Apple’s MacBook Air is a perfect option for anyone looking for a slim, light, powerful, and reliable laptop. If you can protect your MacBook Air with a case, it can easily last you for a long time. However, it’s the battery life that needs a careful charging routine. But what if your MacBook Air suddenly stops charging?
We’ve compiled a list of working solutions to fix when the MacBook Air is not charging. Our solutions cover the latest 2020 MacBook Air with M1 chip, 2018 Intel MacBook Air, 2017 Intel MacBook Air, and 2015 Intel MacBook Air models.
For All MacBook Air Models
The following list of solutions applies to users having any of the models mentioned above.
1. Check for Charger Connection With the Power Source
The easiest thing to do is to check whether you’ve connected your MacBook Air properly to the power source or not. If the adapter is loose or the wall socket doesn’t have proper grounding, we recommend you to plug the charger into a different power source.
You should also see if the charging cable has been connected properly between your MacBook Air and the charging adaptor. If you are using a MagSafe charger, please ensure that the head of the DC connector is properly attached to the magnetic port on your MacBook Air.
2. Let Your Mac Cool Down for Some Time
While watching a 4K movie or rendering graphics, the MacBook Air will heat up due to excessive usage. If your MacBook Air is considerably warm, avoid using it. Let it cool down and refrain from stressing system resources when the MacBook Air hits high-temperature environment for a long time.
3. Check the Battery Health Status of Your MacBook Air
The battery inside your MacBook Air has a specific life cycle. It will eventually end up losing its charging capabilities with time. If you have been using your system for two-three years or more, you must check the Battery Health Status..
This will help estimate how much longer your MacBook Air can provide good battery backup after a full charge. Here’s how to check the same.
Step 1:Click the Apple logo at the top-left corner.
Step 2:Select About This Mac.
Step 3:Click on System Report.
Step 4:In the System Information tab, click on Power from the left menu.
Step 5:Look for Battery Capacity below Health Information.
The Battery Health Status of your MacBook appears in percentage. If the Battery Capacity has gone below 85%, Apple recommends replacing the battery by visiting their store.
Alternatively, you can check the Battery Health Status by following these steps as well.
Step 1:Click the Apple logo at the top left corner.
Step 2:Select System Preferences.
Step 3:Click on Battery.
Step 4:Select Battery from the tab.
Step 5:Click on Battery Health at the bottom.
You will see the Battery Capacity Percentage and Battery Health information. You don’t need to replace the battery if it says Normal. However, if you see Service Recommended status, visit your nearest Apple store to replace the battery.
4. Check the Charge Cycle Status
Every MacBook Air and MacBook Pro model carries charge cycle count. It is basically the total number of times you can charge the battery of that particular system. 2020, 2018, and 2015 MacBook Air models support 1,000 charge cycles.
Follow these steps to check the remaining charge cycles for the battery of your MacBook Air.
Step 1:Click the Apple logo and select About This Mac.
Step 2:Click on System Report and select Power from the left menu.
Step 3:Look for Cycle Count below Health Information.
If the cycle count is approaching 1,000, it is better to get the battery replaced for your model.
For the 2020 MacBook Air With M1 Chip
If you own the latest M1 model of MacBook Air, here are two solutions available for your model.
1. Turn off Low Power Mode for Charging Adapter
The macOS Monterey release brought this feature. Enabling it reduces energy consumption since it lowers screen brightness and reduces the processor’s clock speed. If your M1 MacBook Air is not charging properly, you can disable the low power mode for the charging adapter. Follow these steps.
Step 1:Click on the battery status icon in the menu bar in the top left corner.
Step 2:Select Battery Preferences from the dropdown menu.
Step 3:In the Battery tab, click on Power Adapter from the left menu.
Step 4:Disable the option of Low Power Mode.
2. Turn Off Optimized Battery Charging
Another feature that got introduced with macOS Monterey was Optimized Battery Charging. This works exactly like how it works for iPhones. But then you can face the same issue of reduced charging speeds after 80%. To remove this obstacle, here’s how you can turn off Optimized Battery Charging.
Step 1:Go to System Preferences again and click on Battery.
Step 2:Select Battery from the left menu.
