MacBook Air is Not Charging But there is Orange Light

The Macbook Air is a popular laptop computer produced by Apple Inc. It is known for its sleek design, lightweight build, and powerful performance. However, sometimes users may encounter issues with the charging process of their Macbook Air.

One of the most common issues is when the Macbook Air is not charging, but an orange light is displayed. It can be a frustrating and confusing experience for users, as it can indicate various problems. This article will explore some potential causes and solutions for this issue. Are you interested? Let's have a look.

Reasons Why MacBook Air is Not Charging and Blinking Orange

There could be a few reasons your MacBook Air is not charging, but the charger is blinking orange, and we listed what we've seen below:

The Charger or Cable is Damaged:

Check the charger and cable for any physical damage, such as frayed wires or bent prongs. If there is damage, replace the charger or cable.

A common cause of a Macbook Air not charging with an orange light is a faulty charger. The power adapter is the device that connects the laptop to an electrical outlet and provides power for charging. If the power adapter is damaged or malfunctioning, it may not be able to provide enough power to charge the laptop. To check if this is the problem, try using a different power adapter to see if the issue is resolved. If the problem persists, then it is likely that the power adapter needs to be replaced.

Battery is not functioning Correctly:

Over time, batteries can degrade and lose their ability to hold a charge. If your battery is old, it may need to be replaced.

The battery is the device that stores power and provides power to the laptop when it is not plugged in. If the battery is damaged or malfunctioning, it may not be able to accept a charge, and the device may not turn on. To check if this is the problem, try using the laptop with the power adapter connected to see if the battery is being charged. If the battery is not being charged, it may need to be replaced.

Charging Port is Dirty:

Lint, dust, and debris can accumulate in the charging port, preventing the charger from making a proper connection. Use a toothbrush or a can of compressed air to clean the charging port.

The charging port is the location on the laptop where the power adapter is inserted. If this port is damaged, it may be unable to connect to the power adapter and charge the device. To check if this is the problem, inspect the charging port for any physical damage or debris. If there is damage, the charging port may need to be repaired or replaced.

Charging Port is Damaged:

If the charging port is damaged, it may not be able to charge the MacBook Air. In this case, the charging port would need to be repaired or replaced.

The MacBook Air software Causing Issues:

Try restarting your MacBook Air. If that doesn't work, try resetting the SMC (System Management Controller).

Another issue that could cause this problem is a software issue. Sometimes, a software update can cause the charging system to malfunction. Ensure that your Macbook Air is running the latest version to check this. If not, update it and see if that resolves the problem.

Another software-related issue that can cause this problem is a corrupt operating system. If your Macbook Air is not charging and the charger blinks orange light, it could be a sign that the operating system is corrupt and needs to be reinstalled. Boot your Macbook Air in recovery mode and reinstall the operating system.

It is crucial to troubleshoot and identify the cause of the problem before attempting to fix it. 

If your Macbook Air is not charging and the charger is blinking orange, it can be caused by various issues. The most common causes are a faulty power source, charger, or charging port, and software or hardware issues. Take your MacBook Air to an Apple store or authorised repair centre for further diagnosis and repair if you can't identify and fix the problem.

Solutions:

Shake up your Mac:

Keep the lid of the MacBook Air slightly open. Take a firm hold and shake it. Then push the power/start button. It will activate the Sudden motion sensor - SMS and resolve your issue.

The Rapid Motion Sensor is intended to detect exceptionally intense vibrations, sudden position changes, and fast movement. If the sensor detects any of these, it immediately parks the hard drive heads, reducing the chance of hard drive damage in the event of a collision. When the SMS determines that the computer's positioning has stabilized, it unlocks the hard drive heads and resumes regular functioning.

Reset SMC:

• Reset the SMC. Hold down the Shift + Control + Option + Power buttons.
• Release both keys at the moment. Then start your Mac.

Your MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or iMac may occasionally behave strangely for no apparent reason. You can resolve these difficulties by performing an SMC and PRAM reset. 

SMC - System Management Controller - is a chip in your Intel-based Mac. It is involved in operating several physical parts of the Mac computer (Ex: keyboard, cooling fan, led indicators, etc.). It also connects to your MacBook's sleep mode and power supply.

If your computer is acting strangely, you may do SMC and PRAM resets at any time.

Purpose of SMC Reset:

• The battery status light or the keyboard backlight does not operate or is not functioning correctly.
• MacBook Pro will not power on, the charger is glowing orange, or it will not connect to WiFi.
• Slow shutdown and other shutdown difficulties
• The MacBook is operating slowly.
• External displays and trackpads are not detected.
• The keyboard or volume control does not function correctly.
• When browsing, the CPU is used more (ex: Google Chrome, Safari)

Most Mac problems may be resolved by resetting the SMC and PRAM.

Close all apps and restart the computer before performing the SMC reset. It could solve your problem. The procedure used to reset the SMC depends on the kind of machine.

MacBook Pro (with removable battery) – SMC Reset:

• Turn off your computer.
• Remove the battery and unplug the power adapter.
• Press and hold the Power button for 5 seconds.
• Replace the battery and connect the power adapter.
• Turn on the computer.

SMC Reset on MacBook Pro or MacBook Air (without detachable battery):

• Turn off your computer.
• Insert the power adapter.
• Hold down the shift, control, option, and power buttons for 10 seconds.
• Release all keys simultaneously and switch on the computer.

Make Use of a Data Wire:

Press the Power button and connect your smartphone through a data cord.

If your phone begins to charge, your problem may be fixed.

Conclusion:

A Macbook Air not charging with an orange light can be due to various issues, including a faulty power adapter, a damaged charging port, a malfunctioning battery, software issues, or hardware problems. To resolve the issue, try using a different power adapter, inspecting the charging port, and checking the battery and software updates. If the problem persists, it is recommended that you take your laptop to a professional technician for further diagnosis and repair.