Battery not charging after macOS Catalina Update

Interesting for sure. Don't give up so easily. I do think it is a Catalina Problem. I think they just made it available to quick. I think they are fixing issues now. Just guessing but that is what I have come up with. You'll be fine but you might have to hang on longer until the fix comes across the wire.

Ok. Just spent an hour and a half on the phone with literally the coolest guy I’ve ever come across with getting help.

We installed the update and not to my surprise, it still doesn’t work. He had me hold option while clicking the Apple to go SYSTEM INFORMATION. Remind you that I am charging using a 3rd party charger because my Apple chargers are not recognized, nor are any USB devices.

Under system information, he asked me to check the Thunderbolt info. While plugged in and charging with that 3rd party charger, it still says “No device connected.”

After the update and find this out, I am getting a call back tomorrow evening to talk with Sr. Tech reps and they will run some diagnostics. I’ll update once I have an answer from them.

Nice Job Gang! A work around at least keeps you going and then wait around for the updates. I am surprised about my computer logic board getting replaced. Not sure what that means... Let's just hope that 10.15.3 or 4 will have it all figured it out. Seems to me that 10.15 was not as tested as it could have been. Have a great weekend! - Jean-Claude

Sounds terrific for your Hardware Version of the MacBook Pro, but I have a mid-2013 and this work around doesn’t work. Hopefully, this can get fixed in another release. The good news is that it sure seems to indicate software and not hardware. That may be a very good thing for all parties concerned.

Thank you, Carey88, I will pass along the details of your resolution to the Apple certified techs who will be diagnosing the device in the next day or so.

I hope to have good news and will follow up here with any and all outcomes.

I've also had this problem on my 2017 Macbook Pro. Literally within 24 hours of upgrading to Catalina. Unfortunately, the battery was completely depleted when I went to check on it the following evening after upgrading.

I cannot reset the SMC from this state. Every attempt is met with the same warning graphic to connect a charger.

What are my options? This is 100% due to the Catalina upgrade. Why is Apple not taking responsibility and issuing guidance and/or remediation?

I have this exact same problem on my MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017) - and machine becomes sluggish when below 10% and then just shuts off. And when you restart you need to wait until the battery has a little charge - even though its plugged. They definitely had better power management before. Why not be able to chose wether to charge or to simply use the power. If I am at my desk, I don't ever want to charge when its 100% and just use power. grrrrrr!

I've been troubleshooting this with five different Apple techs over five different calls. We've done everything recommended here. They are now offering to take a look at the computer and perform any necessary hardware fixes for under $500.

On call #5, I mentioned that over 150 people have reported this same issue in this forum, and was told this forum is "unofficial" and "like Yelp: anybody can lie about anything on there." Such a weird customer service tack to take, to accuse people of lying about made-up problems on the Apple discussion fora . . .

Yes, I cannot believe the bean counters positioning on this known issue. The insinuation that I in some way have damaged the device is an affront to my years of loyal service to this brand, I am absolutely done with them. Thank you for taking the time to confirm what we know to be true.

michael

Yes, it destroyed my battery and unless I pony up $500 to investigate further I will never know what happened and in the absence of that answer Apple techs begin to allude to “moisture damage” which is insulting.

i threw my Airbook in the dumpster after less than two years of service and 17 years of customer loyalty and I will Never come back. This chrome book I am working on is cheap, feels cheap, works kind of like crap, but when dies I am only out $219.

The software is causing hardware malfunctions in the charging system and Apple techs are claiming that software is incapable of harming hardware and that is simply untrue from an engineering standpoint regardless of whether it is laptop or anything else. Software over working hardware causes issues.

Good to hear from others here, Apples gaslighting and gaslighting by Apple loyalist can be difficult to middle through.

I wish the tech press would get on this.

Incorrect - SMC did nothing and mac still doesn't charge - getting mixed results now. It says Battery is Charged but Percentage is constantly going down... And the battery is starting to go! Oh my God!

Hey Tekkitan, do you have the same problem on all 60 of your computers? I wonder if some of them had an update later 10.15.1 and it worked fine or not. Keep us posted on your progress. There are 7 pages of problems here. There must be an answer somewhere.

I can’t believe this is going on with the upgrade!!! currently i have macbook air 2018 at apple repair store. not charging and the cables work and i did the reset and nothing!!! And i am not the only one!!!

This is aweful. bought a new charger, and still - it charges whenever it wants to. Apple PLEEEEAAAASEEE take this seriously, my battery will go to crap before this is solved. Can't believe it says 9hrs until Full - ***.

happy to hear you developed a solution to the issue. It is not “wonderful Mac world” if their software update breaks our machines resulting in additional costs to us to fix a problem Mac created. It is kind of like celebrating semblance of a restoration of law in Iraq after US imperial forces completely destroyed all semblance of order there in the first place.