MacBook not charging? Here's what to check

You plug your charger into your MacBook and discover that it's not charging. Don't worry, it happens, and sometimes you can fix the problem without a trip to the Apple Store of buying a new charger.

There are a few ways to tell if your MacBook is charging

• It makes a sound after you connect the charger
• The battery status icon in the menu bar changes
• The LED on the MagSafe connector glows orange (charging) or green (charged)
• Click on the Apple icon in the menu, go to About This Mac and then System Report… and from there go to the Power section where you will get a lot of information related to charging and the battery.  

I've seen a few issues that can affect charging.

• Reboot the MacBook – you'll be amazed how often this fixes the issue!
• Reset the SMC – again, this is worth doing because it fixes so many issues
• Check to see if the MagSafe connector is mating properly, and there's no debris in the connector
• If you have an older MacBook with a removable battery, remove and reinsert the battery
• Check the connector – USB-C or MagSafe for any signs of damage. If it is a newer MacBook that uses USB-C, try a different port
• Check for overheating as this might prevent charging
• If possible, try a different charger (if this works, you've narrowed down the problem to the charger)

Hold down the Option key and click on the battery icon in the menu bar. This will show you the battery status.

• Normal: The battery is functioning normally
• Replace Soon: The battery is functioning normally but holds less charge than it did when it was new
• Replace Now: The battery is functioning normally but holds significantly less charge than it did when it was new
• Service Battery: The battery isn't functioning normally

Since the charger itself can experience a tough life, it's a good idea to carry out some checks.

• Check the charger for any physical damage (pay special attention to the cable)
• Try the charger on a different MacBook (if it works, the problem is down to the MacBook)
• If the charger is a USB-C charger, try a different cable

I'm afraid it's either time for a trip to the Apple Store so a genius can take a look at your MacBook, or you can take a chance and try a new charger (if you don't have access to a spare to try).