Tom Victor
8 minutes to read
|as
Have you ever experienced the confusion of seeing your MacBook say it's charging when it's not plugged in? It's a strange situation that will leave you scratching your head in disbelief. But fear not! In this article, I'll take a deep dive into the possible reasons why your MacBook is showing charging status when not connected and how to fix it.
Why does my Mac say it's charging when it's not connected?
There are a number of reasons why a MacBook might show its charging status when it's not plugged in. The most common include:
- battery indication failure
- software failure
- There is a problem with the System Management Controller (SMC).
A bad battery light is a common problem, especially if your MacBook is old or has been used a lot. In this case, the battery indicator may not be able to accurately determine the charge of the battery, resulting in the charge status being displayed incorrectly.
Another possible reason could be a software bug. If your MacBook's operating system isn't working properly, it can cause the battery light to malfunction.
Finally, problems with the SMC, which controls the MacBook's power functions, can also cause incorrect information to appear in the battery meter, especially on Intel-based MacBooks. Such problems can be caused by charging your MacBook with a charger of the wrong wattage and voltage.
How to fix MacBook showing charging when not plugged in
To fix this, there are a few things you can do.
First, make sure macOS is up to date. To check that macOS is up to date, click the Apple logo in the upper-left corner of the screen, then clickSystem set up>General>Software update
Second, eliminate the possibility of a bad battery light.
How to eliminate the possibility of a bad battery indicator
Check that your battery status is normal. To do this, visitsystem settings,I am lookingpowerthen clicknap.If the battery status indicator is abnormal, you may need to replace the battery andAdjust some battery settings next.
You can also try to eliminate the possibility of the battery indicator malfunctioning by restarting your Mac and recalibrating your Mac's battery data.
Recalibrating your MacBook's battery data can help correct any battery indicator issues.It is also useful to consider some hardware issues.
Finally, if all else fails, you can perform an SMC reset. In the following sections, I will walk you through the process of recalibrating your MacBook battery data and performing an SMC reset.
How do I reset my Mac's battery?
You can't reset your Mac's battery. Batteries are not software or microcontrollers, they cannot be reset. The number of cycles indicates how many full charge cycles the battery has undergone during its lifetime and cannot be reversed.
However, you can recalibrate your MacBook battery data. Although this is the most common action for a recently replaced battery, you may want to do this to help your Mac correctly identify the battery's state of charge and estimate how long it will last. This can fix the problem with the charging light on the MacBook when it's not plugged in.
Follow these easy steps to recalibrate your MacBook battery data.
- Turn off your MacBook and charge it until the LED turns green, indicating that it is fully charged.
- Leave it plugged in for another two hours. You can use your MacBook during this time.
- with regulationlow power modeONEno way.From the home screen go tosystem settings,I am lookingpowerthen click nap.then adjustlow power modeONEno way
- Unplug the MacBook and drain the battery.
- Let it sit overnight to make sure all the charges are completely drained.
- Recharge the MacBook to 100%, change the power saving settings to your liking, and voila! Recalibration is complete.
How to Reset SMC on MacBook Pro?
If recalibrating the MacBook battery data doesn't fix the problem, the next step is to reset the system management controller or SMC. The SMC controls the MacBook's power functions, including the battery and charging status.
The SMC reset process differs between older MacBooks and MacBooks with Apple Silicon or T2 chips.Learn how to check your Mac's processor here.If you have an Apple Silicon-based Mac, to reset the SMC, make sure your MacBook is plugged in and restarted. It is so simple.
For Intel-based MacBooks with the T2 security chip:
- Close your MacBook.
- Plug the power adapter into your MacBook and into an electrical outlet.
- hold down the buttonShift + Control + Optiontype on the left side of the keyboard for seven seconds. Then press and hold the power button at the same time.
- Press and hold all four keys for another seven seconds.
- Release all keys and the power button at the same time.
- Press the power button to turn on your MacBook.
For older MacBook models without an Apple Silicon or T2 chip.
- Close your MacBook.
- Plug the power adapter into your MacBook and into an electrical outlet.
- hold down the buttonShift + Control + Optionkey on the left side of the keyboard, along with the power button, for 10 seconds.
- Release all keys and the power button at the same time.
- Press the power button to turn on your MacBook.
After the MacBook restarts, check the battery light to see if it shows the correct charge status.
How do I force my Mac to charge when plugged in?
If your MacBook won't charge when plugged in, there are several things you can try to fix it. First, make sure the power adapter is properly plugged into your MacBook and an electrical outlet. If the adapter is connected properly, try resetting the battery and SMC as above.
If these steps don't work, try a different power supply or charging cable. A faulty adapter or cable may be causing the problem.
