What to Do If a MacBook Says "Not Charging"

An Apple MacBook

Apple has released a number of laptop models under various model names since 1989, including the Mac Portable, iBook and PowerBook, but the MacBook line wasn't released until 2006. All MacBooks include a battery; older models had a battery that could be replaced, but newer models as of 2011 have the battery integrated in the computer body itself.

Check Your Model

Determine what model of MacBook you are working with. The older models (white and black) both have a battery that is able to be very easily replaced, while some of the newer models (MacBook Pro and MacBook Air) have the battery encased within the laptop itself, meaning it's not removable. If your MacBook model features a battery that isn't removable, see Section Six.

Make Sure It's Flush

A MacBook without a charged battery can be a problem.

Power down your MacBook, close the cover, unplug all the cables and turn the computer over. Check that the battery on the bottom of your laptop is flush and connected securely. Remove the battery and reinsert it into the battery slot on the bottom of the laptop. Reboot the MacBook to see if the battery starts to charge.

Clean The Terminals

Cotton swabs are important to keep your computer clean.

Repeat the battery removal process as described in Step Two. Use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to clean the connectors. Don't pour the alcohol directly on the computer or battery; dip the cotton swabs into the alcohol and gently clean it that way. Give the computer a minimum of 30 minutes to fully dry before reinserting the battery and rebooting the computer.

Try A Different Battery

Borrow a battery that is compatible with your MacBook to test it. If the battery starts to charge while the computer is plugged in, that's an indication that it's your battery and not your computer itself. Don't buy a new battery until you've confirmed that it's the battery and not the computer, because MacBook batteries run from about $79 and up as of January 2011, depending on the model. If your battery still won't charge, proceed to Step Five.

Reset The SMC

The power button on a white MacBook

Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on Intel-based MacBooks by powering down the computer, removing all cables and the battery and holding down the power button for five seconds. Replace the power supply and battery and restart your computer.

Call In The Pros

Take your MacBook to the Apple Store or to an authorized Apple dealer if your battery still won't charge. If you can, get an estimate of the cost to fix the issue. Since a non-charging battery is not an uncommon issue for older MacBooks, you may want to do a cost analysis on the different scenarios, namely whether to spend the money on an older machine or simply throw in the towel and put that money into a new laptop computer.

References

• Apple: Intel Based Macs Resetting the SMC

Resources

• Low End Mac: Portable Mac Index