Here we have compiled a seven-step guide to help you understand why your laptop might not be charging even if it is plugged in.

1. Are You Plugged in?

First of all, make sure, you are really plugged in. Nothing can help if your laptop isn't connected to power. Make sure the charger is plugged firmly into both the wall and the laptop. Also, check the power brick and make sure all cords are connected properly.

To see if the laptop is the issue, try plugging the power cord into a different outlet. If it's connected to a surge protector or power strip, try plugging it straight into the wall. This will help figure out if the problem is with the laptop or if there's an electrical issue.

If it still doesn't work, there's definitely a problem with powering the laptop. 

2. Check the Cable

Run your hand along the power cord, bending it gently to feel for any bends or breaks. Look closely at the ends for any broken plugs or spots that might have been damaged.

Check the power brick. Does it look discolored? Are any parts bent or swollen? Give it a sniff—if it smells like burnt plastic, that's probably the issue. You might need to get a new power connector. Contact the manufacturer to see if they'll replace it under warranty, or if you can buy one from them directly.

When you plug in the laptop's power connector, it should fit snugly. If there's dust or dirt inside the charging port, it might not connect properly. Clean the area with a toothpick if it looks dirty.

In more serious cases, the charging port might be loose or wobbly. This could mean it's broken inside the laptop, and you'll need to take it to a repair shop or try fixing it yourself if you're comfortable.

3. Using the Right Port

USB-C is a popular way to connect stuff to your computer, like gadgets and chargers. It makes devices thinner, but it can be a bit confusing. Some USB-C ports only work for transferring data and won't charge your device.

Sometimes, you might have a device with two USB-C ports. One can charge your device or transfer data, while the other is only for transferring data. If your device isn't charging, make sure you're plugged into the right USB-C port. You might even see a little symbol that shows which one is for charging.

4. Is Charger Powerful Enough?

Just because a charger fits into your laptop doesn’t mean it can charge it properly. This is especially true for laptops that charge through USB-C. Some chargers might not have enough power to charge your laptop.

Check the wattage of the charger that came with your laptop. If it's a 45W charger, you'll need something as strong or stronger. Using a lower-wattage charger might prevent your battery from draining completely, but it won't charge your laptop any higher. And if it does charge, it'll be much slower than usual.

It's usually best to use the charger that came with your laptop or one from the same company. But if you need a third-party charger, make sure it's been certified by USB-IF.

For laptops that don't charge through USB-C, stick with the official charger from the manufacturer. Cheap chargers from unknown brands might be tempting, but they're often low quality and could be dangerous.

Your safest option is to get a replacement charger directly from the manufacturer, even though it might cost a bit more. This way, you know you're getting a good-quality charger.

5. Software Solutions

A simple restart can sometimes resolve software glitches that might be affecting charging. Outdated drivers, especially battery drivers, could be causing the problem.  Try updating the battery driver through your Device Manager. Ensure your laptop's power settings are configured for normal operation and not set to limit charging capacity.

6. Battery Checkup

Your laptop battery might not be charging anymore because it needs to be replaced. If your computer is old or has issues, the battery might not be able to hold a charge anymore. Take a moment to check your laptop's battery health to understand what's going on.

If you're using Windows, you can generate a battery report from the command line. This report shows the battery's current capacity and usage history. If the capacity has dropped a lot since you got the computer, there might be a problem. Mac users can check their battery's health in System Settings > Battery. If it says "Service recommended," there's an issue.

Mac batteries also have a limit on how many times they can be fully charged before they wear out. You can check the cycle count by clicking the Apple icon, selecting System Information, then Power under the Hardware section. Look for the Cycle Count listing and compare it to your computer's limit to see if the battery is worn out.

7. Lose the Battery

You should also check if the battery is physically okay. If your laptop has a removable battery, take it out and press the power button for about 15 seconds to drain any leftover power. Then, without the battery, plug the laptop into a power outlet and try turning it on. If it starts up fine, it means the charger is working and the issue might be with the battery.

If your laptop doesn't have a visible battery compartment, it might be built into the laptop, like most Macs. In that case, you'll need to open it up or get help from a repair specialist to test the battery.