Not being able to use your MacBook for any reason can be frustrating and even terrifying. So, when it stops charging, you might conclude that the battery or other hardware of your MacBook is to blame.
It is important to look at every possibility before assuming the worst. In this guide, we’ll look at the different reasons why your MacBook charger might stop working. We will then walk you through the possible solutions for each problem.
Check if the charger is faulty
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When you first experience charging problems, check to make sure the power adapter isn’t the main problem. Switch to another outlet that you know is working and check the charger’s LED indicators—many Mac chargers have one—to see if they’re responding. You don’t want to worry about a faulty outlet.
If you don’t get a response, consider borrowing an identical charger (if possible). You can also go to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider and ask if you can test your unit.
If your MacBook turns on and starts charging with a different cable, your charger is probably the culprit. If your MacBook is still unresponsive, you probably have a battery or other hardware problem and it’s time to take a different approach.
This is also the perfect time to check compatibility. The evolution of Apple’s MacBook line over the years has introduced several different power and power ports. While you can get power adapters that provide more power than your MacBook requires, using an adapter that doesn’t provide enough power can lead to performance issues.
If you bought a charger or a used or refurbished Mac online and your charger doesn’t work after the first use, make sure you have a compatible charger type.
Apple has more information about the different power adapter connectors that work with old and new MacBooks and how you can get the right adapter, if needed. Here are the five main types of connection:
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Clean it up
Once you have confirmed that your problem is the charger, check all ports and connections for dirt. A layer of dust or dirt may be present that prevents the charger from making a proper electrical connection. Also, beware of invisible, sticky layers that can be a real problem.
To clean, take a cloth or cotton swab and remove all the dirt you see. You can also give the connector a quick spray of isopropyl alcohol, but be sure to dry the charger thoroughly before using it again.
Check for physical damage
A common cause of charger failure is physical damage. There are two types:
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Damage to prongs and blades: Inspect all prongs, blades, and other metal tips used by your charger. If the prong or blade is loose or missing, your MacBook won’t get enough power, if at all. Physical damage can cause an electrical fire, so stop using your charger and get a replacement immediately.
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Strain relief: The strain relief refers to the charger head, which plugs into the MacBook, slowly disconnects from the main cable. Caused by wear and tear, this problem occurs more often on older connectors than on L-style power adapters or other MagSafe connectors.
If the LED indicator lights seem to turn on and off depending on the angle of the charger, you may have a short circuit. Check the connector end for signs of cable damage, exposed wires, or worn insulation. If you see obvious signs of damage, it could be dangerous; get a replacement soon.
Make sure that your charger does not overheat
If the big, boxy part of your charger stays hidden under a blanket, sits in the hot sun, or otherwise resides in a heated space, it can overheat. Adapters are very sensitive to heat, which is why Apple installs automatic shutdown functions when they get too hot. This means that your MacBook will never charge if you keep charging it in a hot environment. Make sure your adapter is always in the shade and well ventilated.
Check the line for interference
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AC currents move in cycles, but between the distance the electricity has to travel and electromagnetic interference from nearby devices, those cycles can be severely distorted — that is, until the electricity essentially breaks down into a format that your laptop battery just can’t handle. use . Check for line noise problems by unplugging the charger and letting it sit for about 60 seconds. Then turn it back on and see if it works.
If the charger seems fine again, you probably had a problem with the ground noise increasing until the adapter automatically shuts down to protect itself. Try to use your computer away from other appliances, especially refrigerators and fluorescent lights, which are known to cause noise problems on the line. The surge protection feature of your adapter is only a safety precaution and is intended to extend the life of your device.
Reset battery and settings
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If you’re still having trouble figuring out what’s wrong, don’t lose hope. There’s one more thing you can do before you give up and take your MacBook to one of the pros. This possible quick fix is related to the specific settings of your computer, not the adapter itself. We recommend that you try the following two solutions because they might just be the answer to your problem (even if it’s hidden):
- Reinstall the battery. This is very easy on older versions of the MacBook. All you have to do is remove the battery, let it sit for a minute or so, then reinsert it. Unfortunately, you can’t remove the battery using the same technique on the latest MacBooks. So, if this applies to you, you will need to move on to the next step.
- Reset the computer’s PRAM and SMC. These are internal frameworks and settings that determine how your MacBook controls power levels, volume gain, and other essential settings. If these settings start to malfunction, it can cause serious problems. Check out our guide on how to quickly reset PRAM and SMC on your Mac if you want to learn more.
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