How to Check if MacBook Is Charging?
Though Apple is famous for the cutting-edge technology used in its devices, it has always been notorious for its battery capacity. If you own a MacBook, one of the main issues with you may be to keep track of the charging status of your device. Knowing when your MacBook is charging or not helps you avoid low-battery notifications, and keep a check on the battery of your device.
There are several ways to check if your MacBook is charging, so you don’t have to guess. In this article, we’ll tell you several simple and effective ways to check if your MacBook is charging.
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How to Check if Your MacBook is Charging?
The latest MacBooks having M2 chips have a really good battery and can last for the whole day on a single charge. However, it’s important to know whether your MacBook is charging or not. Here’s how to check.
Check the Battery Icon on the Menu Bar
The first and quickest way of finding out whether your MacBook is being charged or not is by checking the battery icon displayed on the menu bar. Here’s how:
- Hover the mouse to the upper right corner of your MacBook and you’ll find a battery icon there. In case the icon is accompanied by a lightning symbol, it implies that the MacBook is currently charging. However, if only the battery percentage is displayed without the lightning symbol, it means that the device is not charging.
- If you want to get detailed information, tap on the battery icon and it will show you other details. In case of charging, the icon will show ‘charging’ or ‘charged’ texts. On the other hand, if it is not charging, it will display a battery time left based on the current usage.
Charger LED Indicator (Old MacBooks)
If you have an older MacBook model with a MagSafe charger, there’s an LED indicator on the charger that can give you instant feedback on charging status.
- Connect the MagSafe Charger: When you plug in the MagSafe connector, an LED light should turn on at the connection point.
- Here’s the colour indication meaning:
- Amber/Orange Light: Indicates that the MacBook is charging.
- Green Light: This means the MacBook is fully charged.
If the LED light doesn’t turn on at all, this might indicate a problem with the charger or charging port.
Check Battery Through Settings
You can also check whether the battery of your MacBook is charging in the Settings menu. Not only just charging status, you can also get other important information about the MacBook battery. Here’s how:
- Firstly, head on to System Settings > Battery.
- Click on “Battery” (or “Energy Saver” on older macOS versions).
- Here, you’ll see whether the MacBook is charging, the power source, and sometimes even an estimate of how much time is left until full charge. If you click on the “Options” menu, you will see some settings which can help you to improve the battery life of your device.
The System Settings screen is handy because it not only tells you if the MacBook is charging but also provides a breakdown of battery health and other power-related details.
Charging Animation on the Screen
When your MacBook is connected to a power source and charging, you may notice a slight animation in the battery icon, indicating that power is actively flowing into the device. The icon fills up over time, giving you a visual cue that charging is happening.
Watching for Battery Percentage Increase
Last but not least, the simplest way to check whether your battery is just to watch the battery percentage increase. Connect your MacBook to the charger and observe whether the percentage increases over time. If it doesn’t, it’s worth looking into the charger, cable, or settings for issues.
How to Check the Battery Health of MacBook?
Did you know that Apple allows you to check the battery health and condition of your MacBook? Keeping a check on the battery’s health enables you to be aware of your battery condition and get it replaced on time. Here’s how to check:
- Firstly, head on to the Apple menu icon > System Settings.
- In the settings, click on the Battery icon in the left-hand menu.
- Here, you’ll see the condition of your battery, whether it’s “Normal,” “Service Recommended,” etc.
What to do if your MacBook isn’t charging?
There may be instances when you plug in the charger of your MacBook, but it doesn’t charge. What to do in such cases? Let’s understand.
Check the charger and cable
The first and foremost thing to check is the charger or cable. If your charger has become too hot, or the cable is broken loose, or too worn out, it may not charge your MacBook properly. If that’s the case, you should buy a new original charger for your MacBook from the Apple Store.
Check the charging port
If the charger and the wire are all right, check the charging port of your MacBook. Sometimes the charging port of a MacBook can be clogged with dust, lint or foreign objects. To avoid damage to the charging port, clean it out using a soft brush or compressed air.
Restart Your MacBook
There are times when a simple restarting may fix a few minor issues like a software bug. Remove the power cord, turn off the MacBook and turn it on after a few minutes, then plug in the power cord again to see if it begins charging.
Visit Customer service
Even after trying all these things your MacBook doesn’t charge, then probably it is a hardware issue. In such a case, it is recommended to visit the nearest Apple Customer Service Centre as soon as possible to avoid any further damage to the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that you can refer to in case of any doubts:
How long does it take to fully charge a MacBook?
Usually, a MacBook takes two to three hours, depending on the model, to fully charge.
Can I use my MacBook while it’s charging?
Yes, you can use your MacBook while it’s charging, although it might charge a little slowly
Conclusion
I hope now you know how to check if your MacBook is charging. The method is simple and doesn’t require any technical expertise. Refer to the article for detailed methods. Also, check the steps to follow in case your MacBook doesn’t charge. In case of any doubts, do let us know in the comment section below.
