How to fix a laptop battery that’s not charging

So your laptop battery is plugged in but not charging. Now what? Most laptop batteries typically last up to four hours on a single charge, but after a few years, they can start to give out. Don't worry; if your laptop no longer holds a charge, there are some simple solutions.

At Asurion, our experts help our 300 million customers (and counting!) diagnose and resolve their device problems and get the most out of their favorite tech. Here are their tips for repairing your laptop battery and getting it to charge as it should.

Why is my laptop battery not charging?

Aside from an aging battery, there are two other common reasons your laptop may no longer charge:

The charging cable connection is poor

Asurion Experts frequently come across this issue, and it could be causing trouble for your laptop battery in several ways:

• Your charging cable could be loose, unplugged, or damaged.
• Your charging cable could have a weak connection because it wasn't made by your laptop's manufacturer.
• Your charging ports could be clogged with dirt or debris that is keeping it from powering up properly. A laptop tune-up and thorough cleaning can help.

The laptop is overheating or overworked

Your laptop battery creates and expels heat, but it could be getting too hot and no longer functioning or charging normally. Even a newer laptop can overheat sometimes, though it's more often the case with older laptops with aging batteries and weaker cooling systems. Try these tweaks to cool down an overheating laptop.

Don't let a dead battery slow you down

Schedule a device battery replacement or repair at one of our stores to fix it fast.

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Steps to fix a laptop battery that won't charge

No matter the make or model of your device, there are several ways to give your battery a boost. Here's what our experts recommend:

1. Turn off your laptop

Turn off your device and wait 30 minutes before you turn it back on. Then connect the charging cable and see if your laptop gets some juice. This can also help your device cool down if it's overheating.

2. Check charging ports, cables, and outlets

• Inspect your laptop's charging ports and see if there is any dust or debris. Need to clean them? You can use a cotton swab very slightly dampened in isopropyl alcohol or compressed air. Make sure you let the ports dry completely before plugging the cable back in. You might also want to consider letting a laptop repair pro handle a thorough cleaning for you.
• If your charging ports are loose or damaged, don't try to fix them on your own. Instead, take your laptop to the nearest for a quick repair.
• Take a look at your cables and make sure they're plugged in correctly. Avoid using unofficial charging cords and stick to those designed for your specific laptop, especially if you need to buy a new cable.
• Test the wall outlet or surge protector and make sure it's working. If not, try plugging your laptop into a different one to see if that fixes the issue.

3. Remove the battery

• Take out your laptop battery—if it's detachable—then put it back in. Try turning the laptop on, and if it doesn't start, remove the battery again and hold the power button for 10 seconds to drain the remaining juice from your laptop. Then, plug in your charging cord and see if your device charges and turns on.
• If your battery cannot be removed or is built into the laptop like most Asus® and MacBook® models, we recommend taking it to a laptop repair pro for assistance.