MacBook Pro not charging - requires reboot - possibly macOS 12.4 problem?

[hyh]

This is with a MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2021). I had the machine since January. No problems until this week - possibly starting right after I upgraded to macOS 12.4. Here's the problem.

My MacBook sporadically loses the ability to use the power adapter. I would be using a power source (via MagSafe3 or usb-c), but the outside power source is not recognized. This has happened now 4 times in the past week. There is a simple fix, which is to simply reboot.

Has anyone else had this problem? Before this, I often went weeks (possibly even over a month) without rebooting. Now, I'm having to reboot every day or every other day.

FWIW, I switch back and forth using three different power adapters (20W, 67W, 140W), and I use AlDente to keep charge at 70% max - there had been no problems for months, however, so my best guess is that the 12.4 update is the culprit.

Possibly related, I noticed that I wasn't able to get a USB-C drive to get recognized by the Finder also when the power adapter issue came up again the last time. This too was fixed by rebooting.

 

[Slartibart]

Did you try to reset the SMC? Does the charging work reliable when you do not run Al Dente?

 

[tsanchai]

It also happen to me on m1 MBP. exactly the same as you mentioned. I have report this bug to app,e several times

 

[MrENGLISH]

It's not just you. I'm having the same issue with my 16" M1 Max MacBook Pro after updating to macOS 12.4. I have to reboot in order for the MBP to start charging again via USB-C. I have not tested the MagSafe because I have never used it with this machine due to my current setup. I have noticed that it seems to happen after I unplug the USB-C charger from the MBP, plug it into another device to charge, then plug it back into my MBP again. It's really annoying and 100% started after the 12.4 update.

 

[yhoiseth]

Having the same issue. MagSafe is also a problem, and connecting to an external display as well.

 

[SneedSama]

Hey, I am having the same exact problem. Good to know I'm not crazy. My Satechi Thunderbolt 4 dock is not recognizing or charging my 2021 14" MBP until I restart. Also tried with MagSafe and did not work until a restart. This has started happening only after I upgraded to 12.4 late last week. Monterey has really been disappointing in terms of reliability. I need to stop upgrading and assuming things will not break, which is sadly a pretty low bar. Hope Apple resolves this soon.

 

[yhoiseth]

> I need to stop upgrading and assuming things will not break, which is sadly a pretty low bar.

Yeah, it’s the security updates that get me. When I see CVEs, I feel like I need to update as soon as possible. But then they bundle all this other stuff which is too unstable.

 

[kibepo73]

If your MacBook is not charging then it might be due to a simple issue like improper connection, or it could be due to a complex problem like wrong power settings in SMC. At first, you can try the below quick fixes to resolve the issue:

1. Check if the MacBook’s power adapter is properly attached to the power source and MacBook's charging port. Remove it once and re-attach it.
2. The MacBook adapter has three parts: Adapter, removable plug, and cable. Detach everything & clean, if there is any carbon deposit, it will get cleaned.
3. Check the adapter and cable for any physical damage.
4. Make sure that you are using the right charger compatible with your MacBook. Every MacBook model requires its specific charging adapter; else, it won't charge.
5. Make sure your adapter isn't overheating. If the adapter overheats, your Mac will shut the power intake until the adapter cools off.
6. Check the charging port on your MacBook and ensure that there is no dust or dirt in it.

Hope the above fixes will resolve the problem and make your MacBook charge normally. If not, then try the below methods to fix any software related issue:

1. Check the battery of your MacBook.
2. Reset SMC.
3. Update or Reinstall macOS.

Hope the above methods and solutions will help you resolve the issue!

 

[dvorak319]

I'm also having the same problem after upgrading to 12.4 on a M1 Max MBP. It just doesn't detect a charger is plugged in no matter which port I use, or which charger I use. Rebooting seems to reset whatever is broken any it will charge just fine then. So far it's happened 3-4 times.

 

[Terriethefoxbot🦊🤖]

It is also possible that your Macbook laptop is running in a very high battery performance mode, which consumes more power than regular. so, the battery on your Mac could cause some issues. One the other hand, some horrible third party apps, such as games or movie editiong software (including software not supported or developed by apple), may run in the background and demand additional power, greatly reducing the battery life. Here are some steps,
A simple restart of your Mac may allow the hardware to rest and restore your Mac charger’s functionality. Allowing the macbook to cool is crucial, So if your computer overheats, the battery life of your device may suffer. When your laptop’s thermal sensors detect a sudden increase in temperature, they will disable access to the power supply. To help cool it down, turn it off for a bit or use an external fan.
Maybe try this, Navigate to the Apple menu > Select System Preferences > Select Battery. Click on Battery once more > Click on Battery Health in the bottom right corner of the screen. To examine your battery health.
You can check the condition of your battery here. Any of the following statuses could be showcased. Normal, This signifies that the battery is working normally and that there is no physical issues with the battery.
Service recommened, The battery is functioning normally, but it is unable to keep a charge for an extended amount of time. As a result, changing the battery is advised.
So if this is the case, keep in mind that the battery may not be working properly, and you may or may not notice a difference in its behavior or the quantity of charge it carries. It is advised that you should take your MacBook to a reputable computer service company for service (Apple Stores are most strongly reliable). also, you can keep using the battery until it has to be replaced or serviced.

