Why Does My MacBook Pro Say “Not Charging”?
You plug in your MacBook Pro, expecting to see the familiar lightning icon, but instead, the battery menu shows “Not Charging.”
Your first thought might be: Is my charger broken? Or is the battery dead?
Before you panic, take a breath — this message doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. In fact, in most cases, it’s a protective measure built into macOS to keep your battery healthy and your MacBook safe.
The System Management Controller (SMC) in macOS intelligently adjusts charging behavior based on factors like power input, temperature, and battery health. When conditions aren’t ideal, it pauses charging to extend battery life.
What “Not Charging” Actually Means
The phrase “Not Charging” can appear even when your MacBook is connected to a power source. It simply means that the system has temporarily paused charging — not that it has stopped receiving power.
Modern MacBooks use an advanced System Management Controller (SMC) that monitors factors like:
Power adapter wattage and cable quality
Battery temperature and voltage
Charging cycles and wear level
CPU and GPU workload
When the SMC detects that conditions aren’t ideal — for example, when the temperature is too high or the charger provides insufficient power — it will delay or pause charging to protect the battery’s health.
So, “Not Charging” isn’t always an error — it’s often a smart safeguard.
Common Causes and How to Fix Them
Let’s break down the six most frequent reasons why your MacBook Pro might say “Not Charging” — and what you can do about each.
1. Adapter Wattage Is Too Low
Every MacBook Pro model requires a specific minimum wattage to charge properly. If the adapter’s output is lower than required, your MacBook will run on external power but won’t charge the battery.
Typical wattage requirements:
MacBook Pro 13-inch → 61W
MacBook Pro 14-inch → 67W or 96W
MacBook Pro 15/16-inch → 87W or 96W
For instance, if you use a 30W MacBook Air charger on a 16-inch MacBook Pro, it will likely display “Not Charging.”
Fix:
Always use the correct Apple-branded charger or a certified USB-C Power Delivery (PD) adapter that meets or exceeds the recommended wattage.
Avoid using low-power adapters, docking stations, or third-party cables that aren’t PD-compliant.
Pro tip:
If you’re using your MacBook for heavy tasks (video editing, gaming, etc.), even a correct adapter might not provide enough spare power to charge — the system will prioritize performance over charging.
2. Damaged or Loose Cable / Charging Port
A faulty or loose connection is one of the most overlooked reasons for charging issues. USB-C cables can wear out internally, especially if bent frequently or exposed to moisture. Even small debris inside the port can block contact points and interrupt power delivery.
Fix:
Inspect both ends of the cable for damage or discoloration.
Try another genuine or MFi-certified cable.
Gently clean the USB-C port using a soft brush or dry cotton swab.
Avoid twisting or sharply bending the cable.
Note: If your MacBook charges intermittently or only when you wiggle the cable, the connector or logic board port may require professional service.
3. Battery Temperature Too High or Too Low
MacBook batteries operate safely between 10°C and 35°C (50°F–95°F). When the temperature moves outside that range, macOS automatically stops charging to prevent chemical stress or permanent damage.
You might see “Not Charging” if you:
Use your MacBook in a hot environment (direct sunlight, on a bed or couch).
Run CPU-intensive tasks that raise internal temperature.
Bring the laptop indoors from freezing weather.
Fix:
Move your MacBook to a cooler (or warmer) room.
Stop heavy workloads temporarily to allow cooling.
Wait 5–10 minutes, then reconnect the charger.
Once the battery returns to a safe temperature, charging will resume automatically.
4. “Optimized Battery Charging” Feature
Starting from macOS Catalina 10.15.5, Apple introduced a feature called Optimized Battery Charging, designed to reduce battery wear.
When enabled, macOS learns your daily usage habits and keeps your battery at around 80%, only topping it up to 100% when it predicts you’ll need it — for instance, before your typical unplug time.
During this process, the status bar may show “Not Charging,” even though everything is working perfectly.
Fix:
If you need a full charge immediately (e.g., before a trip):
1. Go to System Settings → Battery → Battery Health.
2. Toggle off Optimized Battery Charging.
Recommendation: Keep this feature turned on for regular use — it significantly slows long-term battery aging.
5. SMC or macOS Software Errors
Occasionally, the System Management Controller (SMC) or macOS may misread power data, causing false “Not Charging” messages. This can happen after system updates, kernel crashes, or simply long uptime.
Fix:
Step 1 — Restart your MacBook.
A simple reboot can clear many temporary issues.
Step 2 — Reset the SMC (for Intel MacBooks):
1. Shut down your MacBook.
2. Hold Shift + Control + Option + Power for 10 seconds.
3. Release all keys and turn it on normally.
Step 3 — Update macOS to the latest version.
Apple regularly refines power management behavior through updates.
For Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) models:
There’s no manual SMC reset — simply shutting down completely and powering back on performs an automatic reset.
6. Battery Wear or Hardware Failure
If your MacBook is several years old, battery degradation may be the true cause. Lithium-ion cells naturally lose capacity over time, especially after 500–1000 charge cycles.
Once capacity drops below about 80% of original, the SMC may restrict charging or display “Service Recommended” alongside “Not Charging.”
1. Click the Apple Menu → About This Mac → System Report → Power.
2. Look for Cycle Count and Condition.
“Normal” = Battery is healthy.
“Service Recommended” = Battery replacement needed.
Fix:
If the battery is worn or swollen, replacement is the only solution.
You can find premium replacement batteries for all MacBook Pro models at applebattery.com.
What If None of These Fixes Work?
If your MacBook still shows “Not Charging” after trying everything above, one of the following hardware issues may be present:
Logic board or charging circuit failure
Faulty power IC (charging controller)
Severe battery cell degradation
Shorted USB-C port or connector pins
In such cases, it’s best to visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider or a trusted repair technician. If you’re out of warranty, replacing the battery yourself with a quality part can be a cost-effective alternative.
For premium replacement batteries built to match Apple’s standards,visit Applebattery.com
You’ll find reliable MacBook Pro batteries, detailed compatibility lists, and professional support to help you extend your laptop’s life.