Mac · Repair guide

How to fix a MacBook that's not charging

Error messageNot Charging

10 fixes, easiest first4 min readUpdated November 2026

Quick fix

Click the battery icon in the menu bar: if it says "Charging On Hold" or shows a charge limit, choose "Charge to Full Now". Otherwise, plug the Mac's own adapter and cable into a different working outlet and check the port for lint.

What it means

A MacBook that won't charge may have a loose or damaged cable, a weak power adapter, a dirty port, or a battery that's too warm. Often nothing is wrong at all: macOS can pause charging on purpose to protect the battery, which shows as "Not Charging", "Charging On Hold" or a charge limit such as 80%.

Common causes

  • Charging is paused on purpose by Optimized Battery Charging or a Charge Limit
  • A loose, damaged or low-wattage power adapter or cable
  • A bad outlet or electrical noise on the circuit
  • Lint or debris in the charging port
  • The battery is too warm, so charging stops at 80%
  • Heavy apps using more power than the adapter supplies
  • A worn battery that needs service

How to fix it

Work down the list. Each fix is safe to try before moving on to the next.

01If anything is wet or damaged, stop using itEasy

  1. Look over the charging port, cable, power adapter and wall plug for liquid, bent pins, fraying or scorch marks.
  2. Stop using any part that is damaged.
  3. If the Mac itself got wet, unplug it, don't charge it, and contact Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

Why it helps: Charging through damaged parts is unsafe and can harm the Mac.

02Check whether charging is just pausedEasy

  1. Click the battery icon in the menu bar and read the status.
  2. "Charging On Hold" means Optimized Battery Charging is holding at 80% because it expects the Mac to stay plugged in. "Charged to [number]% Limit" means a Charge Limit is set.
  3. To top up now, choose Charge to Full Now from the battery menu.
  4. "Not Charging" can also mean the Mac has paused charging to protect the battery and may wait until it drops to 93% or lower before charging again. This is normal.
  5. To change these settings on macOS Ventura or later, open System Settings > Battery and click the info button next to Charging (or Battery Health). Charge Limit is on Macs with Apple silicon running macOS Tahoe 26.4 or later.

Why it helps: macOS pauses charging on purpose to slow battery aging, which can look like a fault.

03Check the outlet and every connectionEasy

  1. Make sure the cable is fully seated in the Mac and in the power adapter, and the adapter is firmly in the wall.
  2. Plug the adapter into an outlet you know works, such as one that powers a lamp.
  3. Unplug the adapter from the wall, wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in. If that fixes it, something on the same circuit, such as a fridge, may be causing electrical noise that interrupts charging.
  4. If the Mac was stored for a long time, leave it plugged in for about 20 minutes before using it.

Why it helps: A bad outlet, loose plug or electrical noise can stop charging even when everything looks connected.

04Clean the charging portEasy

  1. Unplug the power adapter from the Mac.
  2. Gently wipe the port with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
  3. Don't push metal objects into the port or use liquids.
  4. Plug the cable back in and check the battery menu.

Why it helps: Lint or dirt in the port can stop the cable from making good contact.

05Use the right power adapter and cableEasy

  1. Use the cable and adapter that came with your Mac if you can.
  2. Check the adapter's wattage. A low-wattage adapter may run the Mac but not charge the battery, even when the Mac is asleep.
  3. Try a different charging cable, then a different Apple power adapter.
  4. Try swapping the adapter's wall plug or using an Apple Power Adapter Extension Cable.

Why it helps: Swapping one part at a time shows whether the cable, adapter or plug is the problem.

06Let it cool and lighten the loadEasy

  1. Use the Mac somewhere between 50 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 35 degrees Celsius).
  2. Don't use it on a blanket, pillow or thick carpet while charging.
  3. Quit demanding apps such as games or video editors, and lower the screen brightness.
  4. Unplug accessories you don't need, then check whether the battery starts to charge.

