Symptoms
- Charging icon shows a plug but says 'not charging'
- Battery percentage stays the same or drops while plugged in
- Charger feels warm but nothing happens
- Charging works only if you jiggle the cable
Likely causes
- CommonCharging cable or port not fully seatedDust, lint, or a worn connector can prevent a solid connection.
- CommonDriver or firmware glitch reporting charging incorrectlyCommon after a Windows update; a restart often fixes it.
- PossibleUnderpowered or incompatible charger/USB-C hubSome USB-C chargers or hubs don't supply enough wattage to charge under load.
- PossibleWorn-out battery that can't accept a chargeBatteries lose the ability to charge properly after a few years of use.
- Less commonFailed charging IC or port on the motherboardMore likely if the issue appeared suddenly with no other explanation.
What to do
- Unplug the charger, inspect the port for lint or bent pins, and gently clean it with a dry soft brush or compressed air.
- Reseat the cable firmly at both the wall and the laptop, and try a different outlet.
- Fully shut down the laptop (not sleep) and restart it while plugged in.
- Try a different charger and cable if one is available, especially with USB-C laptops that accept multiple chargers.
- Update or reinstall the battery driver in Device Manager (Windows) or reset the SMC (Mac laptops).
- Close power-hungry apps or games while charging, since heavy use can outpace a weak or underpowered charger.
- Check battery health in system settings to see if the battery is reported as degraded.
Tools and parts
- Compressed air
- Soft brush
Replacement charger/adapterSearch: “[laptop brand model] laptop charger replacement”
When to call a pro
If a known-good charger still won't charge the laptop, the charging port or internal circuit likely needs professional repair or replacement.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.