If your MacBook isn’t charging, try these tips from our in-house experts for a quick fix.
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Check your charger
Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)
Check your charger
Start here to determine which power adapter and cable come with your Mac, then refer to the instructions below.
First, unplug your power adapter from the outlet. Wait a few seconds and then plug it in one more time. If that doesn’t work:
Step 1. Check power
- Verify that your power adapter is plugged into a working outlet.
- Disconnect the power adapter from the outlet and try plugging in a different device, like a clock or a lamp – if it works, try the adapter again.
- If your computer still doesn’t charge, shut it down and close the screen for at least 30 seconds, then open it again to try the adapter once more.
Step 2. Check for line noise issues
- Unplug your power adapter, wait around 30 seconds, then connect it again.
- If your Mac starts to charge, there might be an issue with line noise.
- Line noise issues can affect outlets that share the same electrical circuit with things like refrigerators – try connecting your adapter to an outlet on another circuit.
- If the adapter still doesn’t charge when plugged into another working outlet, no worries – just get in touch with us. Contact Back Market Customer Care
Step 3. Check the AC plug or the cable
Your power adapter always comes with a detachable plug (the part with the metal prongs that go into the outlet). Try using another Apple AC plug as the one you’re working with may be faulty.
Step 4. Check the cable
The charging issue may stem from the USB-C cable.
- If you find that your USB-C-enabled Mac is able to charge with one USB-C cable and not another, or if you need to wiggle the cable or Adapter Extension Cable back and forth in order for it to charge, stop using the cable right away and get touch with us. Contact Back Market Customer Care
If you see any sparks:
You may notice that small sparks appear when the charger’s metal prongs connect with the outlet. Most of the time this is normal. However, contact Back Market Customer Care right away if:
- You see a spark coming from somewhere other than the metal prongs.
- The charger shows signs of damage or discolouration.
Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)
The System Management Controller (SMC) controls the power on your Mac. Resetting it can solve some uncommon issues related to power or temperature management.
Step 1. Determine if your Mac has Apple silicon
See if you have a Mac with Apple silicon
If you do:
- Check that your computer is connected to a reliable power source.
- Restart your Mac, or shut it down and turn it back on.
Step 2. If it doesn’t, determine if your Mac has a T2 chip
See if you have a Mac with the Apple T2 Security Chip
If you do:
Laptop computer with the T2 chip
- Shut down your computer if you can.
- Press the power button for 10 seconds, then release.
- Remember, all Macs have this button, even if you have TouchID – you can also use it to restart your computer.
- Wait for a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn your computer back on.
If the issue doesn’t resolve:
- Shut down your computer.
- Press and hold Control (⌃)-Option (Alt) ⌥-Shift ⇧ – your Mac may turn on during the process.
- Continue to press and hold all the keys for around 7 seconds, then press and hold your Mac’s power button without releasing the other keys – if your laptop is on, it will turn off during this step.
- Keep pressing the keys for another 7 seconds, then release them.
- Wait for a little while, then press the power button again to turn your Mac back on.
Desktop computer with the T2 chip
- Shut down your computer and unplug the power cord.
- Wait for 15 seconds, then plug the power cord back in.
- Wait for another 5 seconds, then press the power button to turn your Mac back on.
How to reset your Mac if it doesn’t have Apple silicon or a T2 chip
Laptop computer
- Power down your Mac.
- Press and hold Shift ⇧-Control (⌃)-Option (Alt) ⌥ at the same time.
- Press and hold the power button at the same time as the keys above.
- Hold the four keys for around 10 seconds.
- Release all of the keys, and then press the power button to turn your computer back on.
Desktop computer
- Shut down your computer and unplug the power cord.
- Wait for 15 seconds, then plug it back in.
- Wait for 5 more seconds and then press the power button to turn your Mac back on.