🔋Battery Not Charging? Here's How to Fix It
Is your laptop plugged in but the battery isn't charging? You’re not alone. This issue affects many users, and luckily, there are multiple ways to resolve it. At Mbeya Digital Savvy, we provide in-depth tutorials to help you fix such problems fast and confidently.
1. Double Check the Power Source
Sometimes the issue isn’t the laptop — it’s the power outlet. Test the following:
- Try a different wall socket.
- Use another power cable or adapter.
- Check if the charging light turns on.
2. Inspect the Charging Cable & Port
Look for physical damage:
- Bent pins, loose connectors, or frayed wires.
- Clean the charging port with a soft brush.
- If you wiggle the charger and it flickers, it may be faulty.
3. Reboot & Perform a Power Reset
Simple but effective! Try this:
- Shut down your laptop completely.
- Remove the battery (if removable) and unplug the charger.
- Hold the power button for 15 seconds.
- Reconnect and turn it on again.
4. Check Battery Health Status
Some batteries stop charging due to age or damage:
- Open Battery Report by typing:
powercfg /batteryreportin CMD (Windows). - Compare "Design Capacity" vs "Full Charge Capacity".
- If the numbers are far apart, your battery needs replacement.
5. Update Battery Drivers
Outdated or faulty drivers can prevent charging:
- Open Device Manager in Windows.
- Expand "Batteries".
- Right-click Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery.
- Click "Uninstall device", then restart.
6. BIOS/UEFI Battery Settings
Some laptops have settings that limit battery charging:
- Restart and enter BIOS by pressing F2/DEL at boot.
- Look for “Battery Charging” or “Conservation Mode”.
- Disable conservation mode to allow full charge.
7. Use Battery Calibration Tools
If your battery reports wrong charge levels:
- Let the battery fully discharge until it shuts down.
- Charge to 100% without using it.
- Some manufacturers provide calibration utilities too (HP, Lenovo).
❓Frequently Asked Questions
My charger is working, but the battery won’t charge — why?
Your battery could be old, or the driver managing the power system might be corrupted. Try reinstalling battery drivers or testing with another battery.
Why does my laptop say "Plugged in, not charging"?
This is often caused by battery health management settings, faulty AC adapters, or software calibration errors.
How do I know if the battery is completely dead?
If the laptop shuts off instantly when the charger is removed, and battery capacity shows 0%, the battery likely needs replacement.
We hope this guide from Mbeya Digital Savvy helps you resolve the battery charging issue. Stay tuned for more digital tutorials, daily tech tips, and solutions to keep your tech running smoothly.