MacBook Battery Not Charging
A battery that won’t charge is usually fixable. Start with the simple checks below.
1. Check the Basics First
- Try a different USB-C cable and power adapter — cables fail more often than people expect
- Clean the charging port gently with a dry toothbrush — pocket lint can block the connection
- Try a different wall outlet — power strips with surge protectors can sometimes limit charging
- Check the cable and brick for visible damage or heat discolouration
2. Check Battery Health
Go to Apple menu → System Settings → Battery → Battery Health. If it shows “Service Recommended” or “Service Battery,” your battery has degraded beyond Apple’s threshold and needs replacement.
Also check your cycle count — most MacBook batteries are rated for 1,000 cycles. Above that, capacity drops significantly.
3. Perform an SMC Reset
The SMC controls charging behaviour. A corrupted SMC can cause incorrect charging status or prevent charging entirely. See our SMC reset guide here.
4. Check the Charging Indicator
On MagSafe MacBooks, the LED should be amber (charging) or green (full). No light at all usually points to a cable or port fault.
On USB-C models, look at the battery icon in the menu bar — a lightning bolt means it’s charging.
Warning Signs of a Swollen Battery
A swollen battery is a safety issue. Stop using the MacBook immediately if you notice:
- The trackpad feels stiff or has popped upward
- The bottom case is bulging or lifting
- Any unusual heat near the keyboard
Do not continue using a MacBook with a swollen battery. Bring it to MacExperts immediately — we carry genuine replacement batteries for all models.
When to Replace the Battery
If your MacBook holds less than 80% of its original capacity, or won’t charge at all, a battery replacement will restore it to full performance. MacExperts uses Apple original and premium quality batteries with a warranty on all replacements.