Another solution is to check your MacBook's settings.
Way La Laapple menuand selectsystem settings
then clickenergy saver.check the settings to make surePrevent your computer from automatically sleeping when the screen turns offThis option is not selected.
Why does my battery appear to be charging but not connected?
If your battery shows charging but isn't connected, the most likely culprit is a software bug. Sometimes the battery light gets stuck and shows an error message. To fix this, try resetting the battery and SMC as above.
Another possible cause is a problem with the charging cable or power supply. Damage to the cable or adapter may cause the battery light to display incorrect information. In this case, try a different cable or adapter to see if that fixes the problem.
Finally, a hardware problem can cause the battery to display incorrect information. If you've tried all the software fixes and the problem persists, it may be time to take your MacBook to an Apple-certified technician for a closer inspection.
Why does my Macbook say "connected but not charging"?
If your MacBook is showing a "connected but not charging" status, it could be due to a few different factors. One of the most common causes is a faulty power supply or charging cable.
If the cable or adapter is damaged, it may not provide enough power to fully charge the battery. Additionally, dust and dirt can accumulate in the charging port, preventing the charging cable from making a secure connection.
Another cause of this error is that the battery may have reached full charge capacity and the MacBook is now only powered by the adapter. This can happen if you use your MacBook for a long time without giving it a chance to fully discharge and recharge.
Finally, there may be a software issue causing the problem. If your MacBook's System Management Controller (SMC) is not working properly, it may not recognize the battery charge and display a "connected but not charging" status. In this case, resetting the SMC may help resolve the issue.
If your MacBook is showing a "connected but not charging" status, there are several things you can try to fix it. First check if the power supply and charging cable are properly connected and not damaged. If so, try resetting the battery and SMC as above.
If these steps don't work, there may be a problem with the battery. Sometimes batteries lose their ability to hold a charge over time, especially if your MacBook is old or used a lot. In this case, it may be time to replace the battery.
FAQs for fixing Macbook charging when not plugged in
Here are some common questions and answers about MacBook battery and charging. enjoy!
Why does my MacBook show charging when it's not connected?
This could be due to a software problem or a faulty battery, adapter or charging cable.
Why doesn't my MacBook charge even though it's plugged in?
This could be due to a faulty adapter or charging cable. Dust or dirt in the charging port, or software issues, can also prevent your Mac from charging.
How do I reset a MacBook battery?
You can reset your MacBook battery by following these steps:
Close your MacBook.
Unplug the power supply and any other peripherals.
Press and hold the Shift + Control + Option keys and the Power button for 10 seconds.
How do I know if my MacBook battery needs replacing?
If your MacBook's battery dies or if you notice that the battery is swollen, the battery may need to be replaced.
How to force MacBook to charge when plugged in?
You can force your MacBook to charge when plugged in by resetting the SMC or trying a different charging adapter or cable.
How long does it take to fully charge a MacBook?
The time it takes to fully charge your MacBook depends on the model and battery capacity.
Can I use a different adapter to charge my MacBook?
Yes, you can use a different adapter to charge your MacBook, but make sure it meets the correct power and voltage specifications for your specific MacBook model.
most common questions
Can I use the USB-C cable to charge my MacBook?
Yes, if your MacBook is a newer model that supports USB-C charging, you can charge it with a USB-C cable.
Why won't my MacBook charge above a certain percentage?
This could be due to a software bug or a faulty battery.
Can I use my MacBook while charging?
Yes, you can use your MacBook while charging.
How often should I calibrate my MacBook battery?
Newer MacBooks don't require regular battery calibration because they have the hardware and software systems in place to ensure you get the best performance from the battery. However,Recalibration after battery replacement is recommended.
How long does a MacBook battery last?
It varies by model, but the MacBook Pro battery can last 5-11 hours between charges, while the Air model can provide 6-14 hours of power. MacBook battery life depends on usage and other factors, but averages 3-5 years.
Why is my MacBook battery draining so fast?
This could be due to a software bug, battery failure, or overuse.
How can I check the battery status of my MacBook?
You can check the battery status of your MacBook by going to the Apple menu by clickingAbout this Macand selectsystem report.then clickpowerand searchHealth information.
Can I replace the MacBook battery myself?
It is possible to replace the MacBook battery yourself, but it is recommended to have it replaced by a professionalCertified Apple TechnicianDon't damage your MacBook.
final thoughts
All in all, seeing your MacBook say it's charging when it's not plugged in can be a strange and frustrating experience. However, by following the steps I have outlined in this article, you will be able to resolve the issue in no time.
