Unlock the Mystery: How to Know If MacBook Pro Is Charging Now!

It’s a frustrating feeling. You plug in your MacBook Pro, hoping for a quick charge, but you’re not sure if it’s actually working. You glance at the battery icon, but it’s still stubbornly stuck at 20%. How do you know if your MacBook Pro is charging?
This guide will walk you through seven reliable ways to determine if your MacBook Pro is indeed drawing power and replenishing its battery.

1. The Classic: The Battery Icon

Let’s start with the most obvious indicator: the battery icon. Look at the top menu bar of your MacBook Pro. You’ll find a battery icon there, usually in the top right corner.

• Charging: If your MacBook Pro is charging, the battery icon will display a lightning bolt symbol next to it. The battery itself may be outlined in green, indicating it’s actively receiving power.
• Not Charging: If the battery icon doesn’t have a lightning bolt or the battery isn’t outlined in green, it means your MacBook Pro isn’t charging.

2. The Power Adapter Light

The power adapter itself can provide a visual clue. Look at the brick of your MacBook Pro charger. You’ll usually find a small LED light on it.

• Charging: The light on the power adapter will typically illuminate when your MacBook Pro is drawing power. The color of the light may vary depending on the model of your MacBook Pro, but it’s usually a solid white or green.
• Not Charging: If the light on the power adapter is off, your MacBook Pro might not be charging. This could be due to a faulty adapter, a loose connection, or a problem with the charging port.

3. The Battery Percentage

While the battery icon might show a lightning bolt, it’s crucial to watch the battery percentage. If the percentage isn’t increasing even with the lightning bolt present, there could be an issue.

• Charging: The battery percentage should steadily climb when your MacBook Pro is charging. If it’s increasing, even slowly, it means the charging process is working.
• Not Charging: If the battery percentage remains stagnant or even decreases while plugged in, your MacBook Pro might not be charging effectively.

4. The Sound of Charging

Sometimes, the most obvious signs are the ones we overlook. Listen closely!

• Charging: Many MacBook Pro models emit a faint “humming” sound when they are charging. It’s a subtle sound, but it’s a reliable indicator that the charging process is underway.
• Not Charging: If you don’t hear this characteristic hum, it might be a sign that your MacBook Pro isn’t charging.

5. The “Charging” Status in System Preferences

For a more detailed view, head to your System Preferences.

• Charging: Open System Preferences and go to “Battery.” You should see a “Charging” status displayed there, along with the current battery percentage and estimated time to full charge.
• Not Charging: If the “Charging” status is absent, or if it shows “Not Charging,” it confirms that your MacBook Pro isn’t drawing power.

6. The “Connected” Status in Activity Monitor

Activity Monitor provides a comprehensive overview of your MacBook Pro‘s performance, including power consumption.

• Charging: Open Activity Monitor (you can find it in the Utilities folder). Navigate to the “Energy” tab. Look for the “Power Adapter” section. If your MacBook Pro is charging, you’ll see a “Connected” status and a power input value.
• Not Charging: If the “Power Adapter” section shows “Disconnected” or if the power input value is zero, your MacBook Pro isn’t charging.

7. The “Plugged In” Status in the Apple Menu

The Apple Menu itself can provide a quick check.

• Charging: Click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen. Select “About This Mac.” In the “Overview” tab, you’ll see a “Plugged In” status if your MacBook Pro is charging.
• Not Charging: If the “Plugged In” status is absent, it means your MacBook Pro isn’t connected to a power source.

Wrapping Up: What to Do If Your MacBook Pro Isn’t Charging

If you’ve gone through all these steps and your MacBook Pro still isn’t charging, it’s time to troubleshoot. Here are some common solutions:

• Check the Power Adapter: Make sure the power adapter is plugged in securely and that the cable is not damaged. Try using a different power adapter if you have one available.
• Check the Charging Port: Inspect the charging port on your MacBook Pro for any dirt, debris, or damage. Gently clean the port with a soft, dry cloth.
• Reset the SMC: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) can resolve various power-related issues.
• Contact Apple Support: If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your MacBook Pro still isn’t charging, it’s best to contact Apple Support for further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My MacBook Pro is charging, but it’s very slow. What’s going on?
A: There are several reasons why your MacBook Pro might charge slowly. It could be due to a damaged power adapter, a faulty battery, or even a software issue. Try using a different power adapter and see if that improves the charging speed. If not, contact Apple Support for further assistance.
Q: My MacBook Pro isn‘t charging, but the power adapter light is on. What does this mean?
A: This could indicate a problem with the charging port on your MacBook Pro or a faulty power adapter. Try cleaning the charging port and using a different power adapter. If the issue persists, contact Apple Support.
Q: My MacBook Pro is charging, but the battery percentage isn‘t increasing. What should I do?
A: This is a common issue and could be due to a faulty battery or a software problem. Try restarting your MacBook Pro, and if the issue persists, contact Apple Support.
Q: What are the signs of a faulty battery?
A: A faulty battery can exhibit various symptoms, including slow charging, rapid battery drain, or the inability to hold a charge. If you suspect a faulty battery, contact Apple Support for a replacement.
Q: How can I extend the lifespan of my MacBook Pro battery?
A: To maximize your battery’s lifespan, avoid letting it fully discharge or become completely drained. Try to keep your battery within the 40-80% range whenever possible. Avoid using your MacBook Pro in extreme temperatures, and consider enabling “Low Power Mode” when you need to conserve battery life.