M2 MacBook Pro not recognizing power connection, only charges when shut down

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Avei Author

Level 1

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M2 MacBook Pro not recognizing power connection, only charges when shut down

M2 MacBook Pro (Nov 2023): macOS shows no power connected (only acknowledges power when shut down)

Device: MBP 16" 2023 , 512Gb M2 processor

OS: Tahoe 26.6.1

Apple USB Charger/magsafe: no LED light Magsafe adapter cleaned both sides per Apple instruction

--Unit appear to trickle charge the battery but even in low power mode will consume more battery than charging

--Power status indicates running off battery with no power on AC.

--Battery will charge over 9-10 hours if machine is shutdown and left.

Anker USB-C charger 95W with USB-C cable.

--Same behaviour as above.

Charger Checks:

Apple USB (USB-C to USB-C) to android phone: Charging extra fast indicated and phone charges appropriately,.

Check 2 Anker (USB-C to -C) to android as above.

Check 3 Anker (USB-A to -C (different cable) Same outcomes.

Checks run: Maint shows power module problem.

Cleaned, then replaced magsafe & USB-C port and power distribution board on MBP>

So, the question is next steps? If the power control unit is replaceable, do we do it. One shop told me it is likely the power control logic on the main mother board. If so how do I test it? If not, next step?

I am considering replacing the MotherBoard to upgrade the disk space to 1T which might solve my problem, but I need to get this thing out of limp mode to do real work, sooner or later.

Other option is replacing the MBP with a new one, but 35% more, with capacity I really don't need makes me reluctant and no guarantee that it won't fail. This is the third machine that Apple has sold that I've had HW problems with (vid controller 2x and now power management).

Thoughts on probability the MB power logic is bad? or something else?

Thoughts on replacing MB with upgraded storage and possibly newer processor (M4 or M5) including is it compatible with the 2023 MBP or should I just upgrade to the same processor M2 and bigger storage,

Or punt and buy the new one which will probably be the last if Apple's trend continues?

Thanks folks.

Battery Life & History:

Battery Information:

Model Information:

Serial Number: redacted

Device Name: bq40z651

Pack Lot Code: 0

PCB Lot Code: 0

Firmware Version: 0b00

Hardware Revision: 100

Cell Revision: 4014

Charge Information:

The battery’s charge is below the warning level: No

Fully Charged: No

Charging: No

State of Charge (%): 52

Health Information:

Cycle Count: 689

Condition: Normal

Maximum Capacity: 84%

System Power Settings:

AC Power:

System Sleep Timer (Minutes): 1

Disk Sleep Timer (Minutes): 10

Display Sleep Timer (Minutes): 0

Sleep on Power Button: Yes

Wake on LAN: Yes

Hibernate Mode: 3

Low Power Mode: Yes

Prioritize Network Reachability Over Sleep: No

Battery Power:

System Sleep Timer (Minutes): 1

Disk Sleep Timer (Minutes): 10

Display Sleep Timer (Minutes): 15

Sleep on Power Button: Yes

Wake on LAN: No

Current Power Source: Yes

Hibernate Mode: 3

Low Power Mode: Yes

Prioritize Network Reachability Over Sleep: No

Reduce Brightness: Yes

Hardware Configuration:

UPS Installed: No

AC Charger Information:

Connected: No

Charging: No

MacBook Pro 16″

Posted on Aug 11, 2026 1:16 PM

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Answer 1

Aug 12, 2026 6:56 PM in response to Avei

Avei wrote:

Thanks.

First, The Apple branded charger first stopped working, then the anker charger was substituted after the initial failure which at least brings up the battery on an overnight shutdown. Apple was used with both magsafe and usb-c cables. Same outcomes.

Next, no power generally comes to this unit through an unconditioned outlet. Power is supplied by a fully conditioned regulated UPS brand. However, we have extensive travel needs for this unit and field power may not be be clean.

The power board was recommended by the repair station, along with cleaning the ports as recommended in an Apple service manual using Apple's specific procedures. I think the power board was actually the magsafe jack, but I'm not sure. This step was taken after the above failure to keep the machine on mission until it returned to base.

The Apple store nearest me is more than 250 miles away.

A free Apple diagnostic test is a good idea and will follow up on this when we next travel.

With macOS 26.x Tahoe on the Apple Silicon Macs, you can run some of the same diagnostics that the Apple Store and AASPs use since some of those tests have been included in the consumer based Apple Diagnostics. You will want to run the MRI (Mac Resource Inspector) which is the first test on the list. It will perform the most basic check of the battery and charging system (Apple no longer has any involved thorough service diagnostics). Don't expect much here, but it is all anyone has (even Apple).

Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac - Apple Support

I was unaware that this site did not deal with hardware. I asked here because I am looking for expertise in this area or specific knowledge that I do not have. Hardware is and always has been an integral part of the Apple Mac world dating back to the Classic Mac and the Lisa. If this is an inappropriate place to ask hardware/software boundary questions, then kindly point me in the right direction.

