MACBOOK NOT CHARGING? 4. Check for high-power consumption apps

 

4. Check for high-power consumption apps

If your Mac is running high-performance applications such as video editing software and video games, your Mac will stop charging the battery. Instead, your Mac will reserve all the power to run the apps.

If the apps demand more power than the adapter can, your Mac will combine the adapter power and battery power to run the apps. This is an advanced feature to boost performance dynamically on demand. In this situation, you may notice that the MacBook will drain the battery even if you have connected the charger.

If the apps drain the battery too quickly, you may need to pause the apps and let your Mac start charging the battery. If you switch off the Mac, the adapter will charge the Mac much more quicker.

5. Check for dirty power port or connector

Inspect the charging port on the MacBook and the MagSafe or USC-C connector for debris and burned marks. 

The MacBook charging port and the MagSafe connector rely on their strong magnetic attraction to hold them together. 

The charging port attracts small metal items such as staples and paper clips. These foreign objects prevent the connector from coming into close contact with the charging port. The connector could be hot due to the extra resistor created by the loose connection. 

In extreme cases, you even can see the electric sparks. If you find burn marks on the charging port or the connector, you need to clean them or replace them as soon as possible before they cause more damage.

If debris is found in the charging port, you can use a toothpick or a pair of metal tweezers to get it from the port. No power voltage is present on the four power pins of the charging port. The logic board’s reverse-current protection gate (transistor) prevents the battery power from reversing to the port. You won’t accidentally short the circuit by using a metal tool to do the cleaning job.

Pay attention to the middle pin of the charging port. Make sure there is no film covering the pin. The SMC uses this pin to communicate with the MagSafe charger. Any thin film will block the electronic transmission, and you won’t get the green or orange light even though both your MacBook and MagSafe are working. 

Use a small sharp knife to clean the pins, then finish up with cotton buds with 95% alcohol.

USB-C ports and plugs are also subject to dirt. You can use cotton and alcohol to clean them. Remove the charger from the power outlet before cleaning the connectors.