries:
- Shut down your MacBook
- Press and hold Control + Option + Shift for 7 seconds
- Keep holding Control + Option + Shift and press the power button
- Hold all 4 keys for an additional 7 seconds, then release
- Press the power button to turn your MacBook back on
To reset SMC on MacBooks with removable batteries:
- Shut down your MacBook and unplug the power adapter
- Remove the battery
- Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds
- Reconnect the battery and power adapter
- Press the power button to turn your MacBook back on
To reset the NVRAM:
- Shut down your MacBook
- Press the power button, then immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R
- Continue holding until your MacBook restarts and you hear the startup chime a second time, then release the keys
| MacBook Model | SMC Reset Steps |
|---|---|
| 2015 and earlier | Removable battery steps |
| 2016 and later | Non-removable battery steps |
| 2018 and later with T2 chip | Hold Control + Option + Shift for 7 seconds, then press power button and hold all 4 for additional 7 seconds |
Research has shown that over 25% of MacBook owners experience SMC or NVRAM related issues at some point, but fewer than half attempt the reset process before seeking professional repair. Give it a shot – the fix is free and more often than not, it works!
2. Charging Hardware Problems
If your software is up-to-date and you‘ve tried the SMC/NVRAM resets with no luck, it‘s time to take a closer look at your charging setup. Follow these steps to identify and resolve hardware-related issues:
Inspect Cable and Adapter
The most common point of failure in a MacBook charging setup is the cable. Carefully examine both ends of yours for any signs of fraying, kinking, splitting, or discoloration. If you spot any damage, purchase a replacement cable from Apple or an Apple-authorized retailer. Using cheap off-brand cables is a common cause of charging issues – and a fire hazard.
The power adapter brick can also fail. Check for any cracks or bulges in the casing. A bloated adapter is a sure sign it needs immediate replacing. If you have a spare adapter from another Apple device, borrow it to test charging your MacBook battery. If it works, you‘ve identified the culprit!
Clean Ports and Connectors
Even if you don‘t see any obvious signs of damage, your MacBook‘s ports and the charging cable connectors can collect dust and debris that interfere with charging. This is an often overlooked cause of intermittent charging.
Using a flashlight, examine the inside of your MacBook‘s charging port for any lint, dust, or debris. Gently remove any foreign material with a toothpick or anti-static brush. Repeat this process for the connector on both ends of your charging cable. For stubborn grime or corrosion, dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol, squeeze out the excess, and use it to carefully clean the contacts. Let everything dry completely before attempting to charge again.
According to a study by a leading tech maintenance company, nearly 40% of devices brought in for battery service just needed the charging port cleaned to resolve the issue. It‘s a simple fix that can save you a trip to the Apple Store.
3. Faulty Battery
If you‘ve ruled out software glitches and charging hardware problems, your MacBook‘s battery itself may be to blame. All rechargeable batteries naturally degrade and lose capacity over time – it‘s just a matter of chemistry. However, certain factors can accelerate this degradation, such as:
- Regularly exposing your MacBook to extreme heat (over 95°F/35°C) or cold (under 32°F/0°C)
- Storing your MacBook fully charged for extended periods without use
- Frequently letting the battery fully drain to 0% before recharging
- Physical damage from drops or liquid exposure
| MacBook Model | Expected Battery Lifespan |
|---|---|
| MacBook Air | 3-5 years |
| 13" MacBook Pro | 3-5 years |
| 15-16" MacBook Pro | 2-4 years |
*Source: Apple.com
So how do you know if it‘s time to replace your MacBook battery? Follow these steps:
- Click the Apple logo > About This Mac > System Report
- Under the Hardware section, select Power
- Make note of the Health Information:
- Normal: Battery is functioning normally
- Service Battery: Battery is performing below optimal capacity, have it checked by a professional
- Replace Soon: Battery is functioning normally but nearing end of lifespan
- Replace Now: Battery is at end of lifespan, not functioning optimally, and should be replaced ASAP
You can also hold the Option key and click the battery icon in your menu bar to see a status. If you see a "Service Battery" message, your battery has dropped below 80% of its original capacity and it‘s time for a replacement.
Unfortunately, all MacBook batteries 2009 and later are not user-replaceable. You‘ll need to take your MacBook to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider to get the battery swapped out. Replacements typically cost $129-$199 depending on your MacBook model.
But before you shell out for a new battery, check to see if your MacBook is eligible for a free replacement under one of Apple‘s Battery Replacement Programs or other repair extension programs: https://support.apple.com/service-programs
4. Conflicting Settings
As advanced as the macOS is, it‘s not immune to the occasional bug or glitch – especially when it comes to power management. Here are a couple settings you can tweak that might help with your battery charging woes:
Update Date & Time
An incorrect system date and time can confuse your MacBook and prevent the battery from charging normally. To check and adjust:
- Click the Apple logo and go to System Preferences
- Select Date & Time
- Ensure the date, time, time zone, and daylight savings settings are all accurate
- Check the box next to "Set date and time automatically" if it is not already
Apple‘s own data shows that synchronizing the date and time with the Apple time server resolved battery charging for 5% of affected MacBooks, so it‘s worth a shot!
Disable Battery Health Management
Introduced in macOS 10.15.5 and later, Battery Health Management is a software feature that helps extend the overall lifespan of your MacBook battery by delaying the rate of chemical aging. However, in rare cases it can conflict with normal charging behavior.
If you suspect Battery Health Management is preventing your MacBook from charging to 100% capacity:
- Click the Apple logo and go to System Preferences
- Select Battery, then click Battery in the sidebar
- Uncheck the box next to "Battery health management"
I only recommend disabling this setting temporarily for diagnostic purposes. If your MacBook starts charging normally with it disabled, you‘ve found the culprit and can leave it off. Otherwise, I suggest re-enabling it for the long-term health of your battery.
According to Apple, Battery Health Management has extended the lifespan of MacBook batteries by an average of 6 months since it was introduced. That‘s 6 extra months of peak performance before you need to consider a replacement!
Bonus Tips for Prolonging MacBook Battery Health
In addition to following the troubleshooting steps above, here are some simple ways you can maximize your MacBook‘s battery lifespan:
- Enable Optimized Battery Charging in Battery settings
- Keep your MacBook in a cool, dry environment between 62°-72°F (16°-22°C)
- Use your MacBook on a hard, flat, stable surface to prevent overheating
- Plug in and charge your MacBook when the battery falls below 20%
- Unplug your MacBook once it reaches a full charge
- Store your MacBook with a 50% charge if you won‘t be using it for several months
- Use only authentic Apple or MFI-certified chargers and cables
By the time your MacBook battery reaches the end of its lifespan, Apple offers free recycling and trade-in credit towards a new Mac. According to the company‘s latest Environmental Progress Report, Apple recycled nearly 60,000 metric tons of e-waste and renewed over 11.1 million devices in 2021 alone. You can feel good about upgrading knowing your old battery will be responsibly recycled!
Armed with this knowledge, you‘re well-equipped to get to the bottom of any MacBook battery issues and keep your trusty laptop powered up for years to come. Remember, a little proactive maintenance goes a long way. Stay charged, Mac fans!
By Tyler Bernath, MacOS and Software Expert