Why it helps: A hot battery can stop charging at 80%, and heavy apps can use more power than the adapter supplies.

07Restart the Mac, or reset the SMC on an Intel MacMedium

  1. Mac with Apple silicon (M1 or later): keep it plugged in and choose Apple menu > Restart. That is all that's needed; these Macs have no SMC reset.
  2. To check which kind of Mac you have, choose Apple menu > About This Mac and look for Chip (Apple silicon) or Processor (Intel).
  3. Intel MacBook with the Apple T2 Security Chip: first shut down, hold the power button for 10 seconds, let go, wait a few seconds and turn it on. If it still won't charge, shut down, hold left Control, left Option and right Shift for 7 seconds, then keep holding them and also hold the power button for 7 more seconds. Let go, wait a few seconds, then turn it on.
  4. Intel MacBook without the T2 chip: shut down, then hold left Shift, left Control, left Option and the power button together for 10 seconds. Let go and turn it on.

Why it helps: On Intel Macs the SMC controls charging; resetting it can clear a stuck charging state.

08Update macOSEasy

  1. Back up your Mac first.
  2. Open System Settings > General > Software Update.
  3. Install any update listed. Don't close the lid or let the Mac sleep until it finishes.
  4. On older macOS, use System Preferences > Software Update.

Why it helps: macOS and firmware updates can improve how the Mac talks to its power adapter.

09Check the battery's healthEasy

  1. Open System Settings > Battery (scroll down the sidebar if needed).
  2. Look under Battery Health.
  3. Normal means the battery is working as it should.
  4. Service Recommended means it holds less charge than when new. You can keep using it, but plan to have it checked by Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

Why it helps: A worn battery charges poorly and may need replacing.

10Run Apple DiagnosticsMedium

  1. Shut down and unplug everything except the power adapter.
  2. Apple silicon Mac: press and hold the power button until startup options appear. Let go when you see Options, then press and hold Command-D.
  3. Intel Mac: turn it on and right away press and hold the D key until you see a progress bar or a language choice.
  4. Follow the onscreen steps and write down any reference codes for Apple or a repair shop.

Why it helps: Apple Diagnostics can confirm a battery or power problem that needs repair.

Check it's fixed

  • The battery menu shows the battery charging and the percentage goes up.
  • System Settings > Battery shows Battery Health as Normal.
  • The Mac charges with the lid closed or while asleep, not only when running.

When to get help

If the battery still won't charge with a known-good Apple adapter and cable, or the battery shows Service Recommended, contact Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Apple warns that repairs by untrained people or with non-genuine parts can affect safety.

Questions

Why does my MacBook say "Not Charging" while plugged in?

Apple lists three reasons: charging is paused to protect the battery, the power adapter is too weak to charge it, or the Mac is busy enough to use more power than the adapter supplies. The first one is normal and needs no fix.

Why does my MacBook stop charging at 80%?

Usually Optimized Battery Charging is holding charging to protect the battery, or a Charge Limit is set. It can also stop at 80% when the battery is too warm. Choose Charge to Full Now from the battery menu if you need a full charge.

Can I charge my MacBook with a phone charger?

A low-wattage charger may keep the Mac running but not charge the battery. Use the adapter that came with your Mac or another Apple adapter rated for your model.

Does my Mac ever charge to 100% with these features on?

Yes. Apple says the Mac occasionally charges to 100% so its battery estimates stay accurate.

Related fixes

How to fix a MacBook that won't turn onPlug the Mac into a working outlet with its own charger and give a fully drained MacBook up to 20 minutes to charge, then hold the power butHow to fix a Mac that's running slowQuit apps you aren't using and restart the Mac, then open System Settings > General > Storage and free up space using the recommeHow to fix an iPhone that won't chargePlug a different cable and power adapter straight into a wall outlet, check the charging port for lint, and let the iPhone charge for 30 minHow to fix a computer that is overheatingPut the PC on a hard, flat surface with space around its vents, then open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc and close any app using a lot

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