Can't charge your laptop? Causes, solutions and precautions

Common causes of laptop not charging problems

There are several common causes for laptop not charging issue.

Reasons include problems with the power supply, failure of the battery or computer itself, activation of safety features due to thermal runaway, problems with charging and discharging electricity, and problems with battery settings.

For example, a power supply problem refers to a case where charging becomes impossible due to a broken cord or a defective AC adapter.

Additionally, the battery itself may be reaching the end of its lifespan, or there may be a problem with the computer itself that prevents it from charging.

Thermal runaway safety feature refers to a feature that stops charging when a laptop overheats to protect the device.

Additionally, charging and discharging issues refer to issues where the laptop stops charging when the voltage exceeds a certain level. Finally, charging may not be possible due to battery settings. By understanding these issues, you can choose appropriate solutions.

Malfunction of power supply

One of the problems with charging a laptop is a problem with the power supply. This indicates an issue with the power supply to the laptop.

Possible causes include a damaged power cable, AC adapter, or a broken electrical outlet.

For example, if the power cable is bent or the wiring inside is disconnected, the power may not be properly supplied and the laptop may not be able to charge.

Similarly, if the outlet is broken, the power supply will be cut off and charging will no longer be possible. Furthermore, if the AC adapter itself is malfunctioning, power will not be supplied to the computer, resulting in the computer not being able to be charged.

If you are unable to charge your laptop, it is important to first check if there is a problem with the power supply. If you determine that there is a problem with the power supply, possible countermeasures include replacing the cable or AC adapter, or repairing a broken outlet.

Battery or computer malfunction

Don't forget that problems with the battery or the computer itself can also be the cause of your laptop not being able to charge. This indicates a hardware problem with the computer itself. There are cases where the battery is old or the circuit of the computer itself is damaged.

For example, a battery that has been used for a long time will gradually reach the end of its lifespan and its charging capacity will decrease. As a result, charging may become impossible.

Additionally, if moisture gets into the computer or the internal circuits are damaged due to shock from being dropped, this can cause charging problems.

Considering this situation, when you face the issue of laptop not charging, it is important to check the battery life and whether there is any physical damage to the computer itself. If a problem is found, appropriate measures may include replacing the battery or repairing the computer itself.

Safety function activated due to thermal runaway

The activation of safety features due to thermal runaway must also be taken into consideration as a reason why the laptop cannot be charged. Computers have safety features to prevent excessive heat from affecting internal components. When this activates, charging may also be limited.

Specifically, when a computer continues to work under a high load for a long period of time, its internal temperature may rise, causing thermal runaway. This risk is especially high when you play high-performance games or perform heavy tasks such as video editing. As a result, safety features may activate and stop charging the battery.

If your laptop won't charge, check to see if it's caused by long periods of high-load work. To avoid problems caused by high temperatures, it is important to properly cool your computer and take regular breaks. This prevents the safety features from operating inappropriately.

Electrical charging and discharging problems

You can't overlook the issue of electrical charging and discharging inside your laptop as a contributing factor to charging issues. This phenomenon is often caused by "static electricity" or "excessive charge" and can interfere with the charging cycle.

Specifically, if you use your computer for a long time, electrical charge may build up on the internal electronic components. If this reaches a certain level, the battery may not charge properly. Additionally, this can also shorten battery life.

Therefore, if your laptop stops charging, try turning off your computer and letting all the charge drain. This may clear the charge build-up and allow charging to resume. Electrical charging and discharging issues are sometimes the hidden cause of laptop charging issues, so be sure to check for them.

Battery settings issue

Incorrect battery settings can also contribute to your laptop not charging. Operating system battery management settings or certain hardware settings may prevent the battery from charging properly.

For example, in Windows 10, there is a "Battery Saving Mode" in the "Power & Sleep" settings. This feature is automatically enabled when the battery level drops below a certain level and stops some background processes to reduce battery consumption. However, if this setting is accidentally enabled all the time, charging may not occur properly.

So, when you experience charging issues with your laptop, be sure to check your battery settings. There may be a solution there. What may seem like a trivial setting problem can actually be the root cause of charging problems.

Basic checks and countermeasures when charging is not possible

The basic way to check and deal with when charging is not possible is to first look for a simple physical cause. Often, problems are caused by problems with your computer, power adapter, or cable connections.

First, check that your laptop is properly connected to a power source and that the cable is not damaged, bent, or disconnected. Next, check that the battery is properly installed in your computer and that the power adapter is working properly. These inspections are an important step in identifying and resolving problems.

If you are unable to charge the battery, don't panic; start by checking the basics and taking action. There is a high chance that your laptop will be able to charge again. This is the first step in troubleshooting and will lead you to the right solution.

Verification of power environment

Verifying the power environment is an essential step in the initial diagnosis of charging problems. That's because charging failures are often caused by problems with the external power supply.

