How Do You Know If Your Mac Is Charging Smoothly?
Watch your Mac's charge to avoid surprise shutdowns. Whether you're at the office or at home, a simple verification can ensure your device stays powered and ready for use. In this article, we will show you how to check that your MacBook charges from battery health checks to the built-in tools in macOS.
4 Ways to Tell If Your MacBook Is Charging
The first step is to verify the charging status before attempting repairs. There are a few built-in indicators that will help you know the status of your device swiftly and precisely.
Battery Menu
It is the quickest method of knowing whether your MacBook is charging or not by clicking on the battery icon located at the top right of your screen. A lightning bolt will be identified next to the battery percentage of your MacBook when charging. When not charging, it will only display the battery percentage. Whether the battery is charging or not charging will also be displayed on the menu.
Battery Section in System Settings
To learn more about it, visit Battery in System Settings. This setting gives a clue to battery life and battery usage. You are able to check whether your MacBook is being charged and keep track of its health to identify possible problems that can influence its work with the charger.
Check Battery Status in the Menu Bar
When you connect your MacBook, the charge percentage and battery icon will appear. If it's charging, the icon will show a lightning bolt. By hovering over the icon, you'll see additional details, such as the battery's charging status. If you're using a power bank, the same indicators should appear, confirming that the power bank is delivering power to your MacBook.
Charging Sound
A helpful clue is the charging sound. Listen for a brief confirmation sound when you plug in your MacBook. The absence of this sound could point to a charging problem.
Why Your MacBook Is Plugged in But Not Charging?
Sometimes your MacBook has power, but cannot charge. Here are a few common causes:
Battery Health Effects on Charging
Battery capacity drops over time, which results in lower charge efficiency. Review System Settings to verify its current condition. You may also wish to replace the battery in case the battery has worn out.
Power Adapter or Cable Issues
A damaged, incompatible, or poorly fitting power adapter or cable could be the reason why your laptop isn’t charging. Such equipment often fails to deliver the full power your MacBook needs. Always use an original charger, an Apple-certified adapter, or a trusted brand. Also, make sure the cable is free from any physical damage to avoid your laptop not charging.
MacOS Battery Management Impact
MacOS has a battery health management system that may limit maximum charge to around 80% in order to preserve the battery life. When it is turned on, your MacBook will not charge after reaching 80%. This is adjustable in System Settings in case you require a full charge, however, you should take care not to charge to 100 percent too frequently because that may shorten the battery life.
Software Glitches Affecting Charging
Software glitches, sometimes, may block charging. This can be resolved by either a reboot or a reset of the System Management Controller (SMC). Another choice is updating macOS.
What to Do if Your Mac Isn’t Charging?
When you are not charging your MacBook, you should go through these troubleshooting steps to do away with the problem:
Check and Repair Mac Hardware First
Check your MacBook hardware and then troubleshoot software. Inspect the charging port, power adapter, and cable for any damage. As you may not be able to charge your MacBook even when it is plugged in, this could be a hardware issue such as a broken charging port, or it could be a battery issue inside it.
If your internal battery drains quickly, a high-capacity power bank can be a reliable secondary power source. We recommend the INIU Cougar P64-E1 Power Bank or INIU Cougar P63-E1 Power Bank. These power banks can be a second battery. It allows you to work in a cafe or on a plane without a socket. This ensures you can stay productive even when a wall socket is unavailable.
Upgrade to High-Power Charging Gear
If your hardware is intact but charging remains slow, your current adapter may lack sufficient wattage. In this respect, a change of charging equipment can make a difference. The INIU A11-E1 100W GaN Charger is an ideal solution since it provides over 100W of power. Wrap it with an INIU D5CC USB-C to C Cable to have an even quicker charge. They put an end to slow and unreliable charges, and deliver stable, high-speed power to your MacBook once and for all.
Adjust MacOS Battery Health Settings
MacOS can be configured to charge up to 80 percent by its Battery Health Management feature to maintain the health of the battery. In System Settings, you can change this setting in case you require a complete charge. The thing is that charging to 100 percent often may lead to the reduction of the battery life, so this feature may be used when needed.
Fix Software Glitches
Charging can also be disrupted due to software problems. These issues can be solved by resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) or by updating the macOS. The NVRAM can be reset as well to address any issues of power management conflicts.
These measures would help you keep your MacBook powered effectively by upgrading your charging accessories and following these steps.
Tips for Securely Charging Your MacBook
To enjoy the process of charging your MacBook, you ought to follow the following best practices:
Avoid Flammable Surfaces
Always place your MacBook on a hard and flat surface to avoid overheating. You must not charge on such soft surfaces like beds or blankets may limit the airflow and pose the danger of fire.
Monitor for Overheating
Watch the heat while charging your MacBook. If it overheats, unplug and let it cool. The battery can be damaged in the overheating process and its duration of life will be reduced.
Skip Cheap Chargers
Skip uncertified chargers. Their unstable output can slow down charging or damage your battery over time. When charging your iPhone, always use an official Apple charger or one with the MFi (Made for iPhone) certification. If you're on the go and need to charge your laptop with a power bank, make sure to choose one that’s also certified for safe and efficient charging.
FAQ
Why is my MacBook showing the charging symbol but not turning on?
Whenever you find the charging icon on the MacBook and fail to find the power turn on, the issue may be a dead battery, a software bug or a hardware fault. Try a reset of the NVRAM or SMC to correct potential software problems.
How long does it take for a MacBook to charge after being dead?
Charging times vary by model. An average of 1.5 to 2 hours is usually required to charge your MacBook to 50% and 3 to 4 hours to charge your MacBook completely. Older batteries can be slower.
What kills MacBook battery life?
The lifespan of a MacBook's battery can be weakened due to being exposed to heat, irregular charging habits, and complete discharge. Unreasonable use of third-party chargers is also a reason for decreased battery life.
Does the lightning bolt mean it's charging when dead on a MacBook?
No, the symbol of the lightning bolt means the MacBook is being charged but is too exhausted to boot up. It needs to accumulate a minimal charge before it has enough power to boot up.
Conclusion
Master your MacBook's charge indicators. This skill prevents issues and keeps your device ready for use. To have a long battery life, check battery health on a regular basis, use correct charging accessories and practice safe charging. The steps above can help you troubleshoot simple problems should they occur in the future.