Unfortunately there are no good tests for troubleshooting Apple Silicon Mac hardware. I've had to develop my own script to help me assess the true battery health.

Your battery is showing 689 charge cycles, so the Battery itself could be the problem. However, I do know some 2022/2023 MBPros do have Logic Board problems with their charging circuitry. Sometimes the USB-C ports may work to charge those laptops when the MagSafe port stops charing the laptop, but I have seen all ports stop charging on some of these Macs and each time it was a bad Logic Board.

I do know the USB-C ports do tend to become damaged (usually from liquid or moist debris). I always try to inspect the USB-C ports to look for possible damage, but it is extremely difficult to detect some damage. Sometimes I think the ports are clean, but when removed from the system where the contacts can be seen fully I have found they were damaged. With some laptops it is relatively easy to remove those USB-C ports, but on others the MLB must be removed. I have seen the Intel USB-C Macs where damage to one USB-C port can prevent all other USB-C ports from working, not sure if the same is true with the Apple Silicon Macs.

More than likely the MLB is the problem, but there is no way to be certain. Even an AASP will just be guessing here. FYI, Apple has some official service guides for the Apple Silicon Macs that can be downloaded due to the Apple Self Repair Program.

Self Service Repair - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Aug 12, 2026 8:46 PM in response to Avei

You're welcome.

I forgot to add that I have seen some M2 or maybe it was M3 MacBook Pro Logic Boards fail due to charging issues. Some may stop charging from the MagSafe while USB-C charging is fine, but on others even the USB-C ports won't charge the laptop. I thought I had included this detail, but am not seeing it in my post (maybe I'm too tired).

You also must be very careful doing any hardware repairs on these laptops. They are very easy to damage even if you are experienced performing hardware repairs.

FYI, keep in mind that pressing any key or even the Trackpad can cause the laptop to power on after a shutdown or wake it from sleep. Even connecting or disconnecting external devices can do so as well.

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Answer 3

leroydouglas

Level 10

205,928 points

Aug 11, 2026 1:43 PM in response to Avei

Avei wrote:

M2 MacBook Pro (Nov 2023): macOS shows no power connected (only acknowledges power when shut down)

Device: MBP 16" 2023 , 512Gb M2 processor

OS: Tahoe 26.6.1

Try a SafeBoot Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support will sort many anomalies

Login and test. Reboot as normal and test. Caches get rebuilt automatically.

—I would use an Apple branded charger, not third party. If not a MagSafe, then use the cable direct to the Mac.

—Try a different part of the house if the issue is your wall socket and compare your results.

—This seems a bit unusual— [Cleaned, then replaced... "power distribution board" on MBP]

no resolve—

Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac for hardware issues see if it kicks out an error code, use this with the power plugged in.

Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac - Apple Support

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

If you already had it at a shop— then why ask here. We can not sort hardware issues. Take it back and tell them to fix it...

Local USA—

Store List - Apple Store - Apple

Around the World—

Choose your country or region - Apple

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Answer 4

leroydouglas

Level 10

205,928 points

Aug 11, 2026 2:26 PM in response to Avei

Avei wrote:

I was unaware that this site did not deal with hardware. I asked here because I am looking for expertise in this area or specific knowledge that I do not have. Hardware is and always has been an integral part of the Apple Mac world dating back to the Classic Mac and the Lisa. If this is an inappropriate place to ask hardware/software boundary questions, then kindly point me in the right direction.

You missed the point. You can ask all you want about hardware issues— however you have to take it in to have a definitive hardware issue resolved. It is not going to happen in a user to user on-line forum.

If the DC- in board was replaced independent of the logic board, your next suspect is the logic board.

Logic boards are replaced not repaired.

good luck.

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Answer 5

steve626

Level 6

17,263 points

Aug 12, 2026 9:57 AM in response to Avei

Avei wrote:

Maintenance is what apple's AI troubleshooting system said to run/check.

I was not aware that Apple has an "AI troubleshooting system." In any case, the problem you describe (only charging when shut down) is unusual, I do not recall seeing that frequently in the Apple Discussions. AI tends to work best when there is online precedent where many others have experienced the same issue. Replacing the main boards and battery are the logical steps to take (and checking the charger, although you have tried multiple chargers).

Other option is replacing the MBP with a new one, but 35% more, with capacity I really don't need

I am planning on replacing the logic board at this point

I suspect you are reaching the point where the cost of replacing additional expensive boards is starting to compete with the price of a new unit

I would like to get a new board with more storage ( ie 1 or more T) and a better processor than the M2.

I don't think it is possible to place a M3 or M4 (or M5) processor board into an M2 Mac.

For those who are located far from any Apple service centers, Apple does offer a mail in diagnosis and repair option. That probably won't appeal to you, but it is an option.

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Answer 6

Avei Author

Level 1

0 points

Aug 11, 2026 2:04 PM in response to leroydouglas

Thanks.

