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MacBook Air Won’t Turn On But Is Charging

Author: jack
Published:May 2, 2023
9 mins 41 secs

If you’re experiencing an issue with your MacBook Air won’t turn on but is charging, you’re not alone.

This is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors. It can be frustrating, especially if you rely on your MacBook Air for work or personal use.

However, there are several things you can do to troubleshoot and fix the issue.

First, it’s important to determine whether the issue is with your MacBook Air or the charger.

If your MacBook Air is not turning on but is charging, it’s likely that the charger is working properly.

However, it’s still worth checking the charger and cable for any signs of damage or wear and tear.

If you notice any damage, it’s best to replace the charger or cable to avoid any potential safety hazards.

MacBook Air Won’t Turn On But Is Charging

If your MacBook Air is not turning on but is charging, the first thing you need to do is check your charger and cable. Here are a few steps to follow:

  • Check the connection: Make sure the charger is properly plugged into the wall outlet and your MacBook Air. Also, check the cable for any visible damage, such as frayed wires or bent connectors.
  • Try a different outlet: Sometimes, the problem may be with the outlet itself. Plug the charger into a different outlet and see if it makes any difference.
  • Use a different charger: If you have another MacBook Air charger, try using it to charge your device. If your MacBook Air starts charging with the new charger, it means your old charger is faulty and needs to be replaced.
  • Check the MagSafe connector: The MagSafe connector is the part of your charger that attaches to your MacBook Air. Make sure it is clean and free of any debris or dust. Use a soft, dry cloth to clean it.
  • Reset the SMC: If your MacBook Air is still not turning on, you may need to reset the System Management Controller (SMC). To do this, turn off your MacBook Air, connect the charger, and then press and hold the Shift + Control + Option + Power buttons for 10 seconds. Release the buttons and turn on your MacBook Air.

By following these simple steps, you can easily check your charger and cable and identify the problem.

If your MacBook Air still does not turn on after trying these steps, you may need to take it to a certified technician for further diagnosis and repair.

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Reset The SMC

If your MacBook Air won’t start up but is charging, resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) may help.

The SMC is responsible for managing power-related functions on your MacBook Air, including battery management, thermal management, and other hardware-related functions.

To reset the SMC on your MacBook Air, follow these steps:

  1. Shut down your MacBook Air.
  2. Connect the power adapter to your MacBook Air and to a power source.
  3. Press and hold the Shift + Control + Option keys on the left side of the keyboard.
  4. While holding down these keys, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds.
  5. Release all keys and the power button.
  6. Press the power button again to turn on your MacBook Air.

If your MacBook Air has a Touch ID button, it is also the power button. In this case, press and hold the Touch ID button instead of the power button.

After resetting the SMC, your MacBook Air may start up normally. If it still won’t turn on, try the following:

  • Check the MagSafe power adapter and cable for any damage or fraying.
  • Use a different power outlet to ensure that the outlet is not the issue.
  • Try resetting the NVRAM or PRAM on your MacBook Air.
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If none of these steps work, it may be time to take your MacBook Air to an authorized Apple service provider for further diagnosis and repair.

Check The Battery

If your MacBook Air is not turning on, but the battery is charging, then the first thing you should check is the battery. Here are some steps to inspect the battery:

Inspect The Battery

  • Check the battery indicator light: If the battery indicator light is not turning on, then the battery might be dead. Plug in the charger and let it charge for a few minutes before trying to turn it on again.
  • Check the charger: Make sure the charger is properly plugged in and the cable is not damaged. If the charger is not working, then the battery will not charge.
  • Check the battery connectors: Sometimes, the battery connectors might get dirty or corroded, which can prevent the battery from charging. You can clean the connectors using a soft cloth or a toothbrush.
  • Reset the System Management Controller (SMC): The SMC controls the power management of your MacBook Air. Sometimes, resetting the SMC can fix issues related to the battery. Here’s how to reset the SMC:

    • Shut down your MacBook Air.
    • Connect the power adapter to your MacBook Air.
    • Press and hold the Shift + Control + Option keys and the power button at the same time.
    • Release all the keys and the power button at the same time.
    • Press the power button to turn on your MacBook Air.
  • Check the battery health: If you have tried all the above steps and the battery is still not charging, then it might be time to replace the battery. You can check the battery health by clicking on the Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report > Power. Look for the “Condition” under the “Health Information” section. If it says “Replace Soon” or “Service Battery,” then you need to replace the battery.

