Laptop Battery Not Charging? Here’s How to Fix It Quickly

Key Takeaways

Laptop battery charging issues stem from various causes like faulty hardware, software problems, or incorrect settings. Proper troubleshooting of battery issues involves checking the power adapter, inspecting the charging port, updating software, and adjusting power settings. Moreover, preventative measures like optimizing power settings, keeping your laptop cool, and using the right charger can extend battery life.

You might have noticed that your laptop battery capacity starts degrading, and then suddenly it drops off.

You then see your laptop battery not charging, it might be showing charging, but its percentage might not be increasing.

A laptop battery that suddenly stops charging can disrupt your workflow and thus cause significant inconvenience. Understanding the reasons behind this issue and knowing how to troubleshoot it can save you from unnecessary stress and potential data loss.

Therefore, the convenience of a laptop hinges significantly on its battery performance and when your laptop battery is not charging, it can bring your productivity to a halt.

It is important to learn and delve into various causes of laptop battery not charging issues. This can be done by providing practical knowledge and examples to help you diagnose and resolve problems.

Causes of Laptop Battery Charging Issues

It is important to identify the main causes of battery charging issues as it will give you a better position in understanding and diagnosing the problem.

1. Faulty Power Adapter or Cable

A faulty power adapter or charging cable is one of the most common reasons for laptop batteries not charging. Over time, these components can wear out thereby leading to poor or no connectivity.

2. Loose or Damaged Charging Port

Loose or damaged charging ports can also prevent your laptop battery from charging. If the connection between the charger and port is not secure then it can result in intermittent charging or no charging at all.

3. Battery Health and Age

As batteries age their ability to hold charge diminishes. Batteries that are several years old may not charge properly or at all.

4. Software and Firmware Issues

Software or firmware glitches can also cause charging problems. An outdated BIOS or incorrect power settings can interfere with the charging process.

5. Overheating

Overheating can cause your laptop to stop charging to protect the battery and other components. Excessive heat can be due to environmental factors or internal issues like a failed cooling system.

6. Power Supply Problems

Issues with power supply such as inconsistent voltage or power surges can prevent the battery from charging correctly.

7. Battery Calibration Issues

Battery calibration issues can also lead to incorrect charging behaviors. Sometimes the battery gauge might not accurately reflect the actual battery level thus causing charging problems.

8. Faulty Battery

A faulty battery is also another common cause. If the battery itself is defective then no amount of troubleshooting with charger or port will help.

9. Incorrect Power Settings

Power settings that are incorrectly configured can interfere with the charging process. Settings that favor energy saving might hinder charging.

10. Internal Hardware Faults

Internal hardware issues such as problems with the motherboard or power management circuits can also cause charging issues.

How to Troubleshoot a Laptop Battery Not Charging?

Some laptops have battery calibration applications. You can download them from your manufacturer’s website. You will need it so that it charges the laptops completely. Well, there are several other reasons for this issue. You will need to examine the following things first:

• Power Source
• Cord
• Connection

If you don’t find any issue here, then try changing the settings of the laptop. You can also reset the battery management. To fix it you can also follow these two steps:

1. Identity the dead cells
2. Replace the dead cells

We have enlisted some troubleshooting tips for your ease.

1. Check the Power Adapter and Cable

First, inspect the power adapter and cable for any visible damage. Knowledge of computer cables is essential to have. Check the cable for the following issues:

• Worn down insulation
• Tears
• Dents

Try using a different charger that is known to work with your laptop to see if the problem persists. If you find any burned plastic smell then most probably the problem is with the cord. Buy a new cable in this case.

Check the Connection

• Check if the cord attachment is loose or not.
• Also, remove heavy dust from it.

Also, Read Laptop Hinge is Broken: How to Fix? 

2. Inspect the Charging Port

Examine the charging port for any debris or damage. Use a can of compressed air to clean out any dust or dirt that might be obstructing the connection.

If you suspect a broken charger port is the issue, find out how to fix a broken laptop charger port for detailed guidance.

3. Test with a Different Outlet

Sometimes the issue might be with the power outlet itself. Try plugging your charger into a different outlet to rule out this possibility.

