How To Fix Macbook Battery Not Charging Issue

How To Fix Macbook Battery Not Charging Issue
  • Jan 11th, 2024
  • Ranjeet Singh
  • Macbook
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This happened to me, too. One fine morning, my MacBook battery protested to take 'charge' anymore. And just like you, I thought it was only me. My MacBook battery is not charging. It's such an unusual incident; that's what I thought. But I was wrong. It turns out that many MacBook owners across the globe face this MacBook battery not charging issue. Hence, I started digging and asked our engineers how often they find similar cases and what the solution or DIY tips for MacBook battery not charging fix options are.

So, collecting all my findings, we will cover that issue in this blog and share all possible fixes to this problem. 

Before we start, we need to understand the essential components of a MacBook charging circuit.

MacBook Pro 2021 Components

Image Source: iFixit

It comprises four primary segments:

MacBook Pro Battery Segments

1. MagSafe Charger or USB-C type charger

MacBook Air MagSafe Charger

MacBook Pro MagSafe Charger

2. Battery

3. Charging circuit

4. SMC or System Management Controller - This CHIP decides when to charge the MacBook's Battery or stop charging, even when connected to a charger.

MacBook Pro SMC (System Management Controller)

Now, there may be many conditions and faults for the MacBook battery not charging problem, and we will analyze and find solutions to each state. We strongly recommend following the official Apple page before tweaking your MacBook.

 

Some Basic Issues Resulting In Your MacBook Battery Is Not Charging Currently

Condition 1 For MacBook Battery Not Charging Issue:

SMC circuit decides when to charge your Battery and when not to. So, if your MacBook's battery charge doesn't drain to 90% or lower, to save your battery health, SMC will decide not to charge your Battery even if the charger is connected. Remember, this is not a 'MacBook battery not charging' problem but a normal execution of intelligent battery charging.

MacBook Battery Capacity Level

Condition 2 For MacBook Battery Not Charging Issue:

Let's say your MacBook is connected to a low-power source that uses the power on the MacBook but no more to charge it. In that case, the charger cannot capture the Macbook battery. This is a typical scenario of a MacBook battery not setting issue. It would be best to find a high-wattage adapter for the charger to run and charge your Macbook because that low-capacity source can't trust your MacBook even when it's shut down or in sleep mode.

 

Condition 3 Why Your MacBook Battery Is Not Charging:

Your MacBook requires much power when you play a heavy video game or use video editing software or similar rich applications. In these situations, the SMC directs all the energy from the battery charger to run the MacBook without charging the Battery to provide the highest performance level. If any program drains the Battery quickly, it's not good for its health. This is another scenario of a MacBook battery not charging issue where there is no problem associated with it.

Hardware Parts Problems Causing MacBook Battery Not Charging Issue

We should focus on the other aspects of the 'MacBook battery not charging' issue where hardware parts are involved. We should discuss the physical checkpoints to ensure all the hardware parts function correctly.

  1. Check the MagSafe charger - If it's delivering the rated power to the device. You can have a spare charger and connect that with your MacBook to decide whether the charger is faulty or the Macbook battery is not charging. The issue is getting initiated from other parts of the circuitry.

 

  1. Check the charging port and the connector - This is a no-brainer. If the connector is faulty and unable to deliver the charging power due to poor contact, replace it with a new one to solve the MacBook battery not charging issue.



  1. Reset the SMC - Sometimes, the SMC misbehaves and stops charging the Battery due to false signals and the faulty data it has stored. You can reset the SMC to solve this Macbook battery not charging issue. Now, how do you reset the SMC?

Please follow these steps:

    • Turn off your MacBook

    • Connect the MagSafe charger

    • Hold Shift-Command-Option on the left-hand side keyboard and the power button simultaneously for 10 seconds.

    • Release all the buttons

    • Turn on your MacBook, and you will have successfully reset the SMC chip.

MacBook SMC Communication System with Other Components

Image Source: HawkDive

Whether you are concerned about the MacBook Air battery not charging or the MacBook Pro battery is not

Setting issue, you can apply the above tips on both types of devices to diagnose the cause of

The Battery is not charging the MacBook.

  1. Reset NVRAM - NVRAM stores custom user data like screen brightness, keyboard backlight signal, volume settings, etc. If any of these data sets gets corrupted, it will choose not to charge the MacBook battery. The solution? You will have to reset the NVRAM through the following process:

    • Turn off your MacBook

    • Restart the same, and during the restart, when you see the light on the screen or the chime sound, press and hold 'Command+Option+R+P' these four keys.

