MacBook not charging to 100% or stuck at 80%
Updated 15 November 2026
Most of the time the Mac is doing this on purpose to protect the battery. Here is how to tell which reason applies, and how to charge to full when you need to.
1. Optimized Battery Charging
macOS learns your routine and, when it expects the Mac to stay plugged in, holds the charge at 80% and finishes just before you usually unplug. The battery menu then shows a message about charging being on hold. To charge to full now, click the battery icon in the menu bar and choose Charge to Full Now. The setting lives in System Settings › Battery › Battery Health › ⓘ. Apple on battery charging in Mac laptops.
2. A charge limit
Recent macOS versions let you set a charge limit in the same Battery Health settings, and some third-party apps (AlDente, for example) limit the charge too. If the Mac always stops at the same percentage, check both.
3. Heat
When the battery is warm, macOS slows or pauses charging until it cools. Charging in direct sun, on a bed, or during a game or export is the usual cause. Let it cool and charging resumes on its own.
4. The charger or cable
- See whether macOS recognises the charger and its wattage: System Information › Power › AC Charger Information (how, step by step).
- Try another port, the original cable, and a wall outlet instead of a hub or monitor.
- A weak charger can't keep up with a busy Mac, so the percentage stalls or falls.
5. If it still won't charge
- Shut down the Mac, connect the charger, wait a minute and turn it on.
- Check the battery's condition (how to check battery health). “Service Recommended” means the battery should be looked at.
- Update macOS, then contact Apple Support if nothing changes.
Quick answers
Why does my MacBook stop charging at 80%?
Usually Optimized Battery Charging or a charge limit, both meant to slow battery ageing. Heat can also pause charging until the battery cools.
How do I charge my MacBook to 100% right away?
Click the battery icon in the menu bar and choose Charge to Full Now. If a charge limit is set, change it in System Settings › Battery › Battery Health.
Why does my MacBook say Not Charging when plugged in?
Often on purpose: Optimized Battery Charging, a charge limit or heat. Otherwise the charger may be too weak for the load, or the cable or port may be at fault.