4. Update Software and Firmware

Ensure that your operating system, BIOS, and drivers are up to date. Check your laptop manufacturer’s website for any updates related to power management.Replace the Battery

5. Cool Down Your Laptop

If your laptop is overheating then turn it off and allow it to cool down. Ensure that the cooling system is working properly and that vents are not blocked. You can also check the system temperature.

How to Cool Laptop?

1. Shut down your device.
2. Then allow it to cool for an hour.
3. Also, remove the dust from it.
4. Use compressed air to blow the internal dust away.

6. Adjust Power Settings

Go to your laptop power settings and make sure that they are configured correctly. Avoid settings that excessively limit power consumption.

Check the Power Settings

Follow these steps to do so.

1. From the start open the control panel.
2. Goto power options.
3. See the low battery level settings. These settings sometimes cause your device to shutdown instead of charging.
4. You can restore these settings to default.

If this doesn’t solve the problem, then follow the steps explained ahead.

1. Goto device manager
2. Expand the power tab.
3. Right-click on the options Microsoft ACPI Complaint control method.
4. Then update the driver from there.
5. Restart your laptop to update the drivers.

MAC Settings

1. Open system preferences
2. Open the energy saver settings
3. Check the settings tab battery and the power adaptor

7. Remove and Reinsert the Battery

If your laptop has a removable battery then try taking it out and then reinserting it after a few seconds. This can sometimes reset the charging process.

8. Perform a Power Reset

A power reset can help in resolving many charging issues. Turn off your laptop disconnect all peripherals and then remove the battery (if possible). Press and hold the power button for about 30 seconds, then reconnect the battery and charger and turn on your laptop.

10. Replace the Battery

If all else fails, then the issue might be with the battery itself. Consider replacing the battery if it’s old or if troubleshooting steps indicate fault.

Learn how to charge a laptop battery without a charger if you’re unable to use the standard charging method.

Hp Laptop Battery Not Charging When Plugged in

You can download and run the stand-alone battery test from your manufacturer’s page and then check if it detects an issue with your device. If this test does not detect any issue, then there is most probably an issue with a lithium-ion cell.

You might have also experienced that it was working correctly a year ago, but now its charging diminishes very quickly.

Well, you are not the only one facing this problem. We all share the same problem most often. Now, you can easily replace the individual cells inside it.

Dell Laptop Battery Not Charging But Laptop Works With Power Adaptor

Well, many dell users have gone through this frustrating moment. The indicator also says not charging even when the AC adaptor is connected. Sometimes the laptops work by plugging it directly with the power adaptor. The reasons for this is the surge protector. It affects the functionality of the adaptor to a greater extent.

BIOS

BIOS stands for basic input /output system. It handles the connection between the various hardware device of your laptop/computer. Faulty BIOS can be a cause of that issue too. You can update the BIOS get rid of the damaged one.

• Download the latest update from your manufacturer’s website.
• Also, don’t forget to make a backup of your data before updating it. This backup is needed because any mistake in this regard can make you face the data loss.
• If you have tried almost everything and still you didn’t find any definite result then do contact the Dell support for assistance.

Also Checkout Input and Output Devices for a Computer

Rebuild Laptop Battery

Well if your battery life sucks then rebuilding it is the right decision in this regard. Before moving ahead, you must know that working with lithium-ion is not appropriate for inexperienced people. Any misuse can result in fire and can also damage your device. It can also result in harm by the electric shock. So if you are not an experienced guy, then I advise you not to do this yourself instead take help from any guy experienced in this field. Well, note down the things that you will need to move ahead. These are:

• A dead battery
• New lithium-ion cells. You will need six if you have a six-cell battery and nine if you a nine-celled.
• Solder
• Screwdriver and sharp blade
• Sandpaper
• Strong glue
• Voltmeter to test the connection

a) Open the Battery

Be careful while opening it. You should have sand or a fire extinguisher nearby. The battery case contains the interlocking plastic, so you will need to use a sharp knife.

