Troubleshooting Your Non-Charging MacBook Pro: Steps to Resolve the Issue

Are you facing the frustrating scenario where your MacBook Pro has been charging for a long time but still shows a drained battery and fails to boot up? This article will guide you through the necessary troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue effectively. Follow the detailed steps to identify the root cause and resolve your MacBook Pro's charging and booting problems.

1. Check the Power Source

Sometimes the problem lies with the power source rather than the MacBook itself. Ensure that the power outlet you’re using is functioning properly. Try plugging in another device to see if it charges correctly. If another device charges, there may be an issue with your MacBook's power source.

Steps:

Plug in another device to ensure the power outlet is working.

2. Inspect the Charger and Cable

Visible damage to the charging cable or the power adapter can prevent your MacBook Pro from charging properly. Check for any signs of damage, wear, or loose connections. Attempt to use a different charger that is compatible with your MacBook Pro. This simple step can often resolve the issue.

Steps:

Inspect the charging cable and adapter for any damage. Use a different compatible charger if possible.

3. Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)

For Intel-based MacBook Pros, the SMC can sometimes interfere with charging. Here's how to reset the SMC:

Steps:

Shut down your MacBook Pro. Plug in the power adapter. Press and hold the Shift Control Option keys on the left side and the power button for 10 seconds. Release all the keys and the power button. Press the power button again to turn on your MacBook.

For Apple Silicon M1/M2 MacBook Pros, the SMC resets automatically when you restart your MacBook. Simply:

Steps:

Shut down your MacBook Pro. Wait for a few seconds. Turn it back on.

4. Wait and Try Again

If your battery is extremely drained, it may take some time for the MacBook to start showing signs of charging. Leave it plugged in for at least 15-30 minutes. After this period, try to power it on to see if it has started charging.

5. Check for Signs of Life

After attempting the above steps, look for any signs that the MacBook is responding, such as the keyboard backlighting or the sleep indicator light (if applicable). These signs indicate that the battery is receiving power and may start charging over time.

6. Boot into Safe Mode

If your MacBook Pro turns on but doesn't boot properly, try booting into Safe Mode. Safe Mode can help you narrow down hardware issues.

Steps:

Press and hold the Shift key as the MacBook Pro starts up.

7. Visit Apple Support

If none of the above steps work, there might be a hardware issue with the battery or another component. In such cases, it is best to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store or an authorized service provider for further diagnostics.

Conclusion: By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the issue with your non-charging MacBook Pro. If the problem persists, professional help from Apple or a certified service provider is recommended.