What "Battery Not Charging" means on your Mac
When your Mac displays "Battery Not Charging" in the menu bar or System Settings, it means the battery is not accepting power from the charger, even though the charger is plugged in and the Mac is powered on. This is different from a dead battery — your Mac is running on whatever charge remains, but the battery itself has stopped taking new energy. The message appears because macOS detected that the charging circuit is not delivering power to the battery cells.
This can happen for several reasons: a loose cable connection, a problem with the charging port, a faulty power adapter, a software glitch, or an actual battery failure. Most of the time it is something you can fix yourself in a few minutes. Sometimes it means the battery or charger needs replacement.
Key Takeaways
- Check that your charging cable is fully inserted into both the power adapter and your Mac, and that the adapter itself is plugged into a working wall outlet.
- Restart your Mac completely — shut it down and turn it back on — because charging problems are often temporary software issues that a restart clears.
- Reset the SMC (System Management Controller), which controls power delivery on Intel Macs, or force-restart to reset power management on Apple Silicon Macs.
- If charging still does not work after these steps, the charger, cable, or battery itself may be faulty and may need professional service or replacement.
Check your cable and power adapter first
Start with the physical connection. Unplug the charging cable from both your Mac and the power adapter, then plug it back in firmly. The connector should click or seat with a clear feeling — if it feels loose or wiggly, the connection is not complete. Do the same with the power adapter and the wall outlet. A cable that looks fine on the outside can have internal damage, so if you have access to another compatible charger, try that one.
Look at the charging port on your Mac for debris, lint, or corrosion. If you see anything inside, use a flashlight to see clearly, then gently clean it with a dry cotton swab or a small brush. Do not use liquid or force. On newer Macs with MagSafe charging, make sure the magnetic connector is clean and that nothing is blocking the magnets from seating properly.
Check whether the power adapter itself is working. If you have an older MacBook, the adapter may have an LED light that shows green (charged) or amber (charging). If the light is off, the adapter may not be receiving power from the wall. Try a different outlet, or test the outlet with another device like a lamp to confirm it works.
Restart your Mac completely
A full restart clears temporary software states that can block charging. This is not the same as sleep mode — you need to shut down completely. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select Shut Down, and wait for your Mac to power off completely. Then wait 10 seconds and turn it back on.
After the restart, check whether the battery is charging. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions), go to Battery or Power Adapter, and look at the status. If it now says "Charging" instead of "Battery Not Charging," the problem was a temporary software state and you are done.
Reset the SMC on Intel Macs
The SMC (System Management Controller) is the chip that controls power delivery, battery charging, and thermal management on Intel-based Macs. Resetting it can fix charging problems that software alone cannot solve. The steps depend on your Mac model and whether it has a removable battery.
On MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with non-removable battery (2009 and later): Shut down your Mac completely. Press and hold Shift + Control + Option (all on the left side of the keyboard) and the Power button at the same time for 10 seconds. Release all keys. Wait a few seconds, then press the Power button to turn your Mac back on.
On iMac, Mac mini, or Mac Studio: Shut down your Mac. Unplug the power cable from the back of the machine and wait 15 seconds. Plug it back in and wait 5 seconds, then press the Power button to turn it on.
After the SMC reset, plug in your charger and check the battery status again. Many charging problems resolve after an SMC reset.
Force restart on Apple Silicon Macs
Apple Silicon Macs (those with M1, M2, M3, or later chips) do not have an SMC reset procedure. Instead, use a force restart to reset the power management system. Shut down your Mac normally first. Then press and hold the Power button for about 10 seconds until you see the startup screen, and release.
This forces the Mac to restart and resets the power management state without erasing anything. After the restart, plug in your charger and check the battery status. If charging begins, the problem is resolved.
When to replace the charger or battery
If your Mac still shows "Battery Not Charging" after a restart, SMC reset, and trying a different outlet, the charger or battery is likely faulty. You have two options: take your Mac to an Apple Store or authorized service provider for diagnosis, or order a replacement charger online if you are confident that is the problem.
A genuine Apple charger for your specific Mac model costs between $50 and $100 depending on wattage. Third-party chargers exist but carry more risk of compatibility or safety issues. If the charger is not the problem, the battery itself may be failing, which requires professional replacement — this typically costs $100 to $200 depending on your Mac model.
If your Mac is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, the repair or replacement may be free or low-cost. Check your coverage at apple.com by entering your serial number, or call Apple Support at 1-800-MY-APPLE.
What to do while waiting for a replacement
If you have ordered a new charger or are waiting for a service appointment, you can still use your Mac. It will run on battery power until the charge is depleted. To extend the time before it shuts down, reduce screen brightness, close unnecessary programs, and enable Low Power Mode (in System Settings under Battery). Avoid processor-heavy tasks like video editing or gaming, which drain the battery faster.
Do not let the battery drain completely to zero if you can avoid it. Shut down your Mac when the battery reaches 10 to 20 percent remaining. Letting a lithium battery fully discharge repeatedly can reduce its lifespan further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different brand charger with my Mac?
Third-party chargers may work, but they carry risk. Use only chargers certified for your specific Mac model and wattage. An undersized charger may not deliver enough power, and an incompatible one could damage the battery or charging circuit. Apple chargers are the safest choice.
Does "Battery Not Charging" mean my battery is broken?
Not necessarily. The message usually means the charging circuit is not delivering power, which is often a cable, port, or charger problem rather than a battery failure. Try the steps in this guide first. If charging works after a restart or SMC reset, your battery is fine.
Why does my Mac say "Battery Not Charging" even though it is plugged in?
The most common causes are a loose cable connection, a faulty power adapter, or a temporary software glitch. Check that the cable is fully seated at both ends, try a different outlet, and restart your Mac. If none of those work, the charger or battery may need replacement.
Should I keep my Mac plugged in all the time if the battery is not charging?
Yes, you can leave it plugged in safely. Your Mac will run on AC power directly and will not damage the battery by staying connected. However, the battery will gradually lose charge over time if it is not being replenished, so eventually your Mac will shut down when the stored charge runs out.
How long does it take to get a replacement charger?
Apple chargers ordered online typically arrive within 3 to 5 business days. If you go to an Apple Store, you can often buy one the same day. If you need your Mac working when ready, a third-party charger from a retailer may arrive faster, but verify it is compatible with your exact model first.