    • Let the process complete itself.

    • You have successfully reset the NVRAM.

The same solution applies to both users facing MacBook Pro battery not charging problems or Battery not setting MacBook Air problems. 

After trying all the above solutions to prevent your MacBook battery from charging issues, we must check for the Battery's health for replacement if the Condition persists.

  1. Replace the faulty Battery - If the SMC chip receives any erratic voltage and current levels from the built-in Battery, it will show this information on the screen under the battery icon, telling you the Battery is faulty. It's time to replace it.

Let's elaborate on this a bit further. The battery icon tells you the detailed Condition of your MacBook battery. Depending on the message showing there, you can understand if it's usually working and how much capacity it can hold currently. This information helps you diagnose whether the cause of your MacBook battery not charging is the damaged Battery itself or if you need to dig deeper to find out why the MacBook battery is not charging correctly.

MacBook Battery Health

Select 'Apple Menu' on your device to check the battery condition and set 'System Preferences.' Then press the 'Battery' option, and press 'Battery' again.

At the bottom, you can see 'Battery Health' on your right side. Click on that, and you'll be redirected to the Battery Information page. Under the 'Condition' section, you may see one of the two options.

  • Normal means your Battery is functioning well, and your MacBook battery is not charging. Some other reason generates the issue.

  • Replace Soon - That means your Battery is usually working, but its charge-holding capacity has reduced than before. So, it requires service, so your MacBook battery is not charging.

MacBook Battery Condition


You can see other options: cycle count and Full charge capacity.

Battery Condition Suggests Replacement

Usually, the total charge capacity should be around 5500 mAh in older MacBook devices and more than 6000 mAh in relatively new versions. Also, Apple has a yearly standard for 150 charge cycles, and after 300 charge cycles (that means two years), the battery ability starts reducing, and you are suggested to replace or service the Battery to avoid issues like MacBook battery not charging situations.

Another condition can arise where the Battery may not function properly, but you cannot notice that. Sometimes, it is difficult to distinguish any behavioral change or the ability to hold the charge in your MacBook. In that case, you should trust the battery information your device is showing and schedule a routine checkup in your nearest Apple store.

Now, you can deal with these issues related to the MacBook battery not charging at home. But there can be other hardware-related issues that need an expert touch. Here, it is evident that you will receive the best services in an Apple store or an Apple-authorized service center when your device is still under the warranty policy. Even after that, it is justified that you rely on an authorized Apple service center near your locality, but the charges and waiting time to get a service done may sometimes upset you. Another important fact is that you will usually not get any home service option. Hence, you must spend your money and time carrying it to the store and receive the fixed device after your MacBook battery not charging issue is solved. Otherwise, you must pay much more to get a service done in your place.

And that's where the NSS laptop repair center comes in. We solve all the problems that can occur within your MacBook device. Well, you don't need to take our mere words on that; instead, research. Check for the feedback and what our Apple and MacBook device customers have to say on this matter. Most importantly, we serve at your home, office, or organization. Yes, you can choose a convenient time to complete the job, and our experienced technician will reach your door on time. And also, we serve on an emergency basis. You can contact our Apple repair center branch in your locality and send our technicians within an hour maximum and without any extra charges. You can check with our technicians and engineers; they are experienced with long-term fieldwork and have professional certifications.

We also perform regular training operations in every branch across India to keep our team updated and prepared to accept all challenges gracefully. Now, the decision is on your table. Do whatever is needed, and we are always here to help.

Here, we mention that we have many branches across India, which can be near your residence or workplace. You can always follow these pages to locate the NSS MacBook repair center nearest to you:

Also, if you want to visit any NSS laptop repair center branch near you, please follow this page:

 MacBook Repair Center Near Me.

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Frequently Asked Questions

HOW TO CHECK THE BATTERY HEALTH WHEN MY MACBOOK AIR BATTERY NOT CHARGING?

Yes, you are right. You should check on the MacBook battery health now and then, whether you are facing the Macbook battery not charging issue (or, in your case, the MacBook Air battery not charging issue).

Let's elaborate on the process of battery health checkups first.

MacBook Battery Inspection

We can understand why your MacBook battery is not charging from the health status on your device. The battery condition gives you a specific situation and its capacity to hold the charge at the current moment.