By recalibrating your battery, you can help your Mac accurately identify battery charge and estimate how much battery life is left. Remember to try resetting the SMC and if the problem persists, it is recommended that you consult an Apple certified technician for assistance. With a little patience and persistence, you can restore normal charging and functionality to your MacBook.
FAQs
Why does my Mac battery say its charging when its not plugged in? ›
This could be due to a software issue or a faulty battery, adapter, or charging cable. Why is my MacBook not charging even though it's plugged in? This could be due to a faulty adapter or charging cable. Dust or debris in the charging port, or a software issue can also prevent your Mac from charging.
How do I reset my MacBook charging port? ›Press and Hold Control-Option-Shift for 7 seconds. Your Mac may turn on doing this process — don't stop holding down the keys. Press and hold the power button as well as the other keys.
Why won't my MacBook charge even though the charger works? ›Your Mac laptop may not be charging because of a high performance level, the software, or Battery health settings. Avoid draining the battery quickly: Your computer may be running at a very high performance level that uses more power than the power source provides.
How do I reset my Mac battery? ›Remove the battery. Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds. Reconnect the battery and MagSafe power adapter. Press the power button to turn on your Mac.
How to do SMC reset? ›- Shut down your Mac.
- Press and hold Shift, Control, and Option on the left side of the keyboard. At the same time, press the power button.
- Hold for 10 seconds.
- Release the keys and then turn on your Mac.
- Shut down the computer.
- Disconnect the MagSafe power adapter from the computer, if it's connected.
- Remove the battery.
- Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
- Release the power button.
- Reconnect the battery and MagSafe power adapter.
- Press the power button to turn on the computer.
Common culprits include a faulty motherboard, damaged charging circuits, and malfunctioning battery sensors. Your particular make and model of laptop will likely have its own unique issues, and a seasoned tech support operator will have seen all of them.
How do I know if my SMC is reset? ›...
Here are the steps:
- Turn Airport off ( or disconnect Ethernet or any internet connection )
- Reset SMC.
- Turn on computer.
You could try resetting the SMC, or System Management Controller, as a last resort. The SMC manages low level settings, like thermal and battery management. It's rare, but problems with the SMC can effect performance, and also cause bugs like fans that run constantly even when CPU usage isn't high.
How to hard reset MacBook Pro? ›From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen, choose System Settings. Click General in the sidebar. Click Transfer or Reset on the right. Click Erase All Content and Settings.
How do I reset my Mac with the power button? ›
Press and hold the power button on your Mac for about 10 seconds. (Every Mac has a power button. On laptop computers that have Touch ID, press and hold Touch ID.) Then press and release the power button normally.
Does SMC and PRAM reset? ›Shut down your Mac. Turn it on and immediately press and hold these four keys together: Option, Command, P, and R. You can release the keys after about 20 seconds, during which your Mac might appear to restart.
Does SMC reset lose data? ›You will not lose any data unless your hard drive has died. Resetting the SMC may help with certain power related issues, but not necessarily. If the battery is bad then a reset won't help.
What is a PRAM reset Mac? ›For music production, resetting the PRAM/NVRAM will reset information that deals with start-up disks and device connections such as MIDI devices and audio interfaces. Mac doesn't boot up correctly. Devices aren't showing up. Monitors don't display properly.
How long does SMC reset take on Mac? ›The process to reset the SMC on an iMac, Mac Mini, or Mac Pro is simple. Turn off your machine and unplug the power cable. Wait 15 seconds, then reconnect the power cord and turn on your computer.
How do I run diagnostics on my Mac? ›- Turn on your Mac and continue to press and hold the power button as your Mac starts up.
- Release when you see the startup options window, which includes a gear icon labeled Options.
- Press Command (⌘)-D on your keyboard.
Turn on or restart your Mac, then immediately press and hold the Shift key until you see the login window. Log in to your Mac. You might be asked to log in again. On either the first or second login window, you should see “Safe Boot” in the menu bar.
How do I know if my laptop charging port is broken? ›There are some AC adapters that come with a pin at the part that plugs into the laptop. You can try examining the connector of the adapter to see if the pin is bent or broken. If you see that there is a problem with the pin, it means that the AC adapter is not transferring power to the laptop.
How do I reinstall battery drivers? ›Right click Start to open Device Manager, under Battery choose the battery device, then Driver tab, then if available Roll Back the driver. If not available, choose Uninstall Driver, restart PC to reinstall.
How do I remove debris from my Apple charging port? ›The USB-C port on Android™ devices can be tough to keep clean, but there are steps you can take to rid your phone of unwanted dirt. Turn off your device and use the can of compressed air or the bulb syringe to clean out the charging port. Blast a few short bursts and see if any dust falls out.
