MacBook Not Fully Charging? Here's the Real Cause
Your MacBook isn't fully charging. Again. You know how it is: that annoying 80% charge your battery gets stuck at. Or that mysterious stop at 95%. You've tried everything. Bought new cables. Tested different outlets. Even replaced your charger . But here's what no one tells you: 8 out of 10 times, the problem isn't with your hardware at all . The culprit is hidden in a piece of software built into Apple itself. A feature that's supposed to protect your battery, but sometimes goes haywire. The good news? You can fix this in five minutes without unscrewing a single screw. Better yet, while you wait for your MacBook to charge normally again, you can continue working via your AirPods and phone. The four solutions below tackle the problem at its root.
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The four most effective solutions for charging problems
Your MacBook not charging past 80% or crashing at 95% isn't a unique problem. Thousands of users worldwide are experiencing the exact same issue. The good news: in most cases, you can fix it yourself without technical expertise or expensive repairs.
1. Disable optimized battery charging
Apple has built in a smart feature that protects your battery by limiting charging to 80%. This feature, called "Optimized Battery Charging," learns from your daily routine. The system predicts when you'll need 100% and only then fully charges.
To disable this feature:
- Open system settings
- Click on battery
- Select battery status
- Uncheck 'optimized battery charging'
- Restart your MacBook
The laptop should now charge normally again to 100%. Give the device some time; sometimes it takes a charge cycle for the change to take effect.
2. Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)
The SMC manages all of your MacBook's power-related functions. A malfunction in this system can cause charging to become choppy. Resetting it often resolves mysterious battery issues.
For MacBooks with Apple Silicon chip (M1, M2, M3):
- Close all programs
- Turn off the laptop completely
- Wait 30 seconds
- Start again
For older Intel MacBooks:
- Turn off the appliance
- Hold Shift + Control + Option + Power for 10 seconds
- Release all keys
- Start the laptop
After this reset, the battery meter will recalibrate itself. Your battery percentage may jump briefly, but it will stabilize automatically.
3. Check your adapter and cable
Not all chargers are created equal. An adapter that's too weak can cause your MacBook to charge, but not fully. A 16-inch MacBook Pro, for example, needs at least a 96W adapter for optimal charging. Using a 61W model? Then it will charge more slowly and may not fully charge during heavy use.
Check these points:
- Always use the supplied adapter or one with the same or higher wattage
- Inspect the cable for damage or deformation
- Test with another USB-C cable if you have one
- Try a different outlet or remove any extension cords in between
4. Recalibrate your battery
Sometimes the battery meter gets confused. The system thinks 80% is actually 100%. By fully discharging the battery and charging it again, you force a new calibration.
Follow these steps carefully:
- Charge your MacBook until it stops charging (wherever that is)
- Use the device normally until the battery is completely empty.
- Let the laptop turn off automatically when the battery is empty
- Wait at least 5 hours before charging again
- Connect the charger and charge continuously up to 100%
- Keep the charger connected for an additional 2 hours after reaching 100%
When is replacement necessary?
Sometimes software solutions are no longer effective. A battery has a limited lifespan of about 1000 charge cycles. After that, its capacity noticeably decreases. You can check its condition by holding down the Option key and clicking the battery icon.
If it says "service recommended," then the battery needs replacing. This doesn't have to be done immediately; you can still use it for months, but your battery life will be shorter. A new battery costs between €200 and €400, depending on your model.
Preventive measures for a healthy battery
Prevention is better than cure. These tips will significantly extend your battery life:
- Avoid extreme temperatures (below 10°C or above 35°C)
- Don't leave the battery at 100% or 0% for months
- Use your MacBook on battery power regularly
- Update macOS to the latest version for battery optimizations
- Close unused programs that consume a lot of energy
Need extra help?
Can't fix the problem yourself? At leapp, we're happy to help. Our team has years of experience with MacBook issues and knows the ins and outs of each model. We can advise you on repair options or help you find a suitable refurbished alternative if replacement is more cost-effective than repair.
A refurbished MacBook is a smart choice if your current one is really due for replacement. These devices have been fully inspected, have a new battery, and come with a warranty. This way, you get the same quality as a new one, but more durable and affordable.
Conclusion: software first, hardware later
A MacBook that won't charge past 80% is usually not a hardware problem, but a software issue . With the four solutions mentioned, you can solve the problem yourself nine times out of ten. If your battery really needs replacing, you now know when to do so. A refurbished MacBook can be a smart choice: you get a fully tested device with a new battery at a competitive price. The most important lesson: try the simple software solutions first before going to a repair shop.
