MacBook Charger Blinking Orange

If your MacBook charger is flashing orange and not charging, it is likely to be caused by a hardware issue such as a faulty charger, battery, or charging port. You may have dirt in your charging port, which you can simply remove. In some cases, charging problems can also be caused by software bugs in macOS, which can be fixed with a software update.

Why is your MacBook charger blinking orange?

A MacBook charger orange light should be solid. If the light is flashing, it means your Apple laptop isn’t charging properly, and eventually you may not be able to turn the device on. Common reasons for this fault include a broken charger or battery, or some kind of obstruction in the charging port. Charging issues can also be caused by bad software.

For more info, read our guide on how to know if your MacBook is charging.

A note from our experts: 

 

Hopefully, you’ll be able to stop your MacBook charger turning orange and not charging, but if the issue is caused by an advanced fault, you might need extra support.

 

Here’s how get expert help when you need it:

1. Download and run MacKeeper.
2. Select Premium Services from the side menu.
3. Click Chat Now, and then speak to our online agent.

1. Damaged cable or adapter

The most likely reason for a MacBook charger orange light fault is the charging adapter itself. If the charging block or the cable is physically damaged, it can lead to a flashing light. Note that this damage may not be visible from the outside.  

2. Battery is not working properly

A flashing orange light usually means your Mac battery isn’t charging, which could be caused by a physical fault inside the battery itself.

3. Charging port is damaged

We suggest looking at your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air MagSafe charging port as well. If it looks damaged, that may be what’s causing the blinking orange light.

4. Dirty charging port

When you’re looking at your charging port, you might notice some dirt in there. That can prevent your MacBook’s magnetic charger from making a good connection, which can lead to a blinking orange light.

5. Problems with MacBook software

We’ve also seen MacBook charging problems caused by software issues. These issues include macOS bugs as well as faults in third-party apps.

6. Dirty or oxidized cable connector

Check the end of your MacBook charger’s cable, and see if it’s dirty or rusty, as this can cause charging issues. (Warning: don’t try to clean the charger while it’s plugged in.)

How to fix MacBook charger flashing orange?

To stop a MacBook charger blinking orange, first check that the charging cable is firmly attached to the charging port. Then try a different power outlet. If that doesn’t work, clean any debris out of the charging port and MagSafe charging connector. If you have access to another compatible MacBook charger, see if that works instead.

Let’s look at some of these fixes in closer detail. If you’re looking for power efficiency tips, check out how to save battery on a MacBook.

1. Check for loose or poor connections

The first thing we suggest is checking that your MacBook charger is properly connected at all ends. Push the plug to make sure it’s fully inserted into your power outlet. Then make sure that the charging block is fully connected and that the end of the power connector has a complete connection with your charging port.

2. Inspect your charger and USB-C cable for damage

Check your charger and cable for signs of physical damage. Signs include:

• Holes in the cable covering.
• Bent metal on your USB cable.
• Cracks or missing parts in your USB-C port.
• Rust or other water damage.
• Burn marks or a burned smell in your charging port or cable.
• Physical damage to the charger plug.

3. Test with another charger or cable

In our experience, a lot of charging issues are caused by faulty cables, particularly ones that are made by third parties. Try different cables with your charger, and see if it fixes the problem. Also, try using a completely different charger, if you have one.

We recommend trying your charger on another Mac too. If it works, then you know the problem is not the charger.

4. Clean your charging port and cable connector

Before you clean anything, turn off your MacBook completely, and unplug your charger from the mains. Wipe your charging port and charger connector gently with a lint-free cloth. You can also use pure isopropyl alcohol or specialist cleaning fluids.

5. Updating macOS

We strongly suggest that you keep macOS fully updated, in case Apple has patched any bugs that affect charging.

The usual macOS update process looks like this:

1. In System Settings, navigate to General > Software Update.
2. If any updates are available, click Update Now.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the update.
4. Restart your Mac, and then see if your charging problem has been fixed.

Also, look out for Mac power management features, as these might have something to do with your MacBook charger flashing orange. We’ved done the job to release your pain.

6. Resetting SMC

Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac could fix your charging issues. On an Apple Silicon Mac (with processors like the M1, M2, M3, and M4), you only need to restart your machine.

To reset the SMC on an Intel MacBook with a T2 Security Chip:

1. Turn off your Mac.
2. Press and hold Left Ctrl+Left Opt+Right Shift.
3. After seven seconds, press and hold the power button too.

To reset the SMC on an Intel MacBook that doesn’t have a T2 chip:

1. Power down your MacBook.
2. Press and hold Left Shift+Left Ctrl+Left Opt+Power for 10 seconds.
3. Turn your Mac on.

7. Replacing faulty parts

If your charger is broken, you can simply order a new one. We recommend getting an official Apple charger. If you think anything else is broken, like the charging port on your MacBook, the battery, or some other internal part, then you’ll need a different solution.

8. Seek professional help if the issue persists

If you’ve tried all the tips in our guide and you’re still seeing a flashing light on your charger, then your MacBook could have a serious hardware fault. Hopefully, your Mac is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare. If so, you can contact Apple and get your computer repaired or replaced.

Otherwise, reach out to MacKeeper’s Premium Services for fast, round-the-clock support.

Take the power back!

The MacBook charger orange light problem is often caused by something simple—like a loose connection or a bit of dirt in the charging port. In some cases, you might have to replace your USB cable or your charger. Unfortunately, power issues can also be caused by software bugs, malware, and serious hardware faults.

The good news is you’re not alone, even if your Apple warranty has run out. With MacKeeper’s Premium Services, you can get expert help whenever you need it. Simply explain your issue to our team, and they’ll give you the advice you need, when you need it.