My MacBook says it is plugged in but not charging. The battery keeps draining even though the charger is connected.
First, check if your MacBook is intentionally limiting charging. Newer MacBooks have a feature called Optimized Battery Charging that sometimes pauses charging at 80 percent to extend battery lifespan. Click the battery icon in the menu bar — if it says Not Charging or Charging On Hold, this feature is active. You can turn it off in System Settings, Battery, Battery Health, Optimized Battery Charging. If that is not the issue, try resetting the SMC which controls power management. For MacBooks with T2 chip: shut down, press and hold Control+Option+Shift on the left side for 7 seconds, then also press and hold the Power button for another 7 seconds while keeping the other keys held. Release all keys, wait a few seconds, then turn on. For Apple Silicon MacBooks: simply shut down and wait 30 seconds, then restart. Also try a different charger or cable — USB-C cables can look fine but have internal damage. Check that the charging port is clean with no lint or debris. If the battery health shows Service Recommended in System Settings, Battery, Battery Health, the battery needs professional replacement which costs about 199 to 249 dollars through Apple.
Need personalized advice? Chat with an expert for $3.
Our verified experts will provide personalized advice for your specific situation.
Average response time: under 2 minutes · Money-back guarantee
Chat with an Expert — $3 →