Now, let's move ahead.

First, go to the Apple Menu and then System Preferences. Here, click on the Battery option and the Battery button again.

Now, you can find the Battery Health option at the bottom right area of this window. You can see two or four options based on your MacBook device model when you click on that. 

Under the Battery Information section, there is an option called Condition that indicates the current health status of your MacBook battery.

  • Standard: The battery condition is normal, and it's functioning correctly. This means your Battery is not charging in MacBook Air or Pro, which is not directly related to the Battery itself.

  • Service Recommended or Replace Soon: If you see the Service Recommended status, it describes that your Battery still usually functions, but its charge-holding ability has been reduced from the beginning. This is a sign of battery aging but not a reason for your MacBook Air battery not charging issue. It's again something else. 

Now, in some Mac devices, especially MacBook Pro notebooks, you may find a similar option showing Replace Soon status. The meaning of this Condition is the same as described above.

  • Replace Now: If you see this message in the condition area in your MacBook Pro, your Battery is not damaged yet, but it cannot hold the charge. This is when you should consider replacing your device battery unless it's too late.

  • Service Battery: This message in your Macbook Pro may indicate why your Battery is not charging in the MacBook problem. You should no longer replace the Battery to prevent overall damage to your MacBook device.

 

battery-health-status

Besides battery health, you should monitor the MacBook hardware condition, especially when your Battery has gone into service battery mode. For that, you can use applications like Combo Cleaner, which helps to identify the health condition of most of the hardware parts of your MacBook laptop. Moreover, you can use this software to clean up junk files, including temp and cache files, to maintain the performance of your machine.

Here are some tips to prolong your MacBook battery life and prevent the Battery from charging as much as possible.

  • Low power mode: When you enable this Option in your device, it smartly adjusts the battery power based on the required performance and uses the least energy in any current situation. It enhances the efficiency and the lifecycle of your device's Battery.

  • Power Nap: You should turn off the Enable Power Nap while on battery power option so that your device can get a proper 'nap' while in sleep mode. This means your machine stops checking emails or other iCloud app updates in this mode. This process enhances the standby time as well as the overall health of the device.

  • Graphics Switching: There is an option called automatic graphics switching on your MacBook. It would be best to turn that on, especially when using a high-tech MacBook Pro with several graphics processors. If they can change automatically according to your current requirements, the smart device will make it work for the highest power efficiency, improving the battery life.

  • Display Brightness: Now, the standard display settings. Enable the Option called Slightly dim the display while on battery power. It limits the brightness to 75% when the device isn't plugged into the power source.

You can also set up the automatic brightness option for the same because the default setting for this Option is to conserve energy. To turn this Option on, go to the Apple Menu, then System Preferences. Here, you can find this Option to adjust brightness automatically. If you still need help, you can check Apple's manual intelligence change page.

Besides battery issues, if you face any Apple laptop screen-related problems with your MacBook device, you can contact us at the NSS Laptop Service Center to receive prompt action. Or, if you want to know the MacBook Pro screen replacement cost in India, MacBook Air screen replacement cost in India, or MacBook Air screen price, you can check out our How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Laptop Screen In India, or Laptop repair cost in India articles to know more on these issues or even have some estimated price chart there.

Our team is well-experienced to handle similar common issues for our enormous clientele in every city in India. Feel free to contact us anytime.

HOW TO DIAGNOSE A MACBOOK BATTERY?

If you want to diagnose your Macbook battery, the best way is by using the Diagnostics application Apple provides with your laptop. The updated version of the ApTheware Test app comes built-in with Apple dev. Using this software, you can learn about the hardware condition of any part of your Macbook.

Besides providing any issues or faults in any components in your Macbook laptop, the Apple Diagnostics app also reveals the probable solutions for those problems. It even helps you connect with the Apple Support team if needed. Therefore,  if you are facing any Macbook battery not charging issues, any other hardware problems, or Apple laptop screen issues, maybe you need your Macbook Air screen replacement or Macbook Pro screen replacement; this app will help you decide on any of them.

Now, let's see how this app can diagnose a Macbook battery. We must prepare your Macbook before using the Apple Diagnostics app.

  • Firstly, shut down your laptop.

  • Then, remove all the external devices you use with your Macbook. Although, you can keep the Ethernet connection, external display, mouse, and keyboard connected with it as before. Also, keep the AC power connection intact with it.