 

[Terriethefoxbot🦊🤖]

hope this helps

 

[dvorak319]

It is also possible that your Macbook laptop is running in a very high battery performance mode, which consumes more power than regular. so, the battery on your Mac could cause some issues.

In my case, it does not recognize that power is plugged in at all. No chime when I plug in the power, no USB-C power showing up in System Information.

 

[Daniel L]

Having the same problem on an M1 Pro Macbook which just started this week. It charges fine after a reboot. Not running Al Dente. Following this thread

 

[Geordiekeith]

Having the same problem on an M1 Pro Macbook which just started this week. It charges fine after a reboot. Not running Al Dente. Following this thread

Just back from a vacation where I had a panic due to the same issue with my 14" MBP. Charged happily one day, used it all evening down to 25% then the following day when I had some urgent e-mails to deal with I plugged it in to a 96W charger with Magsafe cable and no sign of charging. Checked with a USB-C cable from same charger and a lower output charger for my iPhone and no charging. Checked on-line which suggested rebooting as others have done and it started working as normal. So a minor inconvenience, but a concern if it starts happening too often. I was using Chrome, Office and Mail so unlikely to be software.

 

[Geordiekeith]

Just back from a vacation where I had a panic due to the same issue with my 14" MBP. Charged happily one day, used it all evening down to 25% then the following day when I had some urgent e-mails to deal with I plugged it in to a 96W charger with Magsafe cable and no sign of charging. Checked with a USB-C cable from same charger and a lower output charger for my iPhone and no charging. Checked on-line which suggested rebooting as others have done and it started working as normal. So a minor inconvenience, but a concern if it starts happening too often. I was using Chrome, Office and Mail so unlikely to be software.

Just realized there are several threads in basically the same topic, all recent so suggesting an issue with the system software following the 12.4 update. I hope someone from Apple is reading these reports.

 

[n-evo]

I’ve experienced the same issue with my 14-inch MacBook Pro running macOS Monterey v12.4. Restart fixes it, until it happens again. Glad it’s not just me.

 

[MarineBand5524]

haven't experienced any issues with charging.

 

[absolutsoul]

It's not just you. I'm having the same issue with my 16" M1 Max MacBook Pro after updating to macOS 12.4. I have to reboot in order for the MBP to start charging again via USB-C. I have not tested the MagSafe because I have never used it with this machine due to my current setup. I have noticed that it seems to happen after I unplug the USB-C charger from the MBP, plug it into another device to charge, then plug it back into my MBP again. It's really annoying and 100% started after the 12.4 update.

same problem with my 16´ M1 Max since 12.4 update.

 

[rafalskyi]

same problem with my 14´ MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2021) Apple M1 Max 32GB macOS Monterey 12.4 (21F79)

 

[egg fried rice]

Similar or same but worse issue on my 14" MacBook Pro ('21) M1 Max 32G
Since the OS update, the MacBook only charges for me when shut down.
The charging indicator light is always on, but it only actually charges when turned off.

 

[emrecio]

Same issue here on 14" MacBook Pro ('21) M1 16G. Seems like after the last update it started happening.

Please note, I switch between USB-C charging (using an apple charger for my MBP 13" 2019) and regular apple charger (magnetic) that came with my personal device the MBP 14" 2021, depending on where in the house I am doing my work.

Neither the USB-C nor the magnetic one (both from Apple) will charge unless I reboot.

 

[Henry28]

Same issue here on 14" MacBook Pro M1 Pro 32G, macOS 12.4

Usually charging using the USB-C connection to various EIZO monitors at work or an original Apple USB-C power supply. Now need to restart the machine every morning to convince it to actually charge. Have also recognized that sometimes it needs multiple tries before the external monitor is initially recognized.

Everything works well after a reboot, chime instantly tells me it recognized the charger during startup.

 

[emrecio]

It just happened again after some time of it not happening. I am documenting it here just in case while it's still fresh in my memory:
1) battery went into red zone (I got the warning that it was going to shutdown soon if I didn't plugin the charger - 10%?).
2) I plugged in the USB-C Apple charger into USB-C Port closest to the Magnetic Plug.
3) It charged the machine to 100%
4) I attempted to plugin a USB mouse in that same port, and it did not work. I had to use a different port.
5) at 90% I plugged in the USB-C Apple charger into all ports, and it would not charge.
6) I plugged in the Magnetic Apple charger and it turned Amber, but no charge icon is shown, and I am still draining battery power.

Hope this helps for debugging. When it happens to you please post here, or start an apple forums thread.

[Edit: when I rebooted it, the machine started to charge again]

 

[mreg376]

haven't experienced any issues with charging.

Very helpful.

 

[billba]

Brand new 14" MacBook Pro M1 Pro 32GB macOS 12.4. Successfully charged to 100% for a few days. Left it plugged into the MagSafe 3 for a couple of days and was shocked to find it at 38% this morning. MagSafe was glowing steady amber but the Mac showed "Power Source: Battery". Battery health is normal and capacity is 100%. Plugged into a different charger via USB-C, no change. Restarted, no change. Shut down, waited for a minute, booted, now charging correctly with both USB-C and MagSafe 3.

Somehow the MagSafe light giving false hope adds insult to injury. I hadn't realize how much I had missed the reassuring feedback of a physical charging light until I got it back, only to learn that I can't actually count on it!