If you have ever plugged in your MacBook and noticed the battery icon says “Not Charging,” you are not alone. This issue is surprisingly common among Mac users in Australia, especially as devices age or power adapters wear out. The good news is that in most cases, it is not as serious as it seems, and it can often be fixed at home with a few simple checks.
Top 10 Things to Do When Your MacBook Is Plugged In But Not Charging
- Check the Power Connection – Ensure the charger is securely plugged into both the MacBook and a working wall socket.
- Try a Different Power Outlet – Some sockets may be faulty, so plug into another outlet to rule this out.
- Inspect the Charger and Cable – Look for frayed wires, bent connectors, or burn marks that could prevent proper charging.
- Use an Apple-Certified Charger – Third-party chargers may not deliver consistent power; use genuine Apple or certified adapters.
- Remove Any Extensions or Power Boards – Plug the charger directly into the wall to avoid interference from surge protectors.
- Check Battery Status in macOS – Click the battery icon or go to System Settings > Battery to see if “Not Charging” appears and check battery health.
- Restart Your MacBook – Sometimes a simple restart resolves minor software or firmware glitches affecting charging.
- Reset the SMC (System Management Controller) – For Intel Macs, this can fix power-related issues. For Apple silicon Macs, just shutting down and restarting resets the SMC automatically.
- Disable Optimised Battery Charging Temporarily – Go to System Settings > Battery and turn off Optimised Battery Charging to see if it resolves the issue.
- Seek Professional Help – If none of the above works, visit a trusted local repair service, such as Matnet.co.za in Durban, for diagnostics and safe battery or hardware repair.
Check the Basics First
Before assuming there is a major problem, start with the simplest steps. Make sure the charging cable and adapter are properly connected to both the power outlet and your MacBook. Try a different wall socket, as some power points can fail or deliver inconsistent power. Also, check that the power adapter light (if yours has one) is on.
If you are using a power board or extension cord, plug the charger directly into the wall instead. Sometimes, surge protectors or extension leads can interfere with the power flow and stop your MacBook from charging correctly.
Inspect the Charging Cable and Adapter
Frayed, bent, or damaged cables are one of the most common causes of charging issues. Inspect your USB-C or MagSafe cable for visible wear, and check for burn marks or bent pins on the connector. If possible, test your MacBook with another compatible charger.
Apple chargers are designed with safety in mind, but generic third-party adapters can sometimes deliver inconsistent voltage, which prevents proper charging. For the best results, always use a genuine Apple charger or one that meets Apple’s certified safety standards.
Reset Your Mac’s Power Management System
If your MacBook still is not charging, the next step is to reset the System Management Controller (SMC). The SMC manages power functions on your Mac, including battery charging. Resetting it can often fix charging problems caused by software glitches.
For MacBooks with Apple silicon, simply shut down your device, wait a few seconds, and restart. For Intel-based MacBooks, press and hold Shift + Control + Option + Power for about ten seconds, then release and turn it on again.
Battery Health and Optimised Charging
Recent versions of macOS include a feature called “Optimised Battery Charging,” which can make it seem like your MacBook is not charging when it actually is. This feature helps extend battery life by learning your charging habits and slowing down charging once it reaches 80 per cent.
To check this, go to System Settings, select Battery, and review the battery health and charging options. If the battery condition shows as “Normal,” your MacBook is likely fine.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your MacBook still refuses to charge after you have tried all the basic checks, it might be time to get expert assistance. The issue could be related to your battery, charging port, or internal hardware components that require professional diagnosis.
For MacBook repairs in Durban, it is best to contact a trusted local technician who specialises in Apple devices. At Matnet Technologies, our qualified team can inspect your charger, battery, and internal power systems to pinpoint the exact problem. We use high-quality replacement parts and follow industry-standard repair practices to ensure your MacBook is restored safely and efficiently.
Whether it is a simple charging issue or a deeper hardware fault, Matnet provides reliable, affordable MacBook repair services across Durban and surrounding areas. Visit us or book a service appointment to get your device back up and running smoothly.
Contact our team today to get started.