1. Cut along the edges.
2. Don’t cut them deeply as it may affect the battery.
3. If it gets loose, then insert a screwdriver.
4. Twist it so that the plastic is forced apart.
5. You will see them coming apart.
6. Then cut around the edges until you see it opened completely.
7. You can also test the connections the voltmeter to see if anything breaks down.

b) Design Checking

Now you have got the battery out. To put it back inside you need to check the design

1. Note the connections first.
2. Create a schematic layout of the configurations.
3. Also not down the directionality of the terminal of the internal components.

c) Remove Laptop Battery

You can use the sharp blade. Twist it through the welded ones. Make sure that nothing gets damaged. Avoid the sharp blade contact with the battery as it can cause the short circuit too.

d) Solder the Battery

1. Using an industrial strength glue, glue together the new battery that you have got.
2. Heat up the soldering iron and then apply it to the positive terminal contact.
3. Follow the layout you noticed from the design earlier.
4. The battery will now be glued down.
5. You can use sandpaper to rough up the terminals.
6. There is a small hole on the contact ends. You can use these holes to insert the solder tip.  Then melt the pre tined solder
7. When it gets melted, remove the tip.
8. You need to maintain good contact between the electric pad and the terminals.
9. Repeat step 6. Do this for all positive terminals.

e) Put it Back

Using built-in LEDs, you can make sure that the batteries are in connection with the circuit after the soldering is done. If your battery does not have built-in LED, then no need to worry. You can use DMM (Digital Multimeter) and see if a voltage difference of 11-14 volts exists between the positive and the negative terminal or not. Follow these steps to put it back again.

1. Attempt to fit them in the case.
2. You may need to resolder or squeeze as per requirements until it gets fit in it.
3. Also, make sure that the electronics fit precisely into the same area from which it was taken out.
4. Join the two halves together. You can also apply pressure to it.

f) Testing and Charging

1. Check if all configurations are correctly done or not.
2. Plug in the battery in the laptop.
3. Then charge it for some time
4. Disconnect the power source
5. repeat step 3-4  at least twice.
6. Not you can test the new battery.

Laptop Battery Care and Life Extender

Well, all laptop batteries can handle a certain number of charge cycles. On average the value is 500 cycles. It can be more too. By a charge cycle, I mean discharging it to 0 percent and then charging back to full 100 percent.

On discharging to 50 percent and then charging back it to 100 will be considered as a half charge cycle. These charge cycles lower down its capacity too.

Thus the less you drain it, the more time it will be in working condition.

• You can check the power setting of your laptop. You can switch it to battery saver mode to save the power by dimming down the brightness of the screen.
• You can also reduce the power usage by switching off the WiFi and the Bluetooth when they are not required.
• Do check the hibernation mode too. The difference between hibernation mode and other sleep state is that it uses no power while other sleep states consume some power.
• Shut down the apps that are not required. You can check such apps from the task manager.
• In MacOS you can check such apps by going into the activity monitor.
• Try not to discharge your lithium-ion battery below 20 percent.
• Heating up of the battery is a well-known issue. If it is in charge and it gets warm. Perhaps the processor is working, or the place you a are using it is a bit hot, then you must shut it down and give it a break so that it may cool down.
• To maximize the lifespan, you need to shut it down for some time.
• Avoid using your laptop in a hot place. For example in the car in summer or under the window on a sunny day.
• Well, this does not mean that you should keep it in a very glacial pace too. Never keep it in freezing temperature. This much cold can reduce its lifespan.
• To monitor its temperature, you can download some apps. Coretemp and real temp apps are used mostly for this purpose.
• Remove the dust from the battery.
• Keep the software updated. Do check your OS from time to time for updates too.

Understanding the typical lifespan of laptops can help you make informed decisions about upgrades and replacements. Discover how long laptops typically last.

Average Laptop Battery Life

When the laptop is fully charged, and the power adaptor is removed, then its ordinary life can be around six hours. This time also depends on the following things:

• Battery
• It’s capacity
• The work is done on the laptop.
• The processor hard work
• The age of the battery, i.e., how much old it is

Its overall life lasts between 2 to 4 years.  It can be around 1000 full charges too. Well, total lifetime depends on several things.

Tips to Extend Your Laptop Battery Life

To enjoy the longevity of your laptop you must practice and adopt the below habits to optimize battery life and use it to its optimum levels.