The power adapter may not be working properly or the outlet may be faulty. It's a good idea to check if the power adapter is warm, and if the model has an LED indicator, check if the LED is lit. You can also try connecting other devices to the outlet to determine if there is a problem with the power supply itself.

Verifying the power supply environment is part of the basic countermeasures, and doing it properly can often lead to early problem resolution. Therefore, when you are faced with charging problems, we recommend that you start by checking the power supply environment.

Check the status of the battery and PC itself

Checking the health of your battery and PC is an important way to find the cause of charging problems. This is because the problem often stems from a malfunction in the battery itself or the internal circuitry of the PC.

For example, if your battery is swollen or the inside of your computer is unusually hot, these can indicate a hardware problem. In situations like this, you will likely need professional help. It is also effective to check your computer's power settings and whether the battery is correctly recognized by the computer.

Checking the condition of the battery and PC itself is an essential step in identifying the cause of charging problems. This is especially important if there are obvious physical issues or if software troubleshooting is ineffective.

Check software settings

Checking the software settings is an effective approach to laptop charging issues. Because some settings or update glitches can cause charging issues.

For example, incorrect power management settings can prevent charging. There have also been reports of cases where the battery driver does not function properly after updating the OS. Addressing these issues requires steps such as checking your power management settings and uninstalling and reinstalling your battery driver.

Checking the software settings is an important step in resolving laptop charging issues. Various charging issues may be resolved by reviewing the settings or updating the driver.

Detailed steps to take when charging is not possible

In many cases, users can solve the problem of not being able to charge in detail by themselves. This is because problem identification and resolution requires system checks and basic hardware checks, and does not necessarily require specialized knowledge.

Specifically, you may first try different cables and sockets to rule out the power cable/charger/socket issue. It's also a good idea to check your power management settings and reinstall battery drivers if necessary. Additionally, it is important to check if your computer is overheating.

Ultimately, our detailed guide to dealing with charging problems focuses on making sure you follow basic troubleshooting steps and take concrete steps towards identifying and resolving the problem. In this way, many charging problems can be solved by users themselves.

Removing and reconnecting the battery

Disconnecting and reconnecting the battery is one solution to charging problems. This method is useful for resolving temporary issues that may occur between hardware and software.

Specifically, after completely shutting down your computer, if it's a removable battery, remove it and reconnect it. This may also allow the system to properly recognize the battery again. If your model has a non-removable battery, try a hardware reset by pressing the battery reset button or following the manufacturer's instructions.

Removing and reconnecting the battery is an effective way to fix temporary system issues and resolve laptop charging issues. This technique is widely recommended as an easy and safe way to solve problems.

Cooling work and heat measures

Cooling and heat protection are important steps to resolve the laptop not charging issue. This is because overheating can affect the charging process.

If you are unable to charge due to overheating, first turn off your computer and give it time to cool down. Additionally, moving your PC to a cooler location or using a cooling pad can help keep your equipment at the right temperature.

Then, after taking this measure, try charging again. Usually, after proper cooling, the computer will start charging normally.

Cooling operations and heat countermeasures are effective measures to eliminate charging problems caused by overheating. This step also protects your hardware and prevents further problems.

Optimizing power options

Optimizing power options can be a useful approach to solving laptop charging issues. This is because your computer's power management settings can affect the charging process.

Specifically, you can optimize battery usage by setting your computer's power settings to "Balanced" or "Energy Saving Mode." For example, in Windows, you can open Power Options from the Control Panel and select the appropriate power plan here.

Then, after making these changes, try charging again. In many cases, optimizing your power options will cause your computer to start charging normally again.

Therefore, optimizing your power options is an effective measure to resolve charging issues and also extend your computer's battery life.

Update/reinstall drivers and software

Updating and reinstalling drivers and software is one solution to the problem that your laptop won't charge. This is especially useful if you are experiencing compatibility or cooperation issues between your computer's hardware and software.

Specifically, your computer's power management or battery management system drivers may not be up to date or may be corrupted. This can be a contributing factor to preventing your laptop from charging.

Therefore, it is recommended that you update and reinstall your drivers to keep your system up to date.

Updating and reinstalling drivers and software may be one solution to charging issues. However, this type of work requires specialized knowledge, so if you are not confident, we recommend that you ask a professional.

How to deal with the issue of laptop not charging by manufacturer

Understanding each manufacturer's remedies is important to effectively resolve laptop charging issues. This is because each manufacturer has its own battery management system and power management system.

For example, on Apple's MacBook, resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) is a suggested solution to charging problems. On the other hand, for Windows-based computers such as Dell and HP, it is recommended to set power options and update certain power management drivers.

Therefore, understanding how to deal with each manufacturer is an essential element in solving laptop charging problems. The appropriate method depends on the manufacturer and model of your computer, so please refer to each manufacturer's support site for specific instructions.

