Can’t figure out why your MacBook is not charging after a software update?
Apple has a good reputation for supporting its devices for extended periods. For instance, MacBooks usually receive 8 to 10 years of software support.
However, it can be annoying if the actual software update causes issues with your device.
If you are reading this, we can assume that your MacBook is not charging after installing a software update.
Most of the time, this issue is caused by a problematic software update. On the other hand, it can also be due to faulty charging cables, overheating issues, dirty charging ports, or corrupted data.
In this guide, we’ll show you what to do if your MacBook is not charging after installing an update.
Let’s begin!
1. Restart Your Mac.
When your MacBook suddenly won’t charge after an update, try giving it a simple restart. A temporary issue may have occurred on your MacBook’s software, causing it not to detect the wall charger.
Here’s what you need to do:
- First, click on the Apple logo in the upper left corner of your screen.
- After that, choose Restart from the drop-down menu.
- Click Restart on the dialog box to confirm your action.
Once done, try charging your MacBook to check if the problem is solved.
2. Check Your MacBook’s Temp.
Your MacBook might stop charging if its temperature gets too high. This is a safety feature that automatically engages to prevent hardware damage. While installing an update, your device might work harder than usual, causing it to heat up.
Here’s how you can check your MacBook’s temperature:
- On your keyboard, press the Command + Space bar to open Spotlight Search.
- Look for Terminal and open it.
- Now, copy the code below and paste it in the Terminal.
sudo powermetrics –samplers smc |grep -i “CPU die temperature- Hit Enter to run the command.
- Provide your system password and hit Enter.
The thermal reading of your device should appear on your screen. If your CPU temperature is above 80° Celcius, turn off your MacBook and let it cool off for a few minutes.
Try charging your MacBook afterward to check if the problem is solved.
3. Check Your Charger/Cable.
There might be an issue with your MacBook’s charger, explaining why it’s not charging. First, check the wall adapter or power brick and make sure that it doesn’t have cracks, missing parts, and damage.
Now, check the power cable and make sure that there are no cuts or exposed wires. You should also check the connector and ensure there are no bent or missing pins.
Try charging other devices using your MacBook’s charger and see if they will charge. If not, then the problem is with your charger.
4. Clean Your MacBook’s Charging Port.
If your MacBook is still not charging, there might be an issue with its charging port. Grab a flashlight and see if there’s something blocking the port.
You can use canned air to blow away dirt and debris that accumulated on your MacBook’s port. If you don’t have canned air, you can use a toothpick to gently remove any dirt on your Mac’s charging port.
5. Reset SMC.
The SMC or System Management Controller is tasked to manage the power of your Mac. Resetting the SMC can resolve problems related to power or thermal management. If your MacBook won’t charge after an update, try resetting the SMC.
MacBook w/ Apple Silicon:
- Make sure that your MacBook is plugged into a charger.
- Now, shut down the device by holding the Power button for a few seconds.
- Turn on your MacBook normally.
MacBook w/ T2 Chip:
- Turn off your MacBook.
- On the keyboard, press and hold Control + Option + Shift keys together with the Power button.
- Keep holding all keys for another 7 seconds and release them. Turn on your Mac normally.
MacBook w/o T2 Chip:
- Make sure that your MacBook is turned off.
- On your keyboard, press the Shift + Control + Option keys together with the Power button.
- Continue holding all keys for 10 seconds. Release the keys afterward and turn on your Mac normally.
Once done, turn on your MacBook and see if it’s charging.
6. Update Your Mac.
As we’ve mentioned, this issue is usually caused by faulty software updates. Apple may already be aware that a recent software update caused charging issues on some MacBooks. Their team might release an update anytime.
To update your Mac, follow the steps below:
- Access the Apple Menu on your Mac and go to System Preferences.
- Now, click on Software Update.
- If there’s an available update, click on Update Now or Upgrade Now.
Restart your device after the update and see if it will charge.
7. Check Battery.
Some MacBook Pro’s batteries wear out faster due to intensive tasks. While Apple ensures that its products are well made, the Li-ion battery on MacBooks are not invincible and they can reach the end of their life cycle in a short period.
If your MacBook is not charging, it might indicate a problem with the battery. Here’s how you can check it:
- First, click on the Apple Menu located at the top left corner.
- After that, choose System Preferences.
- Click the Battery option and click Battery again.
From here, you can see the status of your battery.
- Normal – Your battery is fine and the issue with your MacBook not charging has nothing to do with it.
- Service Recommended – Your MacBook’s battery capacity is below 80% and might need to be repaired.
8. Contact Apple Support.
If none of the solutions above worked, the last thing you can do is report the issue to Apple’s team.
Head to their support page and get in touch with their team to report the problem with your MacBook. Depending on the situation, you might need to bring your device to the nearest service center to have it checked.
You can also check the other guides on their page and see if you can find solutions not mentioned above.
That ends our guide on how to fix your MacBook if it’s not charging after an update. If you have questions, please leave a comment below, and we’ll do our best to answer them.
