MacBook Pro M1 Max not charging, MagSafe light amber

Here is an Apple article with troubleshooting tips:

If your MagSafe cable or power adapter isn't working - Apple Support

If your USB-C power adapter isn't charging your Mac laptop - Apple Support

One of the big tips is disconnecting the power adapter from the electrical outlet for a minute in order to reset the power adapter's internal circuitry. Sometimes the power adapter can get into a weird state.

Also make sure the USB-C charging cable is connected directly to the laptop. Adapters, docks, hubs may not always allow the full power of the charger to reach the laptop.

Also try connecting the power adapter into another electrical outlet on another circuit.

If none of these things help, then the laptop has a hardware issue of some sort. In my experience with these M-series Macs, if both Magsafe & USB-C charging fail, then it will usually be a hardware issue with the Logic Board. However, an issue with the USB-C ports or Battery cannot be entirely ruled out.

Edit: Assuming you are not misunderstanding the new Optimized Charging & Charging Limits where charging can be paused as @Grant has mentioned & wonderfully explained.

steventrotter wrote:

I’ve tried all of those, as well. 5 different chargers, new cable, old cable, 110v & USB-C, Anker travel laptop charger, MagSafe & not MagSafe, SMC clear, Safe Mode, wiped HDD & fresh MacOS install, left to die, and left dead for 48hrs before trying again.

For hardware issue take it in if you want it fixed

In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test /assessment

Make an appointment for a "hardware issue"

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Outside the USA

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

steventrotter wrote:

I followed all of those guides a couple of times each. No matter what power is applied from no matter what source it will not show as charging on the menu bar, no charger connected sound, etc. If I leave it powered off for a few days while plugged into the wall it will charge to 25% or so, but never shows the charging status. When measured by an inline power meter there is 0.1w of power being pulled by the laptop, so it trickle charges super slow but never tries to pull a full charge or indicates that it is charging.

I didn't really expect success from what you described, but I had to provide those details just on the off chance it would work and to provide information for others who may read your thread.

With these details, the most relevant portion of my previous post has now become:

If none of these things help, then the laptop has a hardware issue of some sort. In my experience with these M-series Macs, if both Magsafe & USB-C charging fail, then it will usually be a hardware issue with the Logic Board. However, an issue with the USB-C ports or Battery cannot be entirely ruled out.

steventrotter wrote:

I followed all of those guides a couple of times each. No matter what power is applied from no matter what source it will not show as charging on the menu bar, no charger connected sound, etc. If I leave it powered off for a few days while plugged into the wall it will charge to 25% or so, but never shows the charging status. When measured by an inline power meter there is 0.1w of power being pulled by the laptop, so it trickle charges super slow but never tries to pull a full charge or indicates that it is charging.

try a different cable

try a different port

try a different charger

ref:Use a power adapter with your Mac

Find the right power adapter and cable for your Mac notebook ...

Use a power adapter with your Mac - Apple Support

Unplug the power adapter from the wall, wait 60 seconds and then plug the adapter back in.

if it is software—A SafeBoot Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support will sort many anomalies

The lights on the power adapter are set by commands from the computer, ONLY.

the green indicator means capacity Ok and not charging.

But on a modern Mac with Battery Health Management active, the amber indicator says either of:

• I am actively charging now --OR--

• I got this, your battery situation is under control. This typically charges to around 80 percent, with occasional excursions lower or higher.

if you are queasy about this, there is a settings that says "charge to 100 percent now"