Mac Tips

[Solved] Battery is Not Charging on MacBook pro

by Jenefey Aaron   Updated on 2020-01-10 / Update for  OS X

A MacBook is the ideal device when you need to bring your work with you wherever you go. That's because you can simply charge the device and it will remain operation for the life of the battery. But that is only true if the MacBook can hold the charge. Sometimes for some unforeseen reasons, your Mac may fail to charge causing all sorts of problems with functionality.

So what do you do when the battery is not charging on the MacBook Pro? The first step is to find out why the Mac is not charging. This is the only that you can not only fix the problem but also prevent it from happening again. In this article we will diagnose the mac not charging problem and provide you with solutions to fix it.

Why Mac Battery is Not Charging

There are a few reasons why your Mac could be failing to charge. Some of the most common include the following;

1. Connection Issues

One of the main reasons why your Mac may not be charging could be due to connection issues. It is possible that the cable you are using is somehow damaged and therefore cannot sufficiently connect the Mac to the power source, allowing for adequate charging.

2. Hardware Problems

You also want to check the hardware components of the Mac to ensure that everything is working OK. Is the power cable itself working correctly? You can check by connecting it to another Mac.

3. Battery Issue

It is also likely that the Mac's battery could be damaged. If the cable and the power source are just fine but the Mac will not charge correctly, it is possible that the battery is somehow damaged.

How to Fix Battery Not Charging on MacBook

No matter what the cause of the problem, you need your Mac to charge and therefore need a solution to the problem. The following are just some of the most effective solutions you can try;

1. Reboot the Mac

Sometimes certain software problems can cause the hardware components of the Mac to freeze up, resulting in a device that will not charge or work correctly. Since a reboot will often reset the Mac and eliminate some of these software problems, you may want to try that first. Follow these simple steps to do it;

  • Click on the Apple Logo at the top left corner of the screen.
  • Select "Restart" and wait for the MacBook to reboot.
  • Once the reboot process is complete, try charging the Mac again.

2. Inspect a Hardware Problem

If a reboot doesn't work, you may want to check the hardware components just to make sure that everything is working correctly. Begin by checking the power cable. Inspect it and see if you can find any broken parts. A damaged power cable could be causing the problem. You may also want to check the ports to ensure there aren't any debris and dirt that could be hindering the connection. Finally, check that the cable is well plugged into the socket.

3. Check the Battery

Checking the battery life can be important when the battery is not charging s expected. To do that, press and hold down the Option Key and click on the battery icon in the menu bar to open the advanced options menu which could show one of the following 4 battery states;

  • Normal- Battery is functioning at optimal levels
  • Replace Soon- the battery is working but it will charge less than before
  • Replace Now- You need to replace the battery as soon as possible
  • Service Battery- The battery should be replaced immediately to prevent damaging the MacBook

4. Reset the SMC

The System Management Controller (SMC) controls your battery management and resetting it can help fix the Mac not charging problem. The process of resetting SMC is different for MacBook with removable and non-removable batteries. Here's how to do both;

When Your Battery is Removable;

  • Shut down the Mac and remove the battery.
  • Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds and then reinstall the battery.
  • Turn on the Mac
When the Battery is Not Removable;
  • Shut down the Mac
  • Press the Shift –Control-Option and the power button at the same time and hold for 10 seconds.
  • Release the buttons and then turn on the Mac

5. Cool Your MacBook

When the heat sensors on your Mac detect a rise in temperature, they can block access to the battery which can cause the battery to not charge. To cool down the Mac, simply turn it off for a while and stop using it.

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