Software is defined as the virtual programs that run on your computer that is, operating system, internet browser, word-processing documents, etc.Īlthough a computer can function only when both hardware and software are working together, the speed of a system will largely rely on the hardware used. Without hardware, there would be no way of running the essential software that makes computers so useful.
It encompasses everything with a circuit board that operates within a PC or laptop including the motherboard, graphics card, CPU (Central Processing Unit), ventilation fans, webcam, power supply, and so on.Īlthough the design of hardware differs between desktop PCs and laptops due to their differences in size, the same core components will be found in both. Quite simply, computer hardware is the physical components that a computer system requires to function. Luckily, your MacBook consistently monitors the health of its battery, making it easy to detect when it’s time for a replacement.Want to know what hardware is in your computer? Become a computer pro with our quick guide to these essential components and their roles. As they age, the battery life wanes, so it may be time to replace the battery at some point. Most MacBook Pro models should last the majority of the day, especially when they’re new. You may notice your MacBook Pro battery charges or drains far too quickly in some cases.
How to Tell if Your Macbook Pro’s Battery Needs Replacing To test this, plug in a known good device, like a lamp or smartphone, to verify it works properly. Make sure that your power adapter is connected to a working outlet. If your MacBook Pro isn’t charging at all, there are a few potential culprits.įirst, check the power to the outlet.
Or, if you’re electrical savvy, you can use a voltage meter to measure the electricity going into it. Otherwise, you can take it to a computer repair shop for diagnostics. In addition, you can also feel the power brick after a little while of charging to check if it warms up. If you have a MacBook Pro with a magnetic charger, check the indicator light to see if the computer is charging. When your MacBook Pro is dead, you won’t hear the quiet sound when you plug it in on newer models. How to Tell if Your Macbook Pro is Charging When It’s Dead If the sound on your laptop is off or the battery is completely dead, you won’t hear the noise.Įven so, you can try unplugging it (after having it plugged in for a few minutes), then plugging it back in to listen for the sound. It’s a light ding that sounds similar to plugging in an iPhone but quieter. Newer MacBooks make a slight sound when you plug them in.
They generate heat while charging, and it will be cold if it isn’t charging. And there isn’t a quick way to determine if it’s charging without the indicator light.īut, you can use some logic and intuition to Sherlock Holmes your way into determining if it is charging.Īfter the computer has been charging for a while, feel the power brick to see if it gets warm. On the other hand, if you have a 2016-2021 MacBook Pro or use a third-party cable for charging, there isn’t an indicator light. Look to the indicator light if you have an older (or newer) MacBook Pro with a magnetic cable.Īn orange LED color tells you the system is charging. If your MacBook Pro is off, there are a few ways to tell if it’s charging or not. How to Tell if Your Macbook Pro is Charging When Off This is because you’re using energy when the MacBook is on.
The 2022 MacBook Pros use the magnetic charger once again.īut if you’re like me, you might be lamenting being the odd one out.Ĭharging your MacBook Pro while actively using it will take more time than if you put the computer to sleep or aren’t using it. Older MacBook Pros (released before 2016) use this same magnetic charging cable with the indicator light.
This LED is green when the battery is full and orange when charging. But my 2017 MacBook Air has a magnetic charger cable with a charging status LED. You can use this method to check the charging status on newer and older models, but certain MacBook Pros also include an indicator on the charging cable.įor example, my 2019 MacBook Pro charger is a USB-C (or Thunderbolt cable), which doesn’t indicate the charging status.