Your MacBook's battery menu says Charging On Hold

Why it happens

Batteries wear faster when they sit at 100% for hours. Optimized Battery Charging learns your routine and holds the battery at about 80% until shortly before you usually unplug, and a Charge Limit stops it at the level you picked. While it's paused, your Mac runs from the charger, so the battery isn't being used.

How to fix it

1. Click the battery icon in the menu bar. If you see Charge to Full Now, click it to finish charging this once. Your settings stay as they are.

2. To stop the pauses altogether, open System Settings, click Battery, then click the info button next to Charging. Turn off Optimized Battery Charging, and if your Mac asks, choose Turn Off rather than Turn Off Until Tomorrow.

   Battery›Charging›Optimized Battery Charging

3. In the same panel, set Charge Limit to 100% if it's lower. The Charge Limit setting is on Apple silicon MacBooks with macOS 26.4 or later.

   Battery›Charging›Charge Limit

4. Click Done and keep the charger connected. The percentage should start climbing within a few minutes.

Charge Limit needs macOS 26.4 or later on an Apple silicon MacBook. On older versions you'll only see Optimized Battery Charging. macOS 27 has both in the same place.

Still not fixed?

1. If your Mac feels hot, let it cool down first. Charging also pauses while the battery is too warm, and carries on by itself once it cools.

2. If the menu says Not Charging rather than On Hold, try another wall socket and the adapter and cable that came with your Mac, and check the port for lint.

3. Check Battery Health. If it says Service Recommended, the battery is worn and may not charge as it should.

   Battery›Battery Health

4. If it stays on hold with both settings off, a cool Mac and the original charger, contact Apple Support or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. The battery or charging hardware may need a check.