How to troubleshoot charging and power issues with your MacBook

There's nothing more frustrating than plugging in your laptop and realizing the battery percentage isn't increasing, or worse, seeing that dreaded "Battery is not charging" message . Sometimes it seems like your computer has decided to retire prematurely, but the truth is, this symptom can be caused by a multitude of things, from a simple speck of dust to a motherboard failure.

Before you panic and think you have to spend a fortune on a new computer, it's best to stay calm and analyze the situation rationally . Many of these problems can be fixed with a few clicks or by checking the cable, while others require a technician to take a look. Let's break down everything you can do to try and revive your MacBook's power supply.

What happens when your Mac says it's not charging?

It's important to understand that seeing a "not charging" warning doesn't always mean something is broken. Sometimes, it's simply macOS protecting your battery's lifespan . If you have Optimized Charging enabled, your computer may stop charging when it reaches 80% to prevent premature wear, resuming charging only when the percentage drops below 93%.

Another common scenario is that the power supply is too weak for the current demand. If you're using a low-wattage adapter or have a resource-intensive application open (like a video editor or a demanding game), your Mac might be using all its power just to stay powered on, causing the battery to stagnate or even drop slightly.

First steps: The basic and free inspection

Before getting into technical details, start with the simplest things, which is where most problems usually lie. First, cross-test accessories : use a different cable and a different power adapter in a known working outlet. If you have a MacBook with multiple USB-C ports, try them one by one; if it charges in one but not another, you know the problem is specifically with that port and not the battery.

Don't underestimate the dirt. It's very common for compacted lint to accumulate inside the connector , preventing the cable from making full contact. Grab a flashlight and take a good look inside; if you see anything unusual, you can try cleaning it very carefully using a toothpick, but without forcing anything so you don't bend the pins.

Software solutions and system restarts

If the hardware seems fine, it's time to look inside the system. A simple restart can fix temporary power management hardware glitches. If you have a modern MacBook with Apple Silicon chips (M1, M2, M3) , forget about complicated key combinations; simply shut down the computer completely, wait about 30 seconds, and turn it back on, as the power management controller is integrated into the processor.

For older models with an Intel processor , the process is different because they have a separate SMC chip. Depending on whether your battery is removable or not, you'll need to use key combinations like Shift, Control, and Option along with the power button to reset the SMC . If this doesn't work, you can try resetting the NVRAM by pressing Command + Option + P + R during startup until you hear the startup chime.

Advanced diagnostics and battery health

To find out if your battery has reached the end of its lifespan, go to System Settings and check the Battery section. If the status indicates "Recommended Repair ," the capacity has likely dropped drastically. There are also external tools like CleanMyMac that can calculate the number of charge cycles , which is a very accurate indicator of the component's actual wear.

If you're still unsure, macOS includes a hidden tool called Apple Diagnostics . To use it, shut down your Mac and hold down the power button (on Apple Silicon) or the D key (on Intel) while it starts up. The system will perform a full hardware scan and give you a reference code if it finds any electrical or battery issues.

Critical situations: When NOT to try to fix it at home

There are two situations where you should stop reading and take your Mac to a repair shop immediately. First, if liquid has gotten inside the computer: turn it off right away and don't try to turn it on , as moisture causes instant corrosion. Forget the rice trick; the best thing to do is turn it upside down like a tent and find a professional.

Second, if you notice that the laptop's base no longer rests flat on the table or that the trackpad has stopped clicking, it's a clear sign that the battery is swollen . This is dangerous because the battery could puncture. In this case, stop charging it immediately and take it to a certified repair shop.

Considerations regarding repairs and costs

If you determine you need a new part, keep in mind that prices vary depending on the model. Replacing a USB-C port or changing a battery typically ranges from €79 to €129. It's important to note that independent repair shops cannot sell "original Apple" batteries , as Apple does not distribute them as such; instead, they use high-quality components with the same technical specifications.

It's almost always worth repairing a MacBook rather than buying a new one, as they retain their value and performance for many years. Only very old Intel models (2015 or earlier) with multiple issues might not be worth the investment.

To keep your device in good working order, remember to avoid charging your laptop on soft surfaces like carpets or blankets, as overheating can prevent charging due to safety concerns. Ideally, keep it in well-ventilated environments between 10°C and 35°C. If the problem persists after testing the cable, cleaning the ports, resetting the power controller, and checking the battery health, it's best to contact an authorized service provider to avoid further damage from unqualified repairs.