User profile for user: MrBean-88
MrBean-88 Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

MacBook Pro won’t charge battery when using power adapter

"Hello everyone,


I have an issue with my MacBook Pro 13'' 2015 (A1502) power supply as described below. If anyone has encountered this or knows how to fix it, please help me out. Thanks a lot!


  1. When using only the battery, the MacBook works normally.
  2. When I disconnect the battery cable and plug in the power adapter, the MacBook does not recognize the power source.
  3. When using both the battery and the power adapter, the MacBook operates normally and draws power from the adapter. However, it does not charge the battery.

I’m not sure what the issue is—please advise!"



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Mar 6, 2025 5:37 PM

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User profile for user: a brody
a brody
User level: Level 10
85,366 points

Posted on Mar 6, 2025 5:47 PM

It sounds to me you may need to reset the SMC.


I see no reason for it to not recognize the power adapter without the battery plugged in unless the power adapter is too low in Watt (you want 85W), or is damaged or frayed, or the magsafe is worn or burnt out on the MacBook Pro.


Make sure you get an official Apple Adapter. If you have a Magsafe 1 power cord with the magnetic adapter to 2, it also might not work right.


The magsafe port itself is designed with very thin sheet covering around the pins that assists in the magnetic/electricity conduction. I've seen cases where that sheet becomes burnt, or even spark. These need to be replaced by an authorized service tech if replacing the SMC doesn't work, and verifying you are using an official power to Magsafe brick & cord that is brand new out of the box that is Magsafe 2.



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User profile for user: a brody
a brody
User level: Level 10
85,366 points

Mar 6, 2025 5:47 PM in response to MrBean-88

It sounds to me you may need to reset the SMC.


I see no reason for it to not recognize the power adapter without the battery plugged in unless the power adapter is too low in Watt (you want 85W), or is damaged or frayed, or the magsafe is worn or burnt out on the MacBook Pro.


Make sure you get an official Apple Adapter. If you have a Magsafe 1 power cord with the magnetic adapter to 2, it also might not work right.


The magsafe port itself is designed with very thin sheet covering around the pins that assists in the magnetic/electricity conduction. I've seen cases where that sheet becomes burnt, or even spark. These need to be replaced by an authorized service tech if replacing the SMC doesn't work, and verifying you are using an official power to Magsafe brick & cord that is brand new out of the box that is Magsafe 2.



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User profile for user: TheLittles
TheLittles
User level: Level 10
204,503 points

Mar 6, 2025 10:35 PM in response to MrBean-88

“MacBook Pro won’t charge battery when using power adapter“

———-


Mac Power Issues:

Try a New Charger:

If it is currently charging from a charger, then use a new charger:


A Few Links to Refer to for Power:





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User profile for user: MrBean-88
MrBean-88 Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Mar 6, 2025 6:34 PM in response to a brody

Thank you for your response.


I have tried resetting the SMC, but it didn’t work.


I read an article about a similar issue, and the suggested solution was to boot into Recovery Mode, use Safari until the battery drains completely, then leave the MacBook for 20-30 minutes before plugging in the charger. However, this method also didn’t work.


If the issue were with the MagSafe connector pins, it wouldn't explain why the MacBook recognizes power through the MagSafe 2 port when both the battery and the power adapter are connected.


So I’m wondering if there is a specific chip that controls whether the MacBook starts using external power or battery power. If such a chip exists, I suspect that the one managing booting from external power might be faulty.


Do you have any additional thoughts on this?

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MacBook Pro won’t charge battery when using power adapter

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