Symptoms
- Charging light doesn't turn on when plugged in
- Battery percentage doesn't rise or drops even while connected
- Chromebook only turns on with a specific charger
- Chromebook shows a 'charger not supported' or low-power message
Likely causes
- CommonCharger isn't Chromebook-compatible or supplies too little powerChromebooks often require a specific wattage of USB-C Power Delivery to charge properly.
- CommonCable or port issue (lint, damage, wrong cable)Same physical connection issues apply as with any USB-C laptop.
- PossibleSoftware/OS glitch requiring a restart or updateChromeOS occasionally has charging-reporting bugs fixed by an update.
- PossibleBattery has degraded or failed with ageMore relevant on Chromebooks that are several years old.
What to do
- Confirm the charger is rated for your specific Chromebook's wattage requirement, usually printed on the original charger.
- Inspect the USB-C port for lint or debris and clean gently with compressed air.
- Try a different USB-C cable and charger to isolate the problem.
- Force a hard restart by holding the power button, or the refresh + power combination specific to your model.
- Check for and install any pending ChromeOS updates.
- Check battery health information if your Chromebook model exposes it in settings.
Tools and parts
- Compressed air
Chromebook-rated USB-C chargerSearch: “[Chromebook model] USB-C charger wattage”
When to call a pro
If a correctly-rated charger and cable still don't charge it after a restart, have the Chromebook's charging port and battery checked by a professional.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.