MacBook Charger Not Working: Tips to Fix It

Imagine heading out to work remotely with your MacBook, only to be greeted by a dreaded low-battery notification. As panic sets in, you plug in your charger, but nothing happens—it's not working. Before frustration takes over, remember that there are straightforward solutions to revive your charger. 

Our guide walks you through the common reasons why your MacBook charger not working and offers practical methods to fix them, from cooling down your Mac to inspecting and cleaning the charger. Discover how to ensure your charger remains reliable and keep your MacBook powered up wherever you go, with easy-to-follow tips and tricks that restore your peace of mind. 

Common Reasons Why MacBook Chargers Stop Working

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to figure out why a MacBook charger stops working, here are some common reasons: 

• Damaged cables or power adapters: Cables may break due to frequent use or accidents, and power adapters may fail to charge due to damaged internal parts or poor contact. 

• Battery failure: Prolonged use of the battery or incorrect charging may result in degradation or damage to the battery. 

• Interface problems: The MacBook charging interface may be loose or damaged, failing to charge properly. 

• Overheating: Overheating of the charger or MacBook may cause charging to fail. 

• Software issues: Software malfunction or consuming too much power leads to problems with the charging process.

Methods to Fix a MacBook Charger Not Working

After understanding the common issues with MacBook chargers, you'll be able to fix a malfunctioning charger on a case-by-case basis. Here are some worthy methods to try:

Cool Your Mac Down

Once a computer overheats it can create a variety of problems and failure to charge is one of them. If you feel that your MacBook is getting significantly hot, then stop using it or turn it off first to let it cool down. Wait until it has cooled down completely before trying to reconnect it to the power supply.

Inspect Charger Cable and Connections

Check that the connection and charging cables are intact, especially scrutinize the cables for any kinks or breaks. And make sure they match the device, when found damaged or unsuitable, please replace them promptly. If both look intact, try plugging them in again after cleaning them and make sure the connection is secure.

Reset SMC (System Management Controller)

The SMC is a low-level system chip on Apple computers that manages the power supply, battery, fans, and other hardware. Rebooting it may help with charging issues. For different models of MacBook, the method of resetting SMC varies, but the restart operation for most MacBooks is the same. First, turn off the computer, then press and hold the Shift + Control + Option + Power button at the same time for about 10 seconds, then release all the buttons and press the Power button again to start the computer.

Check Your Battery Health

Battery failure is also one of the common reasons why the charger does not work, so it's a good idea to check the health of your MacBook's battery. To check the battery status, select the Apple menu, click on "System Settings," and then tap "Battery" in the sidebar. Battery status is categorized into two types: "Normal" means that the battery is working properly, and "Service Recommended" means that its ability to hold a charge is low and you may want to consider replacing the battery.

Clear the Port and the Charger Connector from Dirt

Sometimes the charging port or charger may have poor contact due to dust, dirt, or oxidation. Use cotton swabs or alcohol pads to gently clean the charging port to ensure it is clean and tidy. Remember not to use sharp and metal to clean it as it may cause damage.

Try a Different Charger

If troubleshooting your existing MacBook charger doesn’t solve the problem, it might be time to consider replacing it. Switching to a reliable alternative, like the Apple official charger or a reliable third-party MacBook charger. Anker charger is a good example, which can offer peace of mind with its proven performance and compatibility. 

The Anker 737 Charger, for instance, exemplifies high performance with its compact 3-in-1 design, capable of charging up to three devices simultaneously, including a MacBook. These laptop chargers are not only capable of providing stable power to MacBooks, but they also offer an exclusive technology that automatically regulates power. Of course, there are also various types of cables available in a wide range of lengths from 1ft to 10ft that are fully compatible with MacBooks.

Conclusion

When you understand the reason why your MacBook charger not working, you can fix it correspondingly. The tips in this article can help you solve most problems easily. If all the ways don't work, replacing the charger is a good idea. Anker laptop chargers and cables for MacBook provide a reliable solution to keep the device charging fast while staying safe. 

FAQs

Why Is My MacBook Charger Not Lighting Up?

If your MacBook charger isn't lighting up, it could be due to a faulty power adapter, damaged cable, or issues with the power outlet. Check for visible damage, try different outlets, and ensure the connections are secure. If the problem persists, the charger may need to be replaced.

How Do I Know If My MacBook Charger Is Broken?

To determine if your MacBook charger is broken, look for signs like no power output, physical damage, or a failure to charge your laptop consistently. Check the LED indicator light on the charger; if it's not lighting up when connected, the charger might need replacing.

Can I Use a Different Charger for My MacBook?

Yes. Using a different charger for your MacBook is possible, but it should match Apple's specifications for power output and port type. Opt for Apple-certified or reputable third-party chargers like Anker to avoid potential damage to your device's battery or hardware due to incompatible voltage or amperage.