  • While performing this application, you must use your device on a hard, solid surface with a proper ventilation system.

  • You can launch the Apple Diagnostics app based on the procedure needed for your Apple Silicon or Intel processor-based Macbook device.

If your laptop is purchased before 2020, it's probably an Intel-based one. Because the new Apple Silicon-based models like MacBook Air (M1, 2020), MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020), Mac mini (M1, 2020), MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2021), MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2021), iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021), Mac Studio (2022), etc. In 2020, Apple launched new chip-based models by replacing the old Intel processor-based ones. You can identify your device type in the About This Mac, under the Overview section as below:

In this Overview section, you can see a label as Chip under macOS Monterey, which tells you your device's Apple Silicon chip name. Meanwhile, in an Intel-based computer, you can see a label as Processor at the place of Chip here. It shows you the name of the Intel processor your device is built onto. 

Launching Diagnostics app in Apple Silicon Macbook

Now, whenever you are facing any Macbook battery not charging issue, any other hardware glitches, or any Apple screen issue in your Apple Silicon Mac notebook, you can launch the Apple Diagnostics app after performing the necessary steps as before. At first, in an Apple Silicon Macbook, switch on the device by continuously pressing and holding the power button until it starts up and shows you the options window. Here, you can see a gear item showing Option as the label. Press the Command (⌘) + D key combination from the keyboard. It opens up the desired Diagnostics app.

Launching Diagnostics app in Intel-based Macbook

And from an Intel-based Macbook, you must switch on the device while continuously pressing and holding the D key from your Macbook keyboard. Hold the key until you are asked to select a language after it starts, or maybe you will see a progress bar on the start-up window.

Suppose you face any trouble opening the Diagnostics app performing the above procedure. In that case, you can also try to launch it by pressing and holding the Option + D key combination from your keyboard. It will open up the application using an Internet connection. But before that, you must ensure that your Macbook is not utilizing any firmware password.

Checking the Test Results

The Diagnostics operation shows you a progress bar of what percentage it has checked in your device and the remaining time to finish the process.

After finishing the test, the Diagnostics app reveals the result set with a reference code or multiple numbers of regulations according to the Condition of your Macbook. You can check the significance of those reference codes on the Apple Diagnostics reference codes page.

When connected to the internet, the Apple Diagnostics window will show you all the necessary information about the required service and support system. To begin with, you have to select the Get Started button or the Command + G key combination from the keyboard. Your Macbook will restart and take you to a webpage bearing all the necessary service info for your device. After that, you can select the ShutDown or Restart option from the Apple Menu according to your choice.

If you have got the solution for your Macbook Air battery not charging or Macbook Pro battery not demanding issue or some similar situations, and again, you want to retake the test, you can do it from the same window just by selecting "Run the test again" or by pressing Command + R key combination from the Macbook keyboard. 

When you finish this application, restart the notebook by pressing the Restart button or R on your Macbook keyboard. Otherwise, you can see the Shut Down button or switch off the Macbook by pressing only S from the keyboard.

Suppose you still need help with any Apple hardware issues or Apple laptop screen troubles or want to know your Macbook Pro screen replacement cost India, Macbook screen replacement cost India. In that case, you can contact our NSS Laptop Service Center anytime. We are always happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Laptop Repair | Computer Repair | Printer Repair

Yes, your MacBook should still work on the mains even with "dead" battery.

You can check whether the battery in your Mac notebook computer is functioning normally and approximately how much charge it can hold. To view your battery's condition, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Battery , then click Battery again. In the lower right corner, click Battery Health.

The fastest way to force your Mac to charge up to 100% is to use the battery option in the menu bar itself. Click the Battery icon from the top-right corner of your screen and choose the “Charge to Full Now” option. If you don't see it, hold the Option key while clicking the battery icon from the menu bar.

You can charge your MacBook Air using either of the Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports. Check the battery's charge. Look at the battery status icon at the right of the menu bar to see the battery level or charging status.

In macOS Big Sur or later, Optimized Battery Charging is designed to improve the lifespan of your battery and reduce the time your Mac spends fully charged. When the feature is enabled, your Mac will delay charging past 80% in certain situations.

Check the power outlet If the power outlet works, connect your USB-C power adapter and try to charge your Mac. If your Mac still won't charge, shut down your Mac and close the display for 30 seconds, then open the display and try to charge your Mac again. If you're not using a Mac with Apple silicon, reset the SMC.
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