Does Apple charge clean charging port? ›
Best of all, an Apple Store should clean your port and get your iPhone working again for free. If you don't have a nearby Apple Store, you can take your phone into any similar type of repair shop, jewelry repair shop, or business that specializes in mobile devices or equipment, and they should be able to help you.
How to charge Mac without MagSafe? ›If your Mac has USB-C ports, you can charge your Mac with a USB-C charge cable and a USB-C power adaptor or with a USB-C or Thunderbolt display that provides power.
How can I force my laptop battery to charge? ›- Make sure you're really plugged in.
- Connect the correct USB-C port.
- Use the right power adapter.
- Try booting without the battery.
- Let the laptop and adapter cool down.
- Update your drivers.
- Check the power cable for breaks.
- Charge it to 100%, and keep charging it for at least two more hours.
- Use your device until it shuts off due to low battery.
- Charge it uninterrupted to 100%.
Charging issues are most often the result of faulty power adapters, non-working power outlets, or bad batteries. If everything checks out okay with the hardware, you can usually fix power issues by updating your laptop's power or battery management settings.
Should I reset the SMC on my Mac? ›Resetting the SMC is a similar operation to resetting the NVRAM. Apple recommends resetting it to fix issues with power, battery, fans, and other features.
How long does an SMC reset take? ›Online tutorials have hinted that SMC resets take about 10 minutes for things to return to normal.
How do I reset my SMC on my Mac without a t2 chip? ›- Apple Menu > Shut Down.
- Shift + Ctrl + Opt (left side) & Power button at the same time. Hold for 10 seconds.
- Release all keys.
- Power on your Mac.
Click Restart. Hold down the Command and R keys as soon as you hear the Mac tone indicating a reboot. Wait for the macOS Utilities screen to appear, then click Disk Utility. Choose your Mac's system drive, usually named Macintosh HD, then click Erase.
How do I force an unresponsive Mac to restart? ›Important: You can force a shutdown if necessary—for example, if your Mac becomes unresponsive—by pressing and holding the power button until your Mac shuts down.
What is the force restart key for Mac? ›
Control–Command–Power button:*
Force your Mac to restart, without prompting to save any open and unsaved documents. Control–Command–Media Eject : Quit all apps, then restart your Mac.
After you connect the charger, the indicator light glows green if your battery is fully charged. If your battery is charging or charging is on hold, the indicator light glows amber.
What does the plug symbol mean on Mac battery? ›This icon shows that your Macbook is plugged in, it's using power from the mains, and the battery is charging.
Why is my Mac electric when charging? ›The origin of the micro-vibration of MacBooks
The power adapters does not have an additional electrical grounding line, hence it feels in your fingers as the MacBook vibrates if touched while charging. This is a normal consequence of how the power adapter is designed.
Resetting the SMC can resolve some computer issues such as not starting up, not displaying video, sleep issues, fan noise issues, battery charging and more. If a Mac exhibits these types of issues after a restart, or if it will not start up, try resetting the SMC.
How do I know if my Mac battery is damaged? ›You can check whether the battery in your Mac laptop is functioning normally. To view your battery's condition, choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Battery in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.) Look at Battery Health on the right.
Does lightning bolt mean Mac is charging? ›Empty battery icon with lightning bolt means the device is plugged-in and using power but the battery is not charging. Your Mac is using power directly from the cord. Full battery icon with lightning bolt means the device is plugged-in and the battery is charging. Your Mac can use power from both the cord and battery.
Does lightning bolt mean charging? ›You'll know your iPhone is charging when you see the lightning bolt located next to the battery icon in the status bar. If your screen is locked, you'll see a large battery icon appear on the screen.
What does the little battery symbol mean? ›Your battery light, also called the dashboard battery indicator, is designed to let you know about an issue with your vehicle's battery or charging system. It could indicate that your battery is damaged or worn out, or that the charging system is malfunctioning in some way.
What does a battery with lightning bolt mean? ›The lightning bolt signifies a lack of charge in the battery(battery is charging but not done), so your battery is probably weak and can't hold enough charge that the phone thinks it can turn on.
Where is Mac battery settings? ›
Check Battery settings
From the Apple menu in the menu bar, choose System Settings (or System Preferences), then click Battery.
Keep pressing Shift + Option + Control + Power for 10 seconds and indicator is still orange. Indicator turns to green when release all keystrokes and keeps almost 1 second. Light turns to orange then.
Does resetting the SMC on Mac delete everything? ›Resetting the SMC on Mac will not delete anything. SMC is known as System Management Controller, and you should know SMC is hardware that is incorporated into Mac's motherboard, and it will not affect any data on your Mac.