So your laptop battery is plugged in but not charging. Now what? Most laptop batteries typically last up to four hours on a single charge, but after a few years, they can start to give out. Don't worry; if your laptop no longer holds a charge, there are some simple solutions.
At Asurion, our experts help our 300 million customers (and counting!) diagnose and resolve their device problems and get the most out of their favorite tech. Here are their tips for repairing your laptop battery and getting it to charge as it should.
Why is my laptop battery not charging?
Aside from an aging battery, there are two other common reasons your laptop may no longer charge:
The charging cable connection is poor
Asurion Experts frequently come across this issue, and it could be causing trouble for your laptop battery in several ways:
- Your charging cable could be loose, unplugged, or damaged.
- Your charging cable could have a weak connection because it wasn't made by your laptop's manufacturer.
- Your charging ports could be clogged with dirt or debris that is keeping it from powering up properly. A laptop tune-up and thorough cleaning can help.
The laptop is overheating or overworked
Your laptop battery creates and expels heat, but it could be getting too hot and no longer functioning or charging normally. Even a newer laptop can overheat sometimes, though it's more often the case with older laptops with aging batteries and weaker cooling systems. Try these tweaks tocool down an overheating laptop.
Don't let a dead battery slow you down
Schedule a device battery replacement or repair at one of our stores to fix it fast.
Schedule a repair
Steps to fix a laptop battery that won't charge
No matter the make or model of your device, there are several ways to give your battery a boost. Here's what our experts recommend:
1. Turn off your laptop
Turn off your device and wait 30 minutes before you turn it back on. Then connect the charging cable and see if your laptop gets some juice. This can also help your device cool down if it's overheating.
2. Check charging ports, cables, and outlets
- Inspect your laptop's charging ports and see if there is any dust or debris. Need to clean them? You can use a cotton swab very slightly dampened in isopropyl alcohol or compressed air. Make sure you let the ports dry completely before plugging the cable back in. You might also want to consider letting a laptop repair pro handle a thorough cleaning for you.
- If your charging ports are loose or damaged, don't try to fix them on your own. Instead, take your laptop to thenearest for a quick repair.
- Take a look at your cables and make sure they're plugged in correctly. Avoid using unofficial charging cords and stick to those designed for your specific laptop, especially if you need to buy a new cable.
- Test the wall outlet or surge protector and make sure it's working. If not, try plugging your laptop into a different one to see if that fixes the issue.
3. Remove the battery
- Take out your laptop battery—if it's detachable—then put it back in. Try turning the laptop on, and if it doesn't start, remove the battery again and hold the power button for 10 seconds to drain the remaining juice from your laptop. Then, plug in your charging cord and see if your device charges and turns on.
- If your battery cannot be removed or is built into the laptop like most Asus® and MacBook® models, we recommend taking it to a laptop repair pro for assistance.
If you've tried these steps and still need a little help, we're right around the corner. Schedule a repair at the nearest uBreakiFix® by Asurion store and our certified experts can get your device back up and running as soon as the same day.
Nothing ruins productivity like a laptop breakdown
With an Asurion Home+® protection plan, you can keep your downtime to a minimum. This one simple plan covers thousands of eligible devices in your home from mechanical and electrical breakdowns, normal wear and tear, and more—from laptops, TVs and tablets to smart thermostats and locks—plus provides 24/7 live support from trusted experts for your tech questions. Learn more about an Asurion Home+ laptop warranty and how you can get peace-of-mind electronics protection.
The Asurion® trademarks and logos are the property of Asurion, LLC. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Asurion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any of the respective owners of the other trademarks appearing herein.
