A “dead” MacBook Air that won’t turn on or charge can be frustrating. Often, it’s not an indication that the MacBook is completely broken, but rather a software glitch or peripheral issue preventing it from powering up and charging as expected. With some basic troubleshooting steps, you can often get a dead MacBook Air to turn back on and accept a charge again.
First, don’t panic if your MacBook Air seems unresponsive when you connect the power adapter. There are a number of potential issues that could cause charging problems, from something as simple as a loose cable to more complex software and hardware problems. The good news is there are several DIY troubleshooting tips you can try at home before taking your MacBook into an Apple store or repair shop.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common reasons a dead MacBook Air won’t charge and the steps you can take to get it working again. With a little time and patience, you can often resolve charging issues and revive your MacBook Air.
Check the Adapter and Cable
A damaged or faulty power adapter or cable is a common reason why a MacBook Air may not charge even when plugged in. Carefully inspect your MacBook’s charging cable and power adapter for any signs of damage (Source: https://www.macworld.com/article/234982/how-to-figure-out-if-your-power-adapter-or-battery-has-gone-bad.html). Look for:
- Frayed, exposed, or broken wires
- Bent, loose, or missing prongs
- Cracked or damaged casing
- Any other visible signs of damage
If you find any damage, try substituting with another official Apple power adapter and Thunderbolt/MagSafe cable designed for your MacBook Air model. Using incompatible or low-quality third party adapters or cables could also cause charging issues (Source: https://www.asurion.com/connect/tech-tips/how-to-fix-broken-macbook-charger/). If the issue persists with multiple cables and adapters, it likely points to another problem.
Reset the SMC
One step to take if your MacBook Air is not charging is to reset the SMC (System Management Controller). The SMC controls functions like charging and power management. Resetting it can often resolve issues like a MacBook not charging properly.
To reset the SMC on a MacBook Air or Retina MacBook Pro (late 2018 or newer), follow these steps:
- Shut down your MacBook Air.
- Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds.
- Release the power button.
- Wait a few seconds, then press the power button to turn your MacBook Air back on.
For older MacBook Air and Pro models, the steps are slightly different. You’ll need to press Shift-Control-Option on the left side of the keyboard and the power button simultaneously. Hold them for 10 seconds, then release and turn your MacBook back on (1).
Resetting the SMC resets power management and charging settings, which can get your MacBook Air charging again if power functions were disrupted. It’s a quick fix worth trying if a dead MacBook won’t charge.
Try a Different Outlet
Power surges and irregular power delivery can sometimes disrupt your MacBook Air’s ability to charge properly. If your MacBook Air won’t charge, try plugging it into a different power outlet, preferably one that is on a different circuit.
Move your charger and cable to another room or a different surge protector. Avoid outlets that are on the same circuit as large appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators or microwaves.
Use an outlet that you know works properly to provide steady and consistent power delivery. If your MacBook Air begins charging normally from the new outlet, you know the issue was related to inconsistent power or a bad outlet. Contact an electrician if the issue persists across multiple outlets.
Check Battery Health
One of the most common reasons a MacBook Air won’t charge is because the battery is worn out. Lithium-ion batteries in MacBooks have a limited lifespan and can only withstand a certain number of charge cycles before needing to be replaced.
To check the battery health and cycle count on a MacBook Air, follow these steps:
- Click the Apple menu and choose “About This Mac.”
- Click “System Report…”
- In the sidebar, select “Power.”
- Look for the “Cycle Count” and “Condition” listings under the battery section.
The cycle count shows how many times the battery has been fully charged and drained. Apple rates lithium-ion batteries for about 1,000 cycles before they degrade to 80% of their original capacity. If your battery cycle count is in the high hundreds or over 1,000, the battery likely needs to be replaced.
The “Condition” item also shows if the battery is degraded and functioning normally. If it says “Replace Soon” or “Replace Now,” then the battery is worn out and should be replaced by an Apple service provider.
Replacing the battery can often get a MacBook Air charging again if the existing battery is no longer able to hold a charge.
