How to Diagnose Charging Issues on an Apple MacBook

Apple MacBooks are known for their sturdy build, speed, stability, and impressive battery backup. However, like any other laptop, MacBooks can experience common issues such as keyboard malfunctions or battery-related problems. In this article, we’ll explore how Apple MacBook batteries work and guide you through steps to diagnose why your MacBook battery might not be charging.

Before we dive in, it’s important to note that a MacBook Pro should power on with a charger even if the battery is low or completely drained. If your MacBook isn’t turning on at all, you may want to check out our other blog post on troubleshooting power issues. Here, we’ll focus solely on cases where the MacBook powers on but the battery isn’t charging.

Let’s take a closer look at the battery symbols displayed on your MacBook. These symbols indicate different charging states. For instance, there’s one symbol that appears when the MacBook is charging and another when the charger is connected but the battery isn’t charging. Understanding the difference between these symbols is essential. Below, we’ve outlined the key symbols to help you identify each scenario.

When you connect the charger to your Mac, the battery icon initially shows a plug symbol, indicating that the charger is connected. Shortly after, this changes to a battery icon with a lightning bolt, signaling that the battery has started charging. Additionally, you’ll see an estimated time displayed below the battery icon, indicating how long it will take to fully charge.

Once the battery is fully charged, the lightning bolt icon disappears, and you’ll either see a plug symbol in the battery icon or a full battery icon. By observing these symbols, you can better understand what happens when you connect the charger to your Mac and diagnose potential charging issues.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix MacBook Battery Not Charging Issues:

Step 1 – Restart Your MacBook/MacBook Pro

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix minor glitches causing charging issues. Follow these steps to restart your MacBook properly:

1. Disconnect all external peripherals and the charger from your MacBook.
2. Press and hold the Power button, Shift, and Command keys simultaneously. This will force the MacBook to shut down.
3. Wait a few seconds, then turn your MacBook back on as usual.

Check if the issue is resolved after the restart.

Step 2 –Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)

Sometimes, a simple restart or resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) can fix charging issues. The SMC is a small chip on the motherboard responsible for managing components like the battery, screen, keyboard, and more. If the SMC loses communication with the battery due to a glitch, it may cause the battery to stop charging. Resetting the SMC can clear this glitch and restore normal functionality.

Here’s how to proceed:

The process for resetting the SMC depends on whether your MacBook has an Apple silicon chip, a T2 security chip, or none. Follow the appropriate steps below:

For MacBooks with an Intel Processor (Non-T2 Chip):

1. Shut down your MacBook completely.
2. Connect the charger to your MacBook.
3. Press and hold Shift (left) + Control (left) + Option (left) + Power button simultaneously for 10 seconds.
4. Release all keys and the power button.
5. Press the Power button again to turn on your MacBook.

For MacBooks with the T2 Security Chip:

1. Shut down your MacBook.
2. Press and hold Control (right) + Option (left) + Shift (left) for 7 seconds.
3. Without releasing those keys, press and hold the Power button for another 7 seconds.
4. Release all keys and wait for a few seconds.
5. Press the Power button again to turn on your MacBook.

For Apple Silicon Macs: Apple Silicon Macs do not have a separate SMC reset process. Restarting the MacBook performs an automatic SMC reset.

Step 3 –Faulty Charger, Cable, or Ports

A faulty charger, cable, or port could also be the reason your MacBook Pro battery isn’t charging. Here’s how to inspect and troubleshoot:

1. Inspect the Charger and Cable:
   • Check for any visible damage, such as frayed wires or bent connectors.
   • Test the charger and cable with another MacBook to ensure they are working properly.
2. Examine the Charging Port:
   • Look for physical obstructions like dust, dirt, or carbon buildup in the port.
   • Use a small cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to gently clean the charging port. Allow it to dry completely before reconnecting the charger.

By ensuring the charger, cable, and ports are functioning correctly, you can rule out charger issues as the cause of the problem.

Step 4 –Using a USB-C Power Meter Tester to Diagnose Charging Issues

Wondering how to diagnose charging problems accurately? A handy tool called the USB-C Power Meter Tester Multimeter can help. This device is connected between the charger and the MacBook’s charging port to monitor key metrics. It provides information on:

• Voltage: How much power the MacBook is receiving.
• Amperage: The flow of current to the device.

By analyzing these readings, you can get an approximate idea of what might be causing the issue, such as insufficient power delivery or faulty motherboard.

If you’re still experiencing charging issues with your MacBook, it’s best to contact a local Apple repair center. Further troubleshooting requires specialized tools to open the MacBook, and handling the battery without experience can be risky, potentially causing a fire hazard.