Start with the simplest fixes first
When your computer won't charge even though it's plugged in, the problem is usually something you can fix yourself in the next five minutes. Before you assume the battery or motherboard is broken, check three things: whether the outlet itself has power, whether the charging cable is fully seated in both the wall and your computer, and whether you're using the correct charger for your model.
Plug a lamp or phone charger into the same outlet to confirm the outlet works. If nothing powers on, try a different outlet in another room—the circuit breaker for that outlet may have tripped. Then unplug your charger completely, wait ten seconds, and plug it back in firmly. Push the connector into your computer's charging port until you hear or feel a click. Many charging failures stop here.
If you're using a charger that came with a different computer or brand, stop. Chargers vary by voltage and connector shape. Using the wrong one can prevent charging or damage the battery. Check the label on your original charger and match the voltage and connector type exactly.
Key Takeaways
- Test the outlet with another device, and try a different outlet before assuming the charger is broken.
- Unplug the charger completely, wait ten seconds, and reconnect it firmly to both the wall and your computer.
- Dust and corrosion inside the charging port can block the connection—use a flashlight to inspect it and a dry cotton swab to clean it gently.
- If the charger cable is bent, cracked, or hot to the touch, it needs replacement; using a damaged charger risks fire and battery damage.
- A full system shutdown and restart can reset the charging circuit when the charger and port are both clean and undamaged.
Inspect the charging port for dirt and corrosion
The charging port on your computer collects dust, lint, and sometimes corrosion over months of use. This buildup blocks the metal contacts inside from touching the charger connector, so power cannot flow even when everything else is working.
Use a flashlight to look directly into the charging port on your computer. If you see dust, lint, or a dark discoloration on the metal contacts inside, that is your problem. Turn off your computer completely. Take a dry cotton swab (not wet, not a tissue) and gently swab the inside of the port to remove loose debris. Do not force anything into the port or use metal tools—you can damage the contacts permanently.
If the port looks corroded (the contacts appear green, white, or heavily discolored), the corrosion is usually from moisture exposure. Dry the port by leaving your computer powered off in a warm, dry room for several hours. After drying, try charging again. If corrosion is heavy, the port may need professional replacement, but light corrosion often clears once the moisture is gone.
Check the charging cable for damage
A damaged charging cable is one of the most common reasons a plugged-in computer will not charge. Inspect the entire length of the cable, especially where it connects to the power brick and where it enters your computer.
Look for cracks in the rubber coating, exposed wires, kinks, or bends that have creased the cable. If the cable is bent sharply or coiled tightly around the charger, unwind it and lay it flat for a few hours—sometimes the connection inside the cable is broken but will work again once the cable straightens. Feel the cable and power brick with your hand; if either is hot to the touch, stop using it when ready. A hot charger indicates an electrical fault and poses a fire risk.
If the cable is visibly cracked, the connector is loose or wobbly, or the charger gets hot, the cable needs replacement. Order a charger that matches your computer's brand and model exactly. Using a damaged charger is not worth the risk of battery damage or fire.
Restart your computer completely
Sometimes the charging circuit inside your computer gets stuck and stops recognizing the charger, even though the charger and port are both fine. A full shutdown and restart can reset this circuit.
Shut down your computer completely—do not just close the lid or put it to sleep. Wait thirty seconds with the computer off. Then plug in the charger, wait five seconds, and power the computer back on. Watch for a charging indicator light near the charging port or on the keyboard. If a light appears, the charging circuit has reset and is working again.
If you see no charging light after restart, move to the next step. But if the light appears, let your computer charge for at least two hours before using it, so the battery can build up enough power to run on its own.
Update or reinstall the battery driver
Your computer's operating system uses a driver—a small piece of software—to communicate with the battery and charger. If this driver becomes corrupted or outdated, your computer may not recognize that the charger is connected, even though it is.
On Windows, right-click the Start button and select Device Manager. Look for "Batteries" in the list and click the arrow next to it to expand it. You should see one or more items with "battery" in the name. Right-click each one and select "Uninstall device." Then restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the battery driver when it starts up.
On Mac, this is less common, but you can reset the System Management Controller (SMC), which handles power and charging. Shut down your Mac completely. Press and hold Shift + Control + Option (all on the left side of the keyboard) and the Power button at the same time for ten seconds. Release all keys and wait a few seconds, then power on normally.
Test with a different charger if you have one
If you have access to another charger for your exact computer model—from a friend, family member, or a store display—borrow it and test whether your computer charges with that charger. This tells you whether the problem is the charger or something inside your computer.
If your computer charges with a different charger, your original charger is faulty and needs replacement. If your computer still does not charge even with a different charger, the problem is inside your computer—either the charging port, the battery, or the charging circuit on the motherboard. At this point, contact the manufacturer's support line or take your computer to a repair shop for diagnosis.
Do not keep using a charger that does not work or that gets hot. Continuing to use a faulty charger risks damage to the battery and the computer's internal components.
When to seek professional repair
If you have cleaned the charging port, confirmed the charger works with a different outlet, inspected the cable for damage, restarted your computer, and reinstalled the battery driver, and your computer still will not charge, the problem is likely inside the computer itself. The charging port may be loose or damaged, the battery may have failed, or the charging circuit on the motherboard may be broken.
Contact your computer's manufacturer and describe what you have already tried. They can often diagnose the problem over the phone and tell you whether repair is worth the cost. If your computer is still under warranty, the repair may be covered. If it is out of warranty, get a repair estimate before authorizing any work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my computer charge sometimes but not other times?
This usually means the connection inside the charging port is loose or corroded. Try wiggling the charger connector gently while it is plugged in—if the charging light flickers on and off, the port connection is failing. Clean the port with a dry cotton swab and try again. If the problem continues, the port may need professional replacement.
Is it safe to use my computer while it is charging?
Yes, as long as the charger is not hot and the cable is not damaged. However, if the charger gets warm or hot to the touch, unplug it when ready and stop using it. Heat indicates an electrical problem that can damage the battery or start a fire.
Can I use a phone charger or a charger from a different brand to charge my computer?
No. Phone chargers and chargers from different computer brands use different voltages and connectors. Using the wrong charger can prevent charging, damage the battery, or harm the computer's charging circuit. Always use the charger that came with your computer or an exact replacement from the manufacturer.
How long should I wait before assuming the charger is broken?
After plugging in a working charger, you should see a charging light or indicator within thirty seconds. If nothing appears after one minute, unplug the charger, wait ten seconds, and try again. If still nothing appears after a second attempt, move through the troubleshooting steps above.
What does it mean if the charger is hot to the touch?
A charger that is hot indicates an electrical fault inside the power brick or cable. Stop using it when ready and unplug it from the wall. Do not leave it plugged in or use it again. Order a replacement charger for your computer model and dispose of the faulty one safely.