Error Plugged In, Not Charging on Dell Inspiron, XPS, Vostro, Latitude and Alienware Laptop.

Overview: There are many Dell users who are dealing with plugged in, not charging error. Be it any model such as Inspiron, XPS, Vostro, Latitude or Alienware, the users are receiving this error message and the battery does not charge. Not being able to charge the system is very frustrating as we all know that battery will drain out completely any time and the system will go off. Today in this article we will troubleshoot plugged in, not charging error and get this fixed or figure out if the hardware is faulty.

Let’s start with a real-life scenario

Scenario: Laptop Will Not Charge, Tried Everything

My Dell Inspiron laptop just will not charge. I have bought a new battery, a new charger and read these forums over and over. Naturally, since my laptop is out of warranty, Dell won’t give me the time of day. Sometimes, very rarely, I can get it to charge by starting it without having it plugged in, then plugging it in after Windows starts, but lately, even that doesn’t work. I wouldn’t mind it normally, I rarely use my laptop away from a power source, but for some reason, the computer is noticeably slower if it’s not charging. I’m really to the point where I will never buy another Dell again, but for now, this is what I have and what I have to work with. If anyone knows a fix or even a workaround to get this thing working for the next month or so, I would appreciate it. And yes, I updated the BIOS already, in fact, I think that’s the problem. But I’m ready to try anything at this point.

Source: Dell Forum

Like the above user, there are many Dell Laptop users who are facing this error. Let’s start with the troubleshooting.

Table of Contents

Check the