First, The Apple branded charger first stopped working, then the anker charger was substituted after the initial failure which at least brings up the battery on an overnight shutdown. Apple was used with both magsafe and usb-c cables. Same outcomes.

Next, no power generally comes to this unit through an unconditioned outlet. Power is supplied by a fully conditioned regulated UPS brand. However, we have extensive travel needs for this unit and field power may not be be clean.

The power board was recommended by the repair station, along with cleaning the ports as recommended in an Apple service manual using Apple's specific procedures. I think the power board was actually the magsafe jack, but I'm not sure. This step was taken after the above failure to keep the machine on mission until it returned to base.

The Apple store nearest me is more than 250 miles away.

A free Apple diagnostic test is a good idea and will follow up on this when we next travel.

I was unaware that this site did not deal with hardware. I asked here because I am looking for expertise in this area or specific knowledge that I do not have. Hardware is and always has been an integral part of the Apple Mac world dating back to the Classic Mac and the Lisa. If this is an inappropriate place to ask hardware/software boundary questions, then kindly point me in the right direction.

Avei, PhD, High energy physics

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Answer 7

steve626

Level 6

17,263 points

Aug 11, 2026 5:14 PM in response to Avei

Avei wrote:

The power board was recommended by the repair station, along with cleaning the ports as recommended in an Apple service manual using Apple's specific procedures. I think the power board was actually the magsafe jack, but I'm not sure. This step was taken after the above failure to keep the machine on mission until it returned to base.

Who is "the repair station?" Who did the hardware work you described, it doesn't sound like Apple since the Apple Store is 250 miles away. Is there an Apple Authorized Service Provider (third party shop that is certified by Apple) any closer? The AASPs are listed on Apple's web site.

Checks run: Maint shows power module problem. Cleaned, then replaced magsafe & USB-C port and power distribution board on MBP>

Who did these checks? What or who is "Maint" in the above? And who did the cleaning and replacing of the MagSafe and USB-C port and power distribution board?

I am asking about these things because it is one thing to have Apple certified technicians do such work versus others who might not be qualified. Did you do the work yourself? If others did the work, what are their credentials? By the way, I too have a PhD in physics but would never trust myself with that type of work on a Mac laptop.

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Answer 8

Avei Author

Level 1

0 points

Aug 11, 2026 9:37 PM in response to steve626

@Steve, Maintenance is what apple's AI troubleshooting system said to run/check. As for who did the tasks you inquire about, we are satisfied with their credentials and this community's terms and guides specifically ask us to refrain from identifying. Your question is not relevant to the information I am seeking. Which namely, is we have prudently done reasonable work in the field to isolate the problem beyond connectors and non-logic board circuitry. This is well within my personal as well as those whom I supervise knowledge, skills and capabilities. I am do not have the knowledge to know if you should trust yourself to work on a Mac laptop or a megavoltage current sensor. But Apple does publish how to do the repair.

So, shall we stick to the topic, please. If you are not qualified, that's fine and thank your for admitting it. There is no obscure science/engineering in how to charge these batteries, nor in providing power to a logic system with 21st century stuff, provided you have the logic/component diagrams.

@leroydouglas, again thank you for your helpful knowledge. It confirms the conclusions I had already reached on the logic board. Was helpful and confirmed what we learned. We used Apple supplied parts.

I am planning on replacing the logic board at this point, unless we learn otherwise with further diagnostic testing but I'm not optimistic. So, my tentative plan is to get the board replaced if it is reasonably cost effective. I would like to get a new board with more storage ( ie 1 or more T) and a better processor than the M2. That is if we can be assured there are no incompatibilities with the rest of the system. I'm not a fan of wasting otherwise good quality components. I am disappointed that this system is failing after only 3 years, similar to the AMD vid processor failure problem on some older MBPs.

Again thanks for the input.

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Answer 9

Avei Author

Level 1

0 points

Aug 12, 2026 8:16 PM in response to HWTech

This is precisely what I was looking for. Bless you my friend. The USB-c ports were replaced pre-emptively for precisely this reason, as was the magsafe although it looks good. The computer is heavily used in base and field work so damage is a reasonable reason for failure. In this case, though the parts swap did not change the issues. We have had the machine in arctic Canada and southern Manitoba and down to Texas in the field so it is a workhorse which is why I hoped that replacing the ports would have been the answer. It was not.

I too am not sure if the USB-c on the M2 pro chip boards are configured in parallel or independently. We had a copy of the SSR manual in engineering but it was for an M1 variant and I wasn't sure how useful it would be for the M2Pro. Your link gave us the correct manual for this system and I'll plan on reading tomorrow.

Please accept my gratitude for your information and clarity. As soon as I run these dx routines, I'll have a clearer idea of what we need to do.

As for the battery cycles, they are probably accurate. The system right now runs for about 6 hours on the charger in low power mode with the screen dimmed nearly to oblivion except when we are running certain analytic processes which require specific screen brightness settings for data acquisition processes.

Best Regards and my highest thanks, Avei

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