M1 Macbook Air battery not charging when used through an adapter

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M1 Macbook Air battery not charging when used through an adapter

I have an M1 Macbook Air (2020), and whenever I charge it through my USB-C Anker Adapter, it shows the "battery not charging" symbol in the menu bar. The thing is, the battery is charging, just very slowly. I have an external monitor and sometimes an external ssd hooked up to it (and the monitor has its own power supply), but no matter what I'm doing it still says "batter is not charging." Even with just a few browser tabs open it still says it, so I'm not putting it under an intense load. What I wanted to know is if there is a way to fix this, and if this "slow charging" causes damage or bad things to the battery. Also, since the Macbook is issued by my school, I can't modify any energy settings. Also, when I first got the adapter it didn't say the "battery not charging," it was only after a week or two of usage that it changed. I know some people have had similar problems, but I haven't found a solution. Thanks for any help people can give. (I'm also on Monterey 12.1, and my school doesn't let me update any further)

MacBook Air (2020 or later)

Posted on Apr 11, 2022 3:06 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

stedman1

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261,160 points

Apr 11, 2022 5:33 PM in response to DasBubb

If it is an HDMI connection, it would not be providing power for the Mac. Some newer model monitors with USB-C inputs and outputs can actually. With that configuration, the monitor would be plugged to a standard AC outlet, and the Mac would be connected to the monitor by way of a single USB-C cable. This cable would serve as the video (possibly audio) as well as the power for the Mac. A very efficient connection method with the appropriate monitor.

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Answer 2

DasBubb Author

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Apr 11, 2022 3:17 PM in response to stedman1

It says that it has 85 watt power output (they say it is recommended to use a 100 watt charger to allow for 15 watts for power the hub and 85 for other things). It's called "Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1)." I realized now that I'm most-likely under-powering it with my charger, but I found it odd that it didn't have this problem when I first got it.

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Answer 3

DasBubb Author

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Apr 11, 2022 3:17 PM in response to stedman1

It says that it has 85 watt power output (they say it is recommended to use a 100 watt charger to allow for 15 watts for power the hub and 85 for other things). It's called "Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1)." I realized now that I'm most-likely under-powering it with my charger, but I found it odd that it didn't have this problem when I first got it. (I changed the post so that I was a reply to you)

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Answer 4

Apr 11, 2022 3:25 PM in response to DasBubb

So you are powering the MacBook Air via a power pass through on the Anker hub? Are you using the 30 watt Apple charge cube? If so, yes you are probably correct that it doesn’t leave enough power for the Mac, and actually powering the hub. I use a multi-port hub with my MacBook Air, and does get quite warm, which would indicate that it does use quite a bit of power.

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Answer 5

DasBubb Author

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Apr 11, 2022 3:28 PM in response to stedman1

Yes to both of the questions. I have noticed that my hub does get quite warm, too. Also, I've heard that the macbook/hub needs to be connected to power when using an external monitor. Does that mean that my monitor is drawing a lot of power and that's why it's getting warm or is the adapter itself just power-hungry?

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Answer 6

Apr 11, 2022 3:49 PM in response to DasBubb

The monitor should be self powered, so it should not be using power from your Mac.

I use my multi-port hub for SD cards, and USB-A adapters, and it is still warm, so that would indicate that the hub itself is a bit of a power hog.

Does your monitor provide power delivery via e USB-C connection (assuming that’s your connection method)?

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Answer 7

DasBubb Author

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Apr 11, 2022 5:00 PM in response to stedman1

I'm not sure about what you're asking, but my monitor has its power supply to get power, and then has the HDMI cable that I then run through the adapter, which then is plugged in (via USB-C) to my macbook. If that doesn't answer your question, how would I know if my monitor provides power delivery? It's an LG 1080p 27'' monitor

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Answer 8

Apr 11, 2022 3:09 PM in response to DasBubb

What is the rated power output of the Anker charge cube?

And what happens if you use the Apple included charge cube?

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Answer 9

DasBubb Author

Level 1

27 points

Apr 11, 2022 6:03 PM in response to stedman1

Ok, good to know. I wanted to make sure that the monitor wasn't the cause (or part of the cause) for the issue. Thank you for your quick replies and information!

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M1 Macbook Air battery not charging when used through an adapter

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