By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot issues related to the battery of your MacBook Air.

If the problem persists, then it might be time to take it to an authorized Apple service center.

Check The Display

If your MacBook Air is charging but won’t turn on, the first thing you need to check is the display.

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Here are some steps you can follow:

Inspect The Display

  • Check if the display is turned on. Sometimes, the display may be turned off, and you may think that the MacBook Air is not turning on. To turn on the display, press the Power button, which is located at the top-right corner of the keyboard.
  • Check if the display cable is connected properly. If the display cable is loose or not connected properly, it may cause the display to turn off. To check if the display cable is connected properly, follow these steps:

    • Turn off your MacBook Air and unplug the power cable.

    • Locate the display cable at the bottom of your MacBook Air.
    • Gently remove the display cable and re-insert it.
    • Plug in the power cable and turn on your MacBook Air.
  • Check for any physical damage to the display. If the display is physically damaged, it may not turn on. Look for any cracks or dents on the display. If you find any damage, you may need to replace the display.

By following these steps, you can check the display of your MacBook Air and identify any issues that may be causing it not to turn on.

Check The Power Button

If your MacBook Air is not turning on, the power button might be the culprit. Follow these simple steps to inspect and troubleshoot the power button:

Inspect The Power Button

First, make sure that you are pressing the power button correctly. On MacBook Air models, the power button is located on the top-right corner of the keyboard.

Press and hold the power button for at least 5 seconds to turn on your MacBook Air.

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If the power button is not responding, check for any physical damage or debris.

Use a soft-bristled brush to clean the power button and make sure that there is no dust or grime preventing it from working correctly.

Check The Keyboard

If the power button is not working, try using an external keyboard to turn on your MacBook Air.

Connect the keyboard to your MacBook Air and press the power button on the external keyboard.

If your MacBook Air turns on with the external keyboard, there might be an issue with your internal keyboard.

Try resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) to fix any issues with the keyboard.

Reset The SMC

To reset the SMC on your MacBook Air, follow these steps:

  1. Shut down your MacBook Air.
  2. Connect the power adapter to your MacBook Air.
  3. Press and hold the Shift + Control + Option keys and the power button at the same time.
  4. Release all the keys and the power button at the same time.
  5. Turn on your MacBook Air.

If your MacBook Air still does not turn on, try charging it for at least an hour and then try turning it on again.

If none of these steps work, it might be time to contact Apple Support for further assistance.

Remember, always make sure to properly shut down your MacBook Air before turning it off or closing the lid to avoid any potential issues.

Check The Logic Board

If your MacBook Air won’t turn on but is charging, the issue could be with the logic board.

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Here’s what you can do to check it:

Inspect the Logic Board

  • Check for physical damage: Inspect the logic board for any physical damage, such as cracks, burns, or corrosion. If you notice any damage, you may need to replace the logic board.
  • Check for loose connections: Make sure all connections on the logic board are secure. If any of the connections are loose, try reseating them to see if that resolves the issue.
  • Check for liquid damage: If your MacBook Air has been exposed to liquid, it could have caused damage to the logic board. Look for any signs of liquid damage, such as discoloration or corrosion. If you suspect liquid damage, you may need to replace the logic board.
  • Check for faulty components: If you’ve ruled out physical damage, loose connections, and liquid damage, the issue could be with a faulty component on the logic board. You may need to take your MacBook Air to an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider to have it diagnosed and repaired.

By inspecting the logic board, you can determine if it’s the cause of your MacBook Air not turning on.

If you’re not comfortable inspecting the logic board yourself, it’s best to take your MacBook Air to a professional for diagnosis and repair.

Key Points

If your MacBook Air won’t turn on but is charging, there are a few key points to keep in mind:

  • Check the power source or the main socket you are plugging the device into. Try other devices to see if the socket is working.
  • Check for any damages to your charger’s cable. At times the cables are cut and can cause power issues.
  • Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) by following the instructions provided by Apple Support. This can help resolve power-related issues.
  • If the SMC reset doesn’t work, try booting up your MacBook Air in safe mode. This can help identify any software-related issues that may be causing the problem.
  • If none of these solutions work, it may be time to take your MacBook Air to an Apple Store or authorized repair center for further diagnosis and repair.

Remember, when dealing with power-related issues, it’s always best to take a cautious approach.

Don’t try to force your MacBook Air to turn on or use any third-party software or tools to fix the problem.

This can cause even more damage and make the problem worse. Instead, follow the steps outlined above and seek professional help if necessary.