When macOS says Not Charging or Power Adapter Not Recognized, it usually means the Mac sees something connected but is pausing or refusing charging for a reason. That is different from a totally dead charger with no response at all.
This applies to Apple Silicon and Intel MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models.
Does This Affect You?
Use these steps if the menu bar battery icon reports Not Charging even though the cable is connected.
Check Temperature and Battery Settings
- Let the MacBook cool if it feels hot or has been in direct sun, on a soft surface, or under heavy load.
- Open System Settings > Battery > Battery Health.
- Check Optimized Battery Charging. It may hold the charge below 100 percent.
- Check whether an 80% Limit is enabled. If the battery is already at or above that limit, Not Charging is expected.
- If the battery was near zero, wait a few minutes after plugging in.
Rule Out Charger Communication Problems
- Test with a genuine Apple or certified charger and cable.
- Unplug and reconnect both ends after waiting about 10 seconds.
- Try another USB-C port if available.
- On Intel Macs, reset the SMC.
- On Apple Silicon Macs, shut down completely, wait, and restart.
- Reconnect and look for a lightning bolt or rising percentage.
What the Messages Suggest
Not Charging
This often points to temperature limits or battery management. The Mac and charger may be communicating normally.
Power Adapter Not Recognized
This more often points to charger, cable, port, or communication trouble. Try a known-good Apple charger before assuming the Mac is broken.
Battery Health
Service Recommended or a very high cycle count can make charging behavior less predictable and may require replacement.
Clamshell Mode and Docks
Some monitors and docks provide less power than the MacBook needs while driving an external display, so charging may stall unless the proper adapter is connected.
When to Seek Service
If the message remains with a known-good charger, another port, and a reset, have Apple or an authorized provider test the charging circuitry.
Sources
- Apple Support: If your Mac notebook does not charge the battery
- Apple Support: Use, charge, and maintain your Mac notebook battery
- Apple Support: Battery health management