Step 3:Turn off the feature of Optimized Battery Charging.
For Intel Macbook Air Models
These solutions will specifically cater to those who have 2018, 2017, and 2015 Intel MacBook Air models.
1. Reset SMC
System Management Controller or SMC is a chip that controls different hardware functions on Intel-based Macs. These functions include cooling fans, system performance, and power supply. The battery charging process will get affected if the SMC somehow has incorrect data about the charger or the battery.
If your MacBook Air is not charging, you can solve this issue by resetting the SMC on your system. Follow these steps to reset SMC if you are using 2020, 2019, or 2018 Intel MacBook Air.
Step 1:Click on the Apple logo and select Shut Down.
Step 2:Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds. Then release the button.
Step 3:Wait for a few seconds and then restart your machine.
If this doesn’t help, follow these steps.
Step 1:Shut down your Mac again.
Step 2:Press and hold the right Shift + left Option + left Control key. Then press and hold the Power button as well.
Step 3:Keep pressing all the four keys together for another 7 seconds. If your MacBook Air has turned on, it will turn off again while you hold the keys.
Step 4:Release all four keys and restart your system again.
Follow these steps to reset SMC for users with 2017 and 2015 Intel MacBook Air.
Step 1:Click on the Apple logo and select Shut Down.
Step 2:Press and hold the left Shift + left Control + left Option key + Power Button for 10 seconds.
Step 3:Release the keys and switch on your machine.
2. Reset NVRAM
Non-Volatile Random Access Memory or NVRAM stores settings related to sound volume, startup disk selection, and time zone. If this data gets corrupted, the charging process might work slowly or stop altogether.
You can try resetting NVRAM to avoid charging issues on your MacBook. After following this process, you will have to adjust these settings again on your MacBook Air by opening System Preferences.
Follow these steps.
Step 1:Shut Down your Mac.
Step 2:Turn it on again.
Step 3: Press and hold Option + Command + P + R for 20 seconds when it switches on.
Step 4:Release the keys after the Apple logo appears and disappears for the second time.
The system will now restart. You have successfully reset the NVRAM of your MacBook Air.
For MacBook Air Models With Type-C Charging
If your MacBook Air comes with Type-C charging, follow these steps.
Step 1: Clean the Type C Charging Cable Ends.
USB Type-C ports tend to collect dirt over some time. This can hinder the process of charging your MacBook Air. You can use cotton buds and alcohol to clean the end of the Type-C cable.
Please ensure that you only do this after removing the cable from both the adapter and charging port. You can also check the Type-C charging port on your system and clean that using cotton buds and alcohol. Wait for some time, and then try charging your MacBook again.
Step 2: Check Voltage Supply of Type-C Cable.
If cleaning the Type-C charging port doesn’t help, then the Type-C cable might not be supplying enough current. Connect the charger using a different Type-C cable. If your MacBook Air is charging with that spare cable, you need to get rid of that original Type-C cable and buy a new one.
For MacBook Air Models With MagSafe Charging
Before Apple switched to Type-C, MagSafe took care of charging almost every MacBook. This magnetic charging solution still feels quite fascinating if you think about it. But then it came with its pros and cons. Try these solutions if your MacBook supports MagSafe charging.
1. Clean the MagSafe Charging Port and Connector
Like Type-C, the MagSafe charging port and connector get dirty after excessive use. There are high chances of debris getting collected in the port and connector. This debris can consist of small metal items like staples that obstruct the charging process.
If your Mac is two-three years old, you should clean the MagSafe port and connector using a toothpick. Using cotton buds can help, but some tiny strands can get collected near the magnets. If you find any burn marks on the connector, replace the MagSafe connector immediately.
2.Use a Higher Voltage MagSafe Charger
If you do consider buying a new MagSafe charger, we recommend you get the one with a higher voltage. Apple uses the same IC chip or Integrated Circuit chip on the logic board for models launched between 2008 to 2015. So you can get a new charger with a higher voltage to improve the charging capability of your MacBook Air.
If these solutions don’t help you, we recommend you visit your nearest Apple store as a last resort.