1. Optimize Power Settings

Use power-saving modes and adjust settings to reduce power consumption. Lower screen brightness and disable unnecessary background processes.

2. Avoid Full Discharges

Try not to let your laptop battery discharge completely. Instead, charge it when it reaches around 20-30% to prolong its lifespan.

3. Keep Your Laptop Cool

Ensure that proper ventilation is carried out and avoid using your laptop on soft surfaces that can block airflow. Clean vents regularly to prevent overheating.

4. Use the Right Charger

Using the right charger is crucial. Always use the charger that came with your laptop or one recommended by the manufacturer to avoid compatibility issues. This applies even more if you use your device for gaming or other high-performance tasks.

The best battery backup for gaming PCs can provide additional power when your system needs it most, ensuring you stay in the game without interruptions.

5. Unplug When Fully Charged

Once your battery is fully charged then unplug the charger to prevent overcharging which can degrade battery health over time.

6. Update Software Regularly

Keep your operating system and drivers updated to benefit from the latest power management features and bug fixes.

7. Disable Unnecessary Features

Turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other features when not in use to save power. Disconnect peripherals that are not in need.

8. Store Properly

If you need to store your laptop for an extended period then charge the battery to about 50% and store it in a cool, dry place.

Laptop Battery Health Monitoring Tools

Use battery health monitoring tools to keep an eye on your battery condition and take action if you notice any decline in performance.

1. BatteryInfoView

This tool is used in Windows-based Laptops and is used to provide detailed battery information such as capacity, voltage, charge/discharge rate, and battery health status.

2. BatteryCare

This tool is used in Windows-based Laptops and is used to monitor battery performance, providing data on wear level, charge cycles, and discharge cycles. It also offers tips to extend battery life.

3. HWMonitor

This tool is used in Windows-based Laptops and is used for hardware monitoring programs to provide detailed information about battery health, temperature, and power consumption.

4. BatteryMon

This tool is used in Windows-based Laptops and is used to show graphs of charge/discharge rates over time and provide statistics on battery performance and health.

5. CoconutBattery

This tool is used in macOS-based Laptops and is used to provide real-time information on battery health, charge cycles, and temperature along with historical data tracking.

6. AIDA64

This tool is used in Windows-based Laptops and is used to show a comprehensive system diagnostic tool that includes detailed battery health monitoring, status reports, and capacity data.

7. Battery Health

This tool is used in macOS-based Laptops and is used to provide detailed information on battery status, including capacity, charge cycles, and health percentage along with tips for improving battery performance.

Laptop Battery FAQs: Common Questions Answered

Why does the laptop battery not charge even when plugged in?

This can be due to a faulty charger, a loose connection, software issues, or a faulty battery. Follow the troubleshooting steps mentioned above to diagnose the issue.

How do I know if my laptop battery is faulty?

If your battery doesn’t hold charge, drains quickly or the laptop doesn’t recognize it then the battery might be faulty. Consider replacing it if troubleshooting doesn’t help.

Should a laptop be used while it is charging?

Yes, one can use a laptop while it is charging. However, heavy usage might generate heat therefore one must ensure proper ventilation to avoid overheating.

How long should a laptop battery last?

Laptop batteries typically last 2-4 years with regular use. Factors like usage patterns, charging habits, and environmental conditions can affect battery lifespan.

Is it bad to leave a laptop plugged in all the time?

Constantly leaving the laptop plugged in can lead to overcharging and reduced battery lifespan. It’s best to unplug it once fully charged and use the battery occasionally.

Conclusion

Laptop battery not charging issues are common problems that disrupt workflow and productivity.

Therefore, understanding and diagnosing these issues is crucial for maintaining a reliable laptop.

From checking the power adapter to updating firmware and adjusting settings, a systematic approach can help you identify and resolve charging problems effectively and efficiently.

In addition to this, you can adopt habits that extend your laptop battery life to save you from frequent replacements and enhance your device’s longevity.

Moreover, investing time in regular maintenance and staying informed about the latest technological updates can make a substantial difference.

Similarly, proactive care and timely interventions are crucial to ensure that your laptop remains a dependable tool for your work and leisure activities for years to come.

Stay connected with our blog for more insights, tips, and updates on technology and laptop maintenance.