Dell laptops are known for their reliability and performance, but like any electronic device, they can encounter issues. One common problem that Dell laptop users may come across is the “Plugged in, Not Charging” error.
This error can be perplexing and concerning, as it suggests that even though the laptop is connected to a power source, it’s not charging the battery.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the meaning of the “Plugged in, Not Charging” error, its significance, potential causes, and provide detailed solutions to help you resolve this issue and ensure your Dell laptop’s optimal functionality.
Contents
Understanding “Plugged in, Not Charging” Error
Before we explore the solutions, let’s first understand what the “Plugged in, Not Charging” error signifies:
- Plugged in: This part of the message indicates that the laptop is connected to a power source, which could be a charger or an external power supply.
- Not Charging: This portion of the message is the crux of the error. It suggests that although the laptop is connected to power, it’s not actively charging the battery.
In essence, when you encounter the “Plugged in, Not Charging” error, it means that the laptop is not replenishing the battery’s charge despite being connected to an electricity source.
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Common Symptoms of the Error
When you encounter the “Plugged in, Not Charging” error on your Dell laptop, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Battery Stays at the Same Percentage: The most evident symptom is that the battery percentage remains stagnant and doesn’t increase, even when the laptop is plugged in.
- Power Adapter LED: In some cases, the LED on the laptop’s power adapter may behave abnormally, such as flickering or not illuminating at all.
- Battery Icon: The battery icon in the system tray may display the “Plugged in, Not Charging” message when you hover over it.
- Reduced Performance: In cases where the battery is draining faster than usual, you may notice a drop in laptop performance, as it attempts to conserve power.
Now that we understand the symptoms, let’s explore the potential causes of the “Plugged in, Not Charging” error on Dell laptops:
Possible Causes of the Error
To effectively troubleshoot and resolve this error, it’s crucial to identify its underlying causes. Here are some common reasons behind the “Plugged in, Not Charging” error:
- Faulty or Damaged Charger: A damaged or malfunctioning charger can fail to deliver the required power to charge the laptop’s battery.
- Battery Issues: Over time, laptop batteries can degrade, leading to charging problems. A worn-out or faulty battery may not charge properly.
- Driver or Software Issues: Outdated or incompatible battery drivers or system software can disrupt the charging process.
- Charging Port or Cable Problems: Physical damage to the laptop’s charging port or cable can hinder the charging process.
- Software Configuration: Sometimes, software settings, such as power management settings, can cause the “Plugged in, Not Charging” error.
Now that we’ve identified the potential causes, let’s explore the solutions to resolve the “Plugged in, Not Charging” error on Dell laptops:
How to Fix a Dell Laptop That Isn’t Charging When Plugged In
Here, I’ll show you all of the options for repairing your Dell laptop’s plugged-in charger.
1. Examine the BIOS Options
It’s one of the most serious problems you can have with your Dell laptop, so try this method. I’ll show you a couple of ways to fix the problem by examining the BIOS settings.
Step 1: Make sure your laptop is turned off.
Step 2: On your laptop, simply press the power button and then immediately press F2 to bring up the BIOS settings.
Step 3: Next, immediately navigate to primary battery charge setup in power management.
Step 4: To resolve the charging issue, make sure to select the option.
Step 5: After completing all of the preceding procedures, you must reboot your laptop.
2. Reinstall the Battery Driver or the Power Management Driver
A battery driver is also one of the most common causes of errors. In order to fix the problem, you’ll need to reinstall the power management driver or the Battery driver; I’ll explain you how to do that in a few steps below.
Step 1: Press the window button, and a two-column menu displays on the screen.
Step 2: Select Control Panel from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: In the control panel, sub-click on the device manager.
Step 4: Select the power and battery option from the device manager menu.
Step 5: Then, on the power and battery option, right-click.
Step 6: Select the uninstall option and select the option to not interrupt the process while it is running.
Step 7: Connect your computer to the internet so that the reinstallation may take place.
Step 8: Next, go to the action tab and select the scan for hardware changes option.
Step 9: After successfully completing all of the preceding procedures, the device manager already notices the changes.
Step 10: Verify that the power and battery drivers were correctly reinstalled.
It is one of the effective solutions, and if the battery issue has not been resolved by this method, try another method in this post.
3. Plug Your Laptop
When the power socket does not offer enough electricity, you will experience a charging problem.
There’s a chance you’ve previously connected the battery in your laptop and you’ve assigned all of the responsibility to the battery or the laptop’s socket, but the issue that develops in this unusual circumstance is no electricity or the UPS has failed to provide electricity.
Check to see if your charger can be correctly installed (in both the socket and the laptop) and if it has any cuts.
4. Check the Power Code
Some people are unaware of the power code, which is the cable that fits within the rectangular section of the charger. The power code is a crucial part of the charger, and if it is not placed properly, you will most likely experience a charging issue.
The second option is to attempt a different power code and place it into the rectangular area of the charger so that it functions properly. Congratulations if this solution solves the charging problem; if not, try another method.
5. Experiment with a Different Charger
It’s possible that your charger has been torn from any side, rendering it unusable, or that any portion of the charger, such as the power code or the rectangular part, has failed, rendering the charger useless.
You are free to use a new/different charger to determine whether side of the issue occurred, i.e., the laptop or the charger, and if the issue occurred on the charger side, the issue has most likely been resolved.
6. Reconnect the Battery
If your battery is removable, you can disconnect it and reattach it. If your battery is covered in dust, you can clean it with soft cloths, but don’t use any type of liquid, whether it’s water or a cleaner for the display, as it will harm your battery.
There’s also a chance that the battery isn’t connected properly, in which case reconnection of the battery is one of the best ways to fix the charging issue in the Dell laptop.
[Pro tip: Only use on removable batteries, and be sure to reconnect them gently and correctly.]
7. Replace the Battery
Dell is a well-known laptop and computer manufacturer. It creates some of the best and most affordable laptops.
The DELL laptop, on the other hand, has a replaceable battery, which allows you to replace the dell laptop’s battery with another to resolve the charging issue. I’ll demonstrate how to replace the battery –
Step 1: Learn about the many battery kinds in your laptop, such as 4 or 6 cells.
Step 2: Double-check that the battery you want to replace is in good working order and that you know what type of battery it is.
Step 3: Gently remove the battery.
Step 4: Replace the battery with a new one, remembering to follow step 2 while you do so.
8. Check the Motherboard at the Service Center
If you don’t see any problems with the charger, battery, power source, or socket, it’s conceivable that the problem is with your Motherboard. As a result, it is strongly advised that you go to the service centre rather than the local shop.
Local businesses repair the problem, but only on a temporary basis. All you have to do is phone a Dell service centre and ask for the location of the nearest service centre. Then take your Dell laptop to a Dell service centre.
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Conclusion
The “Plugged in, Not Charging” error on Dell laptops can be a frustrating issue, but with a systematic approach to troubleshooting and the appropriate solutions, you can often resolve it and ensure that your laptop charges correctly.
By following these solutions and maintaining your laptop’s health, you can efficiently troubleshoot and fix the “Plugged in, Not Charging” error, ensuring that your Dell laptop continues to serve you reliably and efficiently.
