Why Is My MacBook Not Charging? (8 Fixes)

Having trouble with your MacBook not charging? We understand how frustrating it can be when your laptop won’t power up, especially when you rely on it for work, school, or personal use. You’re not alone—this is a common issue faced by many MacBook users, often leaving them stranded without a solution.

Charging problems can stem from something as simple as a loose cable to more complex issues like a faulty battery or logic board. According to user forums and Apple support data, thousands of users encounter this problem annually. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 8 practical fixes to get your MacBook charging again, starting with the easiest solutions and progressing to more technical steps. You’ll also learn when it’s time to consider a repair or upgrade, ensuring you make the best decision for your situation.

From checking your charger to resetting system settings, we’ve got you covered with actionable advice based on real user experiences and expert recommendations. Let’s dive in and get your MacBook back to life!

Common Causes

• Loose or damaged charging cable/connection
• Faulty or incompatible charger
• Dirty or damaged MagSafe/USB-C port
• Battery health degradation
• Software or firmware issues

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check the Charger Connection

Difficulty: easy | Time: 2 minutes

What to do: Ensure your charger is properly plugged into both the wall outlet and your MacBook. If using a MagSafe connector, check if the LED indicator on the connector lights up (green or amber). For USB-C, ensure the cable is firmly inserted.

Why this works: A loose connection is one of the most common reasons for charging issues. A simple adjustment can often solve the problem.

What you should see: If the connection is secure, the charging icon should appear on your screen, or the LED on the MagSafe should light up. If it doesn’t, move to the next step.

Warning signs: If the connector feels loose or there’s no response, the cable or port might be damaged.

2. Inspect the Charger and Cable for Damage

Difficulty: easy | Time: 5 minutes

What to do: Examine your charger and cable for visible damage like frayed wires, bent connectors, or burn marks. Test with another outlet to rule out a power source issue.

Why this works: Physical damage to the charger or cable can prevent power delivery. A different outlet helps identify if the issue is with the power source.

What you should see: If there’s no damage and the charger works in another outlet, the issue lies elsewhere. If damaged, replace the charger (use only Apple-certified products to avoid further issues).

Warning signs: If you see exposed wires or smell burning, stop using the charger immediately for safety reasons.

3. Clean the Charging Port

Difficulty: easy | Time: 5 minutes

What to do: Use a small, dry brush or compressed air to gently clean the MagSafe or USB-C port on your MacBook. Avoid using metal objects or liquids.

Why this works: Dust and debris can accumulate in the port, preventing a proper connection.

What you should see: After cleaning, reconnect the charger. If it starts charging, the debris was the issue. If not, the port might be damaged.

Warning signs: If cleaning doesn’t help or you notice physical damage to the port, avoid forcing the connection and proceed to professional repair options.

Tools needed: Small brush or compressed air

4. Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)

Difficulty: medium | Time: 5 minutes

What to do: For Intel-based MacBooks, shut down your device, then press and hold Shift + Control + Option + Power Button for 10 seconds, then release and power on. For Apple Silicon MacBooks, simply restart the device.

Why this works: The SMC manages power functions, and resetting it can resolve charging glitches caused by firmware issues.

What you should see: After resetting, plug in the charger. If the charging icon appears, the reset worked. If not, software isn’t the issue.

Warning signs: If the problem persists, it could indicate a hardware issue.

5. Check Battery Health in System Settings

Difficulty: easy | Time: 3 minutes

What to do: Go to System Settings > Battery (or System Preferences > Battery on older macOS). Check the battery condition. If it says 'Service Recommended,' the battery may need replacement.

Why this works: Over time, batteries degrade and lose capacity to hold a charge. This tool helps identify if the battery is the root cause.

What you should see: A 'Normal' status means the battery isn’t the issue. If it’s degraded, consider a battery replacement (see Apple Support for costs).

Warning signs: If the battery health is critically low, charging issues will persist until it’s replaced.

6. Test with a Different Charger

Difficulty: medium | Time: 10 minutes

What to do: Borrow or purchase a compatible Apple charger (ensure it matches your MacBook’s wattage and port type) and test if it charges your device.

Why this works: Your original charger might be faulty even if there’s no visible damage.

What you should see: If the new charger works, replace your old one. If it doesn’t, the issue is likely with the MacBook itself.

Warning signs: Using non-Apple chargers can damage your device, so stick to certified products.

Tools needed: Compatible Apple charger

7. Update macOS to the Latest Version

Difficulty: medium | Time: 15-30 minutes

What to do: If your MacBook has some power, go to System Settings > Software Update and install any available updates.

Why this works: Software bugs in macOS can interfere with charging functionality, and updates often include fixes.

What you should see: After updating, check if charging resumes. If it does, the issue was software-related. If not, it’s likely hardware.

Warning signs: If your MacBook won’t power on enough to update, skip this step and seek professional help.

8. Visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider

Difficulty: hard | Time: 1-2 hours (plus repair time)

What to do: If none of the above steps work, schedule an appointment with an Apple Store or authorized repair center for a diagnostic test.

Why this works: Issues like a faulty logic board or internal damage require professional tools and expertise to diagnose and repair.

What you should see: The technician will provide a detailed report on the issue (e.g., battery, port, or board failure) and repair costs. Expect to pay if out of warranty.

Warning signs: Be prepared for high repair costs if the logic board is damaged—sometimes replacement is more cost-effective.

When to Upgrade

Signs it’s time to upgrade: If your MacBook is over 5-6 years old, the battery may no longer hold a charge effectively, and internal components like the logic board could be failing. Repeated charging issues, even after replacing the battery or charger, are a red flag for deeper hardware problems. Additionally, if your MacBook no longer supports the latest macOS updates, performance issues will compound over time.

Cost vs. replacement: Battery replacement costs at Apple range from $129 to $199 depending on the model, while logic board repairs can exceed $500. If repair costs approach 50% or more of the price of a new MacBook, upgrading often makes more financial sense—especially if you need reliable performance for work or school. Check your warranty status on Apple’s website; if still covered, repairs may be free or discounted, making fixing a better option.

Safety and practicality: Using a MacBook with persistent charging issues risks further damage or data loss. If you’ve tried all troubleshooting steps and the device still won’t charge—or if it’s outdated for your needs—it’s time to consider a new model with better battery technology and support for modern software.

Prevention Tips

• Use only Apple-certified chargers and cables to avoid compatibility issues.
• Avoid exposing your MacBook to extreme temperatures, which can degrade the battery.
• Regularly clean the charging port to prevent debris buildup.
• Enable Optimized Battery Charging in System Settings to reduce battery wear.
• Unplug the charger once the battery is full to prevent overcharging stress.