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 adaptor once more.

Step 2. 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 3. 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 in touch with us.

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. Keep in mind that there are different approaches to resetting your SMC depending on what kind of processing chip your Mac is equipped with. 

Let’s get started. 

Step 1. Check to see if your Mac has a silicon chip. How to check if your Mac has a silicon chip via Apple Support

Step 2. If it doesn’t have a silicon chip, check to see if your Mac has a T2 security chip. How to check if your Mac has a T2 security chip via Apple Support

How to reset the SMC on a Mac with a silicon chip

If your computer has a silicon chip, simply make sure your computer is connected to a reliable power source > restart your Mac. This will reset the SMC and might fix your issue.

How to reset the SMC on a Mac with a T2 security chip

If you have a laptop, here’s what to do. 

Step 1. Shut down your computer. 

Step 2. Once shut down, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, then release. 

Step 3. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn your computer back on.

If that doesn’t work, try this next approach.

Step 1. Shut down your computer. 

Step 2. Press and hold Control (⌃)-Option (⌥)-Shift (⇧) — your Mac may turn back on in the process. 

Step 3. 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.

Step 4. Keep pressing the keys for another 7 seconds, then release them.

Step 5. Wait for a little while, then press the power button again to turn your Mac back on.

If you have a desktop computer, here’s what to do.

Step 1. Shut down your computer. 

Step 2. Unplug the power cord.

Step 3. Wait for 15 seconds, then plug it back in. 

Step 4. Wait for 5 more seconds and then press the power button to turn your Mac back on.

How to reset the SMC on a Mac with a non-silicon and non-T2 security chip

If you have a laptop, here’s what to do.

Step 1. Shut down your computer. 

Step 2. Press and hold Shift (⇧)-Control (⌃)-Option (⌥) at the same time.

Step 3. Continue to hold down those keys, and now press and hold the power button at the same time. 

Step 4. Hold the four keys for around 10 seconds.

Step 5. Release all of the keys. 

Step 6. Press the power button to turn your computer back on.

If you have a desktop computer, here’s what to do.

Step 1. Shut down your computer. 

Step 2. Unplug the power cord.

Step 3. Wait for 15 seconds, then plug it back in. 

Step 4. Wait for 5 more seconds and then press the power button to turn your Mac back on.