MacBook Air Won’t Turn On But Is Charging? Here’s How to Fix It in 5 Steps

Have you ever encountered a frustrating situation where your MacBook Air is showing that it’s charging, but it simply won’t turn on? It can be puzzling and leave you wondering what could be causing this issue. Is it a faulty power connection? Or perhaps a problem with the battery? Thankfully, there are steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve this problem, without rushing to a technician or spending a fortune. Let’s explore the possible solutions and get your MacBook Air up and running.

Key Takeaways:

• When your MacBook Air won’t turn on despite charging, there are several steps you can take to fix the issue.
• Check the power connection to ensure there are no problems with the outlet or cables.
• Disconnect all external devices, as they may be interfering with the power-on process.
• Reset the SMC or T2 chip to resolve power-related issues.
• If the battery is completely discharged, try giving it a minimum charge before attempting to turn on your MacBook Air.

Check the Power Connection

When your MacBook Air won’t turn on but is charging, the first step is to check the power connection. Ensuring that there are no issues with the power supply can help identify the underlying problem.

Start by plugging in a lamp or another device to test the power outlet. If the device turns on, it indicates that the power outlet is functional. If not, try plugging your MacBook Air into a different power outlet.

Next, inspect the AC power cord and the DC cable for any damage or loose connections. Look for frayed wires, bent pins, or any signs of wear and tear. If you notice any issues, replace the damaged cables or cords.

If you have access to another known-good adapter, try using it to test if your MacBook Air will turn on. This helps rule out the possibility of a faulty adapter. Plug in the known-good adapter and see if your MacBook Air powers on.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it’s time to move on to the next troubleshooting steps. Continue reading to find out what you should do if your MacBook Air still won’t power on despite showing signs of charging.

If you would like to proceed with the next troubleshooting step, you can jump to Section 3: Unplug All Attached External Devices.

Unplug All Attached External Devices

Sometimes, external devices can interfere with the power-on process of your MacBook Air. To troubleshoot the issue of your MacBook Air not booting up but charging or showing a charging symbol but not starting, it’s important to unplug all attached external devices. These devices may include printers, USB hubs, external hard drives, and chargers. By removing these accessories, you can isolate any potential conflicts or issues they may be causing and determine if they are preventing your MacBook Air from turning on.

External devices can sometimes draw excessive power or create conflicts with the system, causing the MacBook Air to fail to start. By disconnecting them, you can eliminate this possibility and focus on the core components of your device.

Once all external devices have been unplugged, try turning on your MacBook Air again to see if the issue has been resolved. If your MacBook Air starts up successfully, you can reconnect the accessories one by one to identify which device was causing the problem. This step-by-step process will help you identify any problematic external devices and ensure smooth operation of your MacBook Air.

The image above illustrates the process of unplugging external cables from a MacBook Air. By disconnecting these devices and focusing on the core components, you can troubleshoot and resolve issues related to your MacBook Air not turning on.

Reset the SMC or T2 Chip

If your MacBook Air is not responding despite showing that it’s charging, resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) or T2 chip can often resolve power-related issues. The steps to reset the SMC vary depending on the model of your MacBook Air, so it’s important to refer to the specific instructions provided by Apple. By performing this reset, you have the potential to fix the problem and get your MacBook Air to turn on properly.

SMC Reset Steps

1. Shut down your MacBook Air.
2. Connect the power adapter to your MacBook Air and to a power source.
3. Press and hold the Shift + Control + Option keys along with the Power button for 10 seconds.
4. Release all keys and the Power button.
5. Press the Power button to turn on your MacBook Air.

T2 Chip Reset Steps

1. Turn off your MacBook Air.
2. Press and hold the power button for at least 10 seconds.
3. Release the power button.
4. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button to turn on your MacBook Air.

Performing an SMC or T2 chip reset can help resolve power-related issues on your MacBook Air, allowing it to start up successfully.

Check for a Flat Battery

If your MacBook Air screen is black but charging, or if it won’t start up but is getting charged, there may be an issue with the battery. This can happen if your MacBook Air hasn’t been used for a long time or if the battery is old or swollen. A completely discharged battery can prevent your MacBook Air from turning on.

To check if the battery is the problem, start by looking at the battery status indicator on your MacBook Air. If it’s showing a low charge or no charge at all, try connecting a working charger to give your MacBook Air a minimum charge.

After a few minutes of charging, attempt to turn on your MacBook Air. If the battery was the issue, it should have gained enough power to start up. If your MacBook Air still doesn’t turn on, there may be other issues with the screen or the RAM that need to be addressed.