MacBook Pro Not Charging Issue: Causes and Solutions

A MacBook Pro is a reliable laptop that is well-known for its long battery life. However, you may encounter issues where your MacBook Pro won’t charge.

This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on your laptop for work purposes.

There may be several reasons for this issue, including faulty hardware, software-related issues, or other hardware malfunctions.

In this blog, we will discuss possible causes and solutions to this problem to help you get your MacBook Pro up and running again.

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Possible Causes for MacBook Pro Not Charging:

A. Faulty MagSafe power adapter or cable:

Signs:

No charging light
Loose connection
Torn cable

Troubleshooting steps:

Check the power adapter and cable for damage
Use a different power adapter and cable to verify the issue
Check for dust and debris in the MagSafe port

Battery management software problems
Troubleshooting steps:

Check battery health using macOS tools
Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)
Update firmware and check for compatibility issues

Defective battery or charging port
Troubleshooting steps:

Test battery health using built-in diagnostics tools
Replace the battery if necessary
Check for other hardware malfunctions affecting the charging

Related: How To Force Shut Down MacBook

Tips to Resolve MacBook Pro Charging Issues:

Check the power source:

Plug in a different device or charger to test the outlet
Try a different outlet to eliminate potential power source issues

Inspect the charging cable:

Examine both ends for damage or wear and tear
Replace the charging cable if necessary

Reset SMC (System Management Controller):

Shut down your MacBook Pro and connect it to a power source
Press and hold Shift + Control + Option + Power buttons for 10 seconds, then release them simultaneously

Clean the charging port:

Use compressed air or a soft brush to remove dust and debris gently

Update macOS:

Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update to install all available macOS updates

Test without accessories:

Disconnect peripherals such as USB devices or external displays and attempt to charge the MacBook Pro again

Fix battery health management settings:

If using macOS Catalina 10.15.5 or later, go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Battery > Battery Health
Uncheck the “Manage battery longevity” option to disable the feature if it affects the charging behavior

Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Charging Problems:

While troubleshooting and resolving current charging issues with your MacBook Pro is important, taking preventive measures can help avoid such problems in the future. Here are some steps you can take to maintain a healthy charging experience:

Handle the charging cable with care:

Avoid twisting, bending, or putting excessive strain on the cable.
Gently unplug the charger from the MacBook Pro and the power source.

Protect the charging port:

Keep the charging port clean and free from dust, lint, or debris.
Be cautious when inserting the charging cable to prevent any damage to the port.

Use genuine Apple accessories:

Purchase certified charging adapters and cables from reputable sources.
Non-genuine accessories may not provide the same level of compatibility and reliability.

Maintain a safe charging environment:

Avoid exposing your MacBook Pro to extreme temperatures or humidity.
Charge your device in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating.

Regularly update macOS:

Stay up to date with the latest macOS updates to benefit from bug fixes and compatibility improvements.

Monitor battery health:

Keep an eye on your MacBook Pro’s battery health status regularly.
Follow recommended battery management practices provided by Apple.

Invest in surge protectors or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS):

These devices can help safeguard your MacBook Pro against power surges or sudden power outages.

Periodically clean charging connectors:

Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe the charging connectors on both the adapter and the MacBook Pro.
This helps maintain a clean and secure connection.

Avoid excessive charging or discharging cycles:

While it’s essential to use your MacBook Pro’s battery regularly, avoid constantly charging or discharging it to extremes.
Moderate charging cycles help maintain the battery’s longevity.

Understanding Battery Health

Battery health is a crucial aspect to consider when it comes to maintaining the performance and longevity of your MacBook Pro’s battery. Understanding how battery health works can help you optimize charging practices and prolong the overall lifespan of your device’s battery.

What is Battery Health?

Battery health refers to the capacity and condition of your MacBook Pro’s battery.

It indicates how effectively the battery can hold a charge and deliver power to your device.

Over time, batteries naturally degrade, resulting in a reduced ability to hold a charge. Monitoring and managing battery health is important for maximizing its efficiency and lifespan.

Checking Battery Health:

macOS provides built-in tools to monitor battery health on your MacBook Pro. To check the battery’s health, go to the Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report > Power.

Look for the “Health Information” section, which displays important details about your battery, including its maximum capacity and current condition.

Maximizing Battery Lifespan:

Here are some tips to help you optimize the lifespan of your MacBook Pro’s battery:

Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Exposure to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can negatively impact battery health. Try to keep your MacBook Pro in a moderate temperature environment whenever possible.
Don’t Overcharge or Fully Discharge: Avoid consistently overcharging your MacBook Pro or allowing it to fully discharge. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in modern laptops, perform best when kept between 40% and 80% charge levels.
Manage Charging Cycles: Regularly using and charging your MacBook Pro helps maintain healthy battery performance. Aim for at least one full charge cycle (from 0% to 100%) per month to recalibrate the battery.
Enable Battery Health Management: If your MacBook Pro is running macOS Catalina 10.15.5 or later, you can enable Battery Health Management. This feature optimizes charging patterns based on your usage to extend battery lifespan. To enable it, go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Battery > Battery Health and check the “Manage battery longevity” option.

Battery Replacement:

Eventually, even with proper care, the battery in your MacBook Pro will reach the end of its life cycle.

If you notice a significant decline in battery health or your MacBook Pro doesn’t hold a charge as it used to, it may be time to consider a battery replacement.

Contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider to get a professional assessment and, if necessary, have the battery replaced.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a MacBook Pro not charging issue can be caused by several factors such as faulty hardware, software-related issues, or other hardware malfunctions. Troubleshooting steps such as checking for damage, cleaning the MagSafe port, and testing battery health using built-in diagnostics tools can help address the issues. Additionally, taking preventive measures such as regulating charging habits and regularly updating the software can help avoid future charging problems. If the problem persists, it’s recommended to consult an authorized service provider. By following these steps, you can get your MacBook Pro charged and running smoothly again.

J.S. is the owner, content creator, and editor at Upgrades-and-Options.com. I’ve worked in the IT and Computer Support field for over 20 years. The server hardware in my computer labs has mostly been IBM, but I’ve supported Dell, HP, and various other hardware. In addition, as part of my lab administrator responsibilities, I’ve learned, supported, and repaired/upgraded network hardware such as Cisco routers and switches. READ FULL BIO >>