Why Is My MacBook Not Charging?

A MacBook that stops charging is nearly always a cable, adapter or setting issue. Battery faults are rarer. This guide checks the cheap things first, shows you what your Mac reports about its own power, and tells you when it is time to book a repair.

Which problem do you have?#

Narrow it down in three questions

What does the battery icon in the menu bar show?

No lightning bolt, so the Mac does not see a chargerA bolt, but the percentage barely moves or dropsIt stops at 80% or another round numberA service or replace message

How power reaches the battery#

1. 1Wall outlet

   Check the outlet with another device.

   ↓→

2. 2Adapter

   Right wattage for your model.

   ↓→

3. 3USB-C cable

   Charging-rated, undamaged.

   ↓→

4. 4Mac port

   Free of lint and debris.

   ↓→

5. 5Battery

   Settings may cap the charge.

Step 1: Swap the cable and adapter#

Use the Apple adapter that came with your Mac, or a reputable one with the same or higher wattage. Cheap cables can carry data and almost no power. If you have a second MacBook, try the charger on it. If a neighbour or colleague has a charger, borrow it for ten minutes.

Step 2: Check the port and the outlet#

• Port: with the Mac off, look for lint. Use a non-metal tool.
• Outlet: plug in a lamp or phone to confirm it has power.
• Power strips and hubs: bypass them for the test.

Step 3: Let the Mac tell you what it sees#

1. Hold ⌥ and click the Apple menu → System Information.
2. Open Power in the sidebar.
3. Look under AC Charger Information. If the charger is connected you will see wattage and a charging status. A blank section means the Mac does not detect a charger.
4. Under Battery Information you will find the cycle count, condition and maximum capacity.

Open System Settings → Battery to see Battery Health and the charging options. If the percentage rises slowly, the status line there usually explains why.

Step 4: Reset and run diagnostics#

1. Restart with the charger connected.
2. Shut down, wait 30 seconds, then start again.
3. Run Apple Diagnostics. On Apple silicon, hold the power button until start-up options appear, then press ⌘ D. On Intel, hold D as the Mac starts. Write down any reference code.

Intel Macs also have an SMC reset, whose steps depend on the model. Apple silicon Macs handle this on their own through a normal restart.

When it is a repair#

Book service when:

• The charger works on another Mac but not on yours, in every port.
• Apple Diagnostics reports a power or battery fault.
• The battery looks swollen, the trackpad is lifting, or the case bulges. Stop using it and get it looked at.
• Maximum capacity is low and runtime is no longer acceptable.

If the Mac stays dead after charging, see what to do when a Mac won't start up.

Related problems#

A Mac that charges but loses power fast has a different cause. See why a battery drains overnight.

Frequently asked questions#

Why is my MacBook stuck at 80%?#

It is likely Optimized Battery Charging or a charge limit. Check Battery settings. This protects the battery and does not mean a fault.

Can I use a third-party charger?#

Many work, as long as they supply enough watts and meet USB-C Power Delivery standards. Very cheap chargers can underperform, so buy from a known brand.

Does charging slow when the Mac is hot?#

Yes. The Mac limits charging to protect the battery. Move it to a cool, hard surface.

How many cycles can a MacBook battery handle?#

Apple rates modern MacBook batteries for 1,000 cycles before they hold noticeably less charge. Our battery health check compares your count with that figure.