Apple's MacBook series

In Apple's MacBook series, resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) is a common solution to charging problems. This is because SMC is responsible for power management and can cause charging issues.

As a concrete example, resetting the SMC is known to be effective if your MacBook won't charge, the battery won't charge properly, or the power adapter's LED indicator won't work properly. The method for resetting varies depending on the MacBook model, but typically involves turning it off, then powering it on while holding down a specific key combination.

How to reset the SMC ([Mac] Reasons for not being able to charge and solutions(quoted from)

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Press and hold the "control" key, "option (alt)" key, and "shift" key all at the same time.
3.Press and hold all three keys above for 7 seconds and also press and hold the power button.
If your Mac is on, it will turn off while you hold down the key.
4.Press and hold all four keys for another 7 seconds, then release your fingers.
5.Wait a few seconds, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.
If your Mac is on, it will turn off while you hold down the key.

When facing charging problems on Apple's MacBook series, the first thing to try is to reset the SMC. However, if this does not resolve the issue or you encounter other issues, we recommend seeking professional help or contacting Apple Support.

Microsoft's Surface series

The basic measures to prevent charging problems with Microsoft's Surface series are to check the power cable connection and restart the power adapter. These measures are necessary because there may be problems with the physical connection or power supply.

If your Surface stops charging halfway or doesn't start at all, first check to make sure the power cable is firmly connected to the Surface and the power adapter. If the problem persists, reset the power adapter by unplugging it from the electrical outlet, waiting at least 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.

If you're having charging issues with Microsoft's Surface series, first try connecting the power cable and resetting the power adapter. If the issue persists, we recommend contacting Microsoft Support.

How to care for your battery to maintain high performance

Maintaining regular charging cycles and a proper storage environment are important to maintain laptop battery performance. This is because these actions are directly linked to extending battery life and maintaining performance.

As a concrete method, it is said that it is a good idea to charge the battery as soon as it reaches 10% or lower, and to turn off the charge when it reaches 80% or higher. This is because it has the effect of suppressing battery deterioration by preventing battery overcharging and overdischarging. You also need to be careful about the environment in which you store your laptop. In particular, high-temperature environments are harmful to the battery, so it is recommended that you make proper use of air conditioning and store it in a place that is not exposed to direct sunlight.

To extend the life of your laptop battery and maintain its charging capacity, you need to maintain proper charging cycles and manage your storage environment. Follow these care methods to always maintain optimal performance of your computer.

Take measures against heat

Heat countermeasures are important to maximize battery performance. This is because laptop batteries are sensitive to high temperature environments and require appropriate temperature management.

Using your laptop in high temperatures for long periods of time not only shortens battery life, but also reduces computer performance. Also, leaving your laptop in direct sunlight can cause it to overheat and damage your battery.

Therefore, when choosing a place to use or store your laptop, it is desirable to choose a place with the lowest temperature possible.

Taking measures to protect your battery from heat is an important way to maintain its performance and extend its lifespan. Maximize your battery's performance by being aware of the environment in which you use your laptop and maintaining the optimal temperature for your battery.

Maintain proper charge and discharge cycles

Maintaining proper charge and discharge cycles is essential to maintaining battery performance.

The reason is that the lifespan and performance of a battery are greatly affected by usage conditions, especially how it is charged and discharged.

Specifically, keeping your laptop battery at 100% charge can cause battery deterioration due to overcharging. In addition, "full cycle charging", which involves discharging to 0% and then charging again, also places a load on the battery. The ideal charge and discharge cycle is to use the battery in the 20% to 80% range.

Maintaining proper charge and discharge cycles is essential to maximize battery performance. To extend battery life and improve performance, charge and discharge between 20% and 80%.

Optimize battery settings

Proper settings are important to optimize battery performance. This is because a computer's power consumption is highly dependent on its software settings, so optimizing the settings is necessary to extend battery life.

Specifically, adjust your computer's "power options" to optimize the balance between performance and power consumption. In Windows, you can reduce your computer's power consumption by selecting an ``Energy Saving Plan'' from ``Power Options.'' It is also effective to prevent unnecessary applications from starting and reduce power consumption in the background.

Proper settings optimization is required to maximize battery performance. This allows you to maintain your computer's performance while reducing power consumption.

Summary: Armed with knowledge, let's solve computer charging problems

Computer charging problems can be resolved with appropriate knowledge and means. This is because the causes of problems are diverse, so it is important to understand and apply the optimal solution to each problem.

If the cause of the inability to charge is a problem with the AC adapter, replace the adapter. If the battery is deteriorating, improve performance by replacing or optimizing the battery. It is also possible to improve battery efficiency by taking heat measures on your computer and optimizing your software.

Computer charging problems can have a variety of causes, but by having knowledge about each problem, you can find a way to solve it. Armed with this article, let's face the problem of charging your computer.