Try Safe Mode
Booting into Safe Mode can fix software issues that might be preventing your MacBook Air from charging properly. Safe Mode loads only the most essential macOS components and apps to make troubleshooting easier. Here are the steps to start up your MacBook Air in Safe Mode according to Apple Support:
- Fully shut down your MacBook Air
- Restart your MacBook Air and immediately press and hold the Shift key
- Release the Shift key when you see the login window (if you have FileVault enabled you may need to log in twice)
- After logging in, “Safe Boot” should appear at the top right of your screen to indicate you’re in Safe Mode
While in Safe Mode, test charging your MacBook Air to see if the issue is resolved. Safe Mode only lasts until you restart again, so you can boot back normally afterward.
PRAM/NVRAM Reset
Resetting the PRAM (Parameter RAM) and NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) can sometimes resolve charging issues on a MacBook Air. The PRAM stores certain settings like display resolution and startup disk selection, while the NVRAM stores information like network settings. Resetting them clears out these settings and allows your MacBook Air to restart fresh.
To reset the PRAM and NVRAM, first shut down your MacBook Air. Then turn it on and immediately press and hold the Command, Option, P, and R keys together. Keep holding them down until your MacBook restarts again and you hear the startup chime for a second time. This indicates the PRAM and NVRAM have been reset.
After completing this process, try connecting your MacBook Air to power again to see if the issue is resolved and it now recognizes the charger. Resetting PRAM/NVRAM can help clear out any glitches that may be preventing the MacBook from charging properly.
Software Fixes
If your MacBook Air is still not charging after trying the previous troubleshooting steps, the issue may be caused by a software problem that can often be fixed by updating your macOS software or resetting certain components. Here are some software-related fixes to try:
Update to the latest version of macOS – Apple periodically releases software updates that include bug fixes and performance improvements. Go to System Preferences > Software Update to check for and install the latest macOS updates. An update may resolve charging issues caused by a software bug.
Reset the SMC – The System Management Controller (SMC) controls many hardware functions on your Mac. Resetting it can sometimes resolve power and charging issues. To reset the SMC, first shut down your MacBook Air. Then press and hold the Shift, Control, and Option keys on the left side of the keyboard. While holding those keys, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds. Then release all keys and power back on.
Trying the latest software updates and resetting the SMC may get power and charging functions working properly again if the issue is software-related. If the problem persists, moving on to hardware troubleshooting is the next step.
Hardware Service
If software fixes do not resolve the charging issue, the problem may be with the MacBook Air’s hardware. Two common hardware issues that can prevent a MacBook Air from charging are problems with the logic board and a faulty battery.
The logic board contains the charging circuitry, so if it is damaged, it can stop your MacBook Air from charging properly. According to Apple support, logic board issues may require a repair or replacement by Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
A worn out or malfunctioning battery can also prevent an otherwise functioning MacBook Air from charging. Apple states that battery replacement may be necessary if your MacBook Air won’t charge even after trying software fixes. The battery can be replaced by Apple or an authorized service provider for a fee, as battery life degradation is not covered under Apple’s standard warranty.
In summary, if you’ve tried the software troubleshooting steps and your MacBook Air still refuses to charge, take it to Apple or an authorized repair shop for diagnosis. A hardware issue like a faulty logic board or degraded battery is likely the culprit, both of which can be repaired or replaced to get your MacBook Air charging again.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several troubleshooting steps to try when your MacBook Air is not charging:
First, inspect the hardware – make sure the charger is plugged in firmly on both ends and that the charging cable is not damaged. Try different outlets, chargers, and cables to isolate the issue.
Check the condition of the battery in System Information to see if it needs to be replaced. Reset the SMC to reset the battery management system.
Boot into safe mode to determine if third-party software is preventing charging. Reset the PRAM/NVRAM to clear any potential software-related charging issues.
Update macOS and any apps related to charging and power management. Use Apple Diagnostics or Apple Hardware Test to see if an issue is detected.
If the battery is not charging after trying these steps, the MacBook Air may need hardware service to replace the battery or charging components.
By methodically working through these troubleshooting techniques, you should be able to get your MacBook Air charging again.
