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Apple Computer Repairs and Services

Mac Not Charging? 10 Proven Ways to Fix It

If your MacBook is not charging when plugged in, you’re likely searching for a quick and reliable solution. Whether you’re using a MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or an M1/M2 model, a charging issue can disrupt your workflow and lead to hardware damage if ignored.

Fortunately, most of these problems can be resolved without needing advanced technical skills. In this guide, our experts at Total Mac Solutions outline 10 practical ways to troubleshoot and resolve charging issues on your MacBook.

1. Inspect the Charger and Cable

Start by examining the basics:
  • Make sure the power adapter is properly connected.
  • Check for visible damage to the charger or USB-C/MagSafe cable.
  • Test the charger with another Mac if available.

A faulty charger or frayed cable is one of the most common reasons for a MacBook not charging.

2. Examine the Charging Port

Dust, lint, or minor debris can accumulate inside the charging port, causing poor connection. Use a soft brush or compressed air to gently clean the port. Avoid inserting sharp objects, as this can damage the contacts.

3. Restart Your Mac

A simple restart can resolve temporary system errors affecting the charging function. Shut down your Mac, wait a few seconds, then power it back on.

This step is often overlooked but can quickly fix minor glitches that lead to your MacBook battery not charging.

4. Check Battery Health Status

macOS provides built-in diagnostics for battery health. Go to:

Apple Menu > System Settings > Battery > Battery Health

If you see “Service Recommended” or “Battery is not charging”, the battery may be degraded and require replacement. This is especially common in older devices or those with heavy usage.

5. Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)

The SMC controls power-related functions on Intel-based Macs.

To reset the SMC:

  • Shut down your Mac.
  • Press and hold Shift + Control + Option + Power for 10 seconds.
  • Release all keys and power on the Mac.
For Apple Silicon (M1/M2) Macs, simply restarting the device resets the SMC automatically.

6. Update macOS

Outdated software can sometimes prevent your Mac from charging properly. Ensure your system is up to date by navigating to:

System Settings > General > Software Update

Updating macOS may resolve firmware or driver issues causing the MacBook Pro not charging when plugged in problem.

7. Review Battery Charging Settings

Recent macOS versions include battery management features designed to extend battery life. You may notice messages like “Battery charging on hold” or “Optimized battery charging”.

While these features are normal, they can sometimes prevent your Mac from charging immediately, especially if it’s rarely unplugged. You can disable these features temporarily to test if they’re causing the issue.

8. Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode helps determine if third-party apps or startup processes are affecting your system. To enter Safe Mode:
  • Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key until the login window appears.
Check if the battery charges while in Safe Mode. If it does, a background app may be interfering.

9. Try Another User Account

Corrupt user settings can occasionally lead to power-related problems. Create a new user account in:

System Settings > Users & Groups,

And test if charging works under the new profile.

If it does, your primary user settings may need to be reset or reconfigured.

10. Seek Professional Diagnosis

If none of the above solutions work, your Mac may have a hardware issue such as:
  • Faulty charging port
  • Damaged logic board
  • A worn-out or swollen battery
In such cases, we recommend contacting a professional repair service.

Seek Professional Help

At Total Mac Solutions, we specialise in diagnosing and repairing complex issues related to power, charging, and battery performance. Whether it’s a MacBook Pro battery not charging, a damaged USB-C port, or a logic board failure, our certified technicians can help you get back up and running—fast and reliably.

Need help with a Mac that won't charge?

Book a diagnostic or MacBook repair service with Total Mac Solutions today.
We’re here to provide expert MacBook repairs across all models, with transparent pricing and trusted support.

Conclusion

A Mac not charging doesn’t always mean a serious problem, but ignoring it can lead to long-term damage. Start by checking simple things like the cable, charging port, and software settings. If your MacBook still won’t charge, it may be time to seek professional help.

Don’t wait until your Mac shuts down completely contact us for a fast, accurate fix.

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