Laptop won't charge? Charger, port and battery checks

Your laptop is plugged in, but the battery isn't going up, or it says “not charging.” Often the cause is the outlet, the cable, the wrong charger or port, or (on a Mac) a battery-saving feature that pauses charging on purpose. Work through these steps in order. They're free and safe.

Laptop won't turn on at all, even when plugged in? See Computer won't turn on, or the screen stays black.

Step-by-step

1. Check the outlet

   Unplug the charger, then plug a lamp or another device into the same outlet to make sure it works. Plug the charger straight into the wall rather than a power strip. Apple also suggests unplugging the charger from the wall, waiting 30 to 60 seconds, and plugging it back in: some chargers shut themselves off when they sense electrical “noise” from appliances like refrigerators on the same circuit. If that helps, try an outlet on a different circuit.

2. Use the right charger, in the right port

   Microsoft and Apple both say the most reliable fix is the charger and cable that came with the laptop.

   • A weaker charger, such as a phone charger, may keep the laptop running without charging the battery. Windows may show a slow charger message; a Mac may say “Slow Charger” or “Not Charging.”
   • On laptops with several USB-C ports, not every port may charge. Use the one marked for charging, or check the laptop's manual. Some laptops use their own round or special connector and only charge with the maker's charger.
   • Plug the charger straight into the laptop, not through a USB hub or dock.
   • Some USB-C cables only carry data, not charging power. If you're using a spare cable, try the original.

3. Check the cable and port

   Look along the whole cable and the charger brick for fraying, kinks, scorch marks or loose plugs. If anything is damaged, stop using it. If the laptop only charges when you wiggle the cable, the cable or port needs replacing.

   Dust and lint in the charging port can stop the plug from seating. Microsoft and Apple suggest a can of compressed air for USB-C ports; Apple also suggests a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Don't poke metal into the port.

4. Restart, then let it charge while off

   Restart the laptop (Start → Power → Restart on Windows, Apple menu → Restart on a Mac). Microsoft notes that a laptop charges faster while it's asleep or turned off, so let it sit plugged in for a while.

   Mac: if it still won't charge, Apple suggests shutting it down and closing the lid for 30 seconds, then opening it and trying again.

5. Mac: read the battery message

   Click the battery icon in the menu bar. Apple explains these messages:

   • Charging On Hold: Optimized Battery Charging is pausing to protect the battery. Choose Charge to Full Now from the battery menu if you need 100% sooner.
   • Charged to [%] Limit: a charge limit is set. Choose Charge to Full Now from the menu if you need a full charge.
   • Not Charging: the Mac may have paused to extend battery life (Apple says it may drop to 93% or lower before charging again), the charger may be too weak, or a demanding app (like video editing or games) may be using more power than the charger provides.
   • Slow Charger (macOS Tahoe 26.4 or later): use a charger with more watts, at least the one Apple recommends for your model.
   • Service Recommended in Battery settings: the battery may need service. See Apple: Charge your Mac laptop computer.

   Also install any macOS updates (Apple menu → System Settings → General → Software Update). Apple says updates can improve how the Mac works with its charger. On an older Intel-based Mac, Apple suggests resetting the SMC; on Apple silicon, a restart does the same job.

6. Windows: check the battery icon

   Hover over or select the battery icon on the taskbar. If it says the PC is charging slowly or discharging while plugged in, Microsoft says the charger probably doesn't meet the laptop's needs: switch to the charger and cable designed for it, make sure it's in the charging port, and contact the laptop's maker if you're not sure which charger to use.

   Also install updates (Start → Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates). Many laptop makers offer their own support app or website that checks the battery and charger; that's the best next step for a Windows laptop.

7. Let it cool down

   Apple notes that a laptop used somewhere hot, or on a blanket or thick carpet, may stop charging at 80% if it gets too warm. Move it to a cool spot on a hard surface with room to breathe.

Still won't charge?

Batteries wear out over time, and chargers and charging ports can fail. If you've tried a known-good outlet and the original charger, contact the laptop's maker or a repair shop you trust.

Sources

• Microsoft: PC is charging slowly or discharging while it's plugged in
• Microsoft: Fix USB-C problems in Windows (“PC isn't charging” and “Slow charger”)
• Apple: Charge your Mac laptop computer
• Apple: If your USB-C power adapter isn't charging your Mac laptop
• Apple: If your Mac battery won't charge
• Apple: If your Mac battery status is “Not Charging”
• Apple: Use a power adapter with your Mac