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MacBook Charging Slowly? Try These 6 Fixes
As a MacBook owner, one problem you could encounter from time to time is slow charging. A MacBook charging slowly can be a frustrating experience that can hamper your workflow and limit its mobility.
So, if you're facing this problem with your MacBook, here are some potential fixes to help you charge it again at optimal speed.
1. Check the Power Adapter or Cable
The first step in diagnosing a slow-charging laptop is examining your power adapter and cable. If either of these is not functioning as it should, it can significantly slow down charging.
In fact, a faulty charger can not only slow down the charging process but also cause damage to your MacBook in the long run. So, carefully inspect your adapter and cable for burns, scorches, frays, or other signs of physical damage.
You can also try charging your MacBook with another adapter and cable. If your MacBook charges as it should, consider replacing your charger. Remember, it's always best to use authentic Apple accessories to ensure maximum compatibility and safety.
2. Try a Different Port or Power Outlet
Modern MacBooks have at least two USB-C ports for charging and connecting peripheral devices. One of these ports may have become faulty or have dust or debris in it that is hindering the charging process.
Try using another USB-C port to charge your MacBook to see if this fixes the issue. You can also carefully clean the port with a soft brush or compressed air.
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Sometimes, the problem might not be with your MacBook but the power outlet. Try connecting your charger to a different outlet to see if this improves charging speeds. You can also connect your charger directly to the outlet instead of a power strip or extension cord, as these may affect charging speeds if they don't function properly.
3. Disable Optimized Battery Charging
For long-lasting battery life, your Mac comes with the Optimized Battery Charging feature, which reduces battery aging by adapting to your usage and delaying charging once your MacBook reaches 80%. However, this might inadvertently lead to slower charging speeds on your Mac.
Fortunately, users can disable this feature, but remember that doing so can impact the long-term health of your MacBook's battery. To disable Optimized Battery Charging, follow these steps:
- Click the Apple logo in the menu bar and select System Settings from the dropdown.
- Select Battery from the sidebar.
- Click the Info (i) button next to Battery Health.
- Toggle off Optimized Battery Charging.
4. Quit Demanding Applications and Processes
Running power-intensive applications and processes while charging may sometimes divert power away from the charging process and slow it down. Tasks such as video editing and gaming that require more energy from your battery might slow down charging. So, quitting demanding applications on your Mac can help it charge at optimal speeds.
The Activity Monitor app on your Mac can help identify which apps and processes are consuming excessive resources. To open Activity Monitor, open a Finder window, go to Applications > Utilities, and double-click Activity Monitor.
In Activity Monitor, head to the Energy tab and look for applications or processes using a significant amount of energy. Select the ones you don't require and click the Stop (X) button at the top to close them.
5. Update Your MacBook
If your MacBook is still charging slower than usual, an outdated version of macOS might be the culprit. Apple regularly releases software updates which include new features and bug fixes to resolve software glitches. These updates can improve battery health and any issues with charging speeds.
To update your Mac, click the Apple logo in the menu bar and select System Settings. Then, select General from the sidebar and click Software Update on the right.
Your MacBook will then check for any available software updates. If a new version of macOS is available, select Update Now. Make sure to keep your MacBook charged and connected to the internet throughout the process.
6. Reset the SMC
As a last resort, you might have to reset your MacBook's SMC. The SMC (system management controller) is responsible for low-level hardware functions such as charging and battery management. So, it's worth resetting it when you're experiencing abnormal hardware behavior.
Resetting the SMC can be a complicated process and may differ depending on the model of your MacBook. Fortunately, we have an in-depth guide on resetting the SMC on any MacBook.
Improve Your Mac's Charging Speeds
There are many reasons why your MacBook is charging slower than normal, but hopefully, these fixes should get your MacBook charging optimally.
However, if you're still experiencing this issue, it can mean a problem with your MacBook's hardware. In such cases, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple-authorized service center to get it fixed.
