Mac won't charge
MacBook isn't charging when plugged in; charging indicator doesn't come on or shows intermittently
In short: A Mac that won't charge is usually a failed charger or cable, a debris-clogged USB-C port, or in worse cases a failed charging IC on the logic board. Diagnostic starts with the cheap fixes first.
What’s happening
Common causes in order of frequency:
- Charger or cable has failed. Apple chargers do die. So do USB-C cables, especially if they’ve been wrapped tightly or pulled at angles.
- Debris in the USB-C port. Pocket lint, dust, or a bent pin inside the port can prevent good contact.
- Battery has reached 0% and the system is in a deeply discharged state that takes 15+ minutes of plugged-in time before it’ll respond.
- Failed charging IC on the logic board. Less common but does happen, often after liquid damage or a power surge.
What to do first
- Try a different charger and cable. Borrow one if needed. This eliminates 50% of cases instantly.
- Look inside the USB-C port with a torch. If you see fluff, gently remove with a wooden toothpick (never metal). If a pin looks bent, stop and bring it in.
- Plug it in and leave it for 30 minutes before trying to turn it on. Deep-discharge recovery takes time.
- Try every USB-C port. If only one is failing, that’s a port-level issue, not a system issue.
What we do
Workshop diagnostic with known-good charger and cable. Voltage measurements at the port and at the logic-board charging circuit. If it’s a port issue, the port can be replaced. If it’s a charging IC fault, that’s component-level board repair.
How we quote
Two different fix paths (port vs charging IC) at different costs, so we don’t publish a fixed figure for “won’t charge”. The £75 diagnostic fee covers a proper assessment, then we provide a written quote before any work starts. Diagnostic fee deducted from the repair cost if you proceed.
Sound like your Mac?
Bring it in or call. We diagnose at workshop or onsite, with an honest assessment before any work starts.