How to Fix a Laptop That Is Plugged In but Not Charging

Quick answer

A laptop not charging while plugged in is most often caused by a loose connection, a weak or wrong charger, or a battery-saving setting that pauses charging on purpose. Check the outlet and cable, try another port, and look at your battery settings before assuming the battery has failed. This guide is for owners of Windows laptops and MacBooks who see “plugged in, not charging” or a battery level that won’t rise.

Before you start

Safety comes first with batteries and chargers.

• Stop if the battery is swollen. A bulging case, a lifted keyboard or touchpad, or a laptop that no longer sits flat are signs of a swollen battery. Unplug it, stop using it and don’t press on it or try to remove it yourself. Contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician.
• Stop if anything is hot or smells burnt. Unplug the charger from the wall and let everything cool on a hard surface.
• Inspect the cable. Don’t use a charger with frayed wires, exposed metal, kinks or a cracked power brick. Never open the power adapter.
• Use the right charger. Phone chargers and low-power USB-C chargers often can’t charge a laptop properly, even if the plug fits.
• Save your work. If the battery is low, save open files in case the laptop shuts down.

Check the power path

Charging depends on a chain: wall outlet, charger, cable, port and battery. Test each link in turn.

1. Plug the charger directly into a wall outlet you know works, such as one where a lamp lights up. Skip power strips for now.
2. Make sure every connection is firm, including the joint between the wall cable and the power brick, if your charger has one.
3. Watch for a charging light on the laptop or the charger. If it never lights, the outlet, cable or charger is the likely problem.
4. Shine a flashlight into the laptop’s charging port. Lint and dust can stop the plug from seating fully. With the laptop shut down and unplugged, gently remove debris with a wooden toothpick or a puff of air. Don’t use metal objects.
5. On a USB-C laptop, try each USB-C port. Many models only charge through some ports, often marked with a power or lightning symbol.
6. If you can borrow a charger made for your exact model, try it. If the laptop charges with that one, your own charger has likely failed and should be replaced with a genuine or reputable model.

If the laptop shows no signs of life at all, switch to What to Do When Your Laptop Won’t Turn On.

Check battery settings and status

Sometimes nothing is broken: the laptop is choosing not to charge.

Windows 11

1. Hover over or select the battery icon on the taskbar. “Plugged in, not charging” or a battery that holds at a level below full can mean a battery care feature is active.
2. Open Settings, then System, then Power & battery to see the battery level and power mode.
3. Many manufacturers include their own app that can limit charging to protect the battery, sometimes called a battery health, battery care or conservation mode. Look for your manufacturer’s app on the laptop, or check the manufacturer’s support site for your model. Turn the feature off if you need a full charge today.
4. Restart the laptop with the charger connected.

You can also reinstall the battery driver (the small program Windows uses to talk to the battery):

1. Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
2. Expand Batteries.
3. Right-click the entry that mentions an ACPI-compliant control method battery and choose Uninstall device. Don’t touch the AC adapter entry.
4. Restart the laptop with the charger connected. Windows reinstalls the driver automatically.

For other driver updates, use Windows Update or the laptop manufacturer’s official support site. Avoid third-party tools that promise to update all your drivers at once.

macOS

1. Select the battery icon in the menu bar. If it says charging is on hold, macOS is likely managing the charge to slow battery aging.
2. Open System Settings, then Battery. Depending on your Mac and macOS version, you may see Optimized Battery Charging or a similar option under the battery health information. Your Mac may pause charging partway and finish later; this is normal.
3. The same Battery settings show the battery’s health. If macOS recommends service, the battery is wearing out.
4. Try a different USB-C or MagSafe cable and port if you have them, and restart the Mac with the charger connected.

If this does not work

Try these next, from easiest to hardest:

1. Shut down and charge. Turn the laptop off completely and leave it plugged in for an hour. If it charges while off but not while on, the charger may be too weak for heavy use.
2. Let it cool. Batteries won’t charge when they are too hot or too cold. Charge at normal room temperature, and see How to Stop a Computer or Laptop From Overheating if the laptop runs hot.
3. Update the system and firmware. Install Windows Update or macOS updates. Some manufacturers also release firmware (built-in software for the hardware) through their official support tools that improves charging.
4. Check USB-C messages. On Windows, a notification that the laptop is charging slowly usually means the charger or cable can’t supply enough power. Microsoft’s USB-C troubleshooting page in the sources explains these messages.
5. Test with a known-good charger. If a correct, working charger fails too, the port or battery likely needs service.

When to get professional help

Contact the laptop manufacturer’s support or a qualified technician if:

• The battery is swollen, very hot, or the laptop smells burnt.
• The charging port is loose, damaged or wiggles when the plug is inserted.
• The charger gets hot, buzzes or has damage. Replace it rather than repairing it.
• Battery settings or health reports say the battery needs replacement.
• The laptop works only while plugged in and shuts off the moment you unplug it.

Battery replacement should be done by the manufacturer or a qualified technician, especially on laptops where the battery is glued in. When a battery or laptop is replaced, recycle it properly rather than putting it in the trash.

FAQ

Why does my laptop say plugged in, not charging?

It usually means power is reaching the laptop but the battery isn’t accepting a charge. A battery care setting, a charger that is too weak or a worn battery are the usual causes. Check your battery settings first.

Is it OK to use my laptop while it is not charging?

Yes, if it runs from the charger and nothing is hot or swollen. Keep work saved, because the laptop will shut down if the charger is unplugged and the battery is low.

Can I use any USB-C charger with my laptop?

Only if it can supply enough power for your model. A phone charger may charge very slowly, or not at all while you work. Check the power rating your manufacturer recommends.

Why does my Mac stop charging before it reaches full?

Optimized Battery Charging can hold the charge partway and finish closer to when you usually unplug. This reduces battery wear and is normal.

How do I know if my laptop battery needs replacing?

Signs include a battery that drains very fast, shuts off at a fairly high level, or a health warning in Windows or macOS settings or your manufacturer’s app. A swollen battery needs attention right away.