Fix MacBook Air Charging Issues
We have tried our best to provide a detailed list of solutions to fix MacBook Air not charging issue. We hope that these solutions will fix the problem and you won’t be required to visit the Apple store. If your MacBook Air has completed three-four years, we suggest you try switching to a new one.
FAQs
How do I fix my MacBook Air battery not charging? ›
- Check the power.
- Use the right charger.
- Check battery health management settings.
- Check for high-power consumption apps.
- Check for dirty power port or connector.
- Reset SMC or T2 Security Chip.
- Reset PRAM.
- Check loose battery connector.
If you need to have your Mac fully charged sooner, click the battery icon in the menu bar, then choose Charge to Full Now.
How do you reset the charger on a MacBook Air? ›Reset the SMC
Connect the power adapter. Hold down Control + Shift+ Option/Alt and the Power button for about four seconds. Then release all four together. Press the Power button to start up the Mac again.
Press Shift-Control-Option on the left side of the built-in keyboard, then press the power button at the same time. Hold these keys and the power button for 10 seconds. If you have a MacBook Pro with Touch ID, the Touch ID button is also the power button. Release all keys.
Why is my computer plugged in but not charging? ›Your charging cable could be loose, unplugged, or damaged. Your charging cable could have a weak connection because it wasn't made by your laptop's manufacturer. Your charging ports could be clogged with dirt or debris that is keeping it from powering up properly.
What does resetting the SMC do? ›Resetting the SMC can resolve some computer issues such as not starting up, not displaying video, sleep issues, fan noise issues, battery charging and more. If a Mac exhibits these types of issues after a restart, or if it will not start up, try resetting the SMC.
Why won't my MacBook Air turn on or charge? ›Check power connections
Make sure that your power cable is undamaged and plugged securely into your Mac and a working electrical outlet. If your Mac has no built-in display, make sure that your external display is connected to power, connected to your Mac, and turned on.
Troubleshoot your cable, charger, outlet & case
Check that your charger and cable work. Try them with another device. Check that the cable is securely connected to the charger and to your phone. Check that there's nothing in the port of your phone, like dust or lint.
Charge your MacBook while it's powered off or sleeping
When possible, powering down your MacBook or putting it to sleep will give you the shortest charging times.
Clean the port: Make sure the port is clean and free of debris. Disconnect it from the power adapter and clean it with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Use a different cable: You can find out if the cable is causing the issue by trying another cable.
How do I know if my MacBook charger is broken? ›
If the LED indicator lights seem to switch on and off based on the angle of the charger, you could have a short. Examine the connector's end for signs of cable damage, exposed wires, or wear on the insulating covering. If you see evident signs of damage, it could be dangerous; get a replacement soon.
How do you jumpstart a MacBook Air? ›Press and hold the power button on your Mac for about 10 seconds. (Every Mac has a power button. On laptop computers that have Touch ID, press and hold Touch ID.) Then press and release the power button normally.
What is a NVRAM reset? ›NVRAM stores peripheral data such as volume, display resolution and brightness, startup-disk selection, and time settings. Resetting the NVRAM is a quick, easy, way to troubleshoot a misbehaving Mac—it doesn't delete any data from your storage drive, and it doesn't require any tools or repair experience.
How long do macbooks last? ›So, in answer to the question: How long do Macs last? We'd say five to eight years, but beware that you may not be able to replace any faulty parts in a Mac when more than five years has passed since Apple last sold it. Before you buy a new Mac, read our article about the best time to buy a Mac or MacBook.
How do I know if my SMC is reset? ›Keep pressing Shift + Option + Control + Power for 10 seconds and indicator is still orange. Indicator turns to green when release all keystrokes and keeps almost 1 second. Light turns to orange then.
How do I know if my SMC has been reset? ›Press and hold down CONTROL + OPTION + LEFT SHIFT + POWER BUTTON for 5 seconds, when you let go, observe the MagSafe light indicator color, it should turn green then a few seconds later back to orange or red. This will let you know that the SMC has been reset.
How do I know if my dead Macbook Air is charging? ›After you connect the charger, the indicator light glows green if your battery is fully charged or glows amber if your battery is charging or charging is on hold. These Mac laptops can charge with MagSafe 3: MacBook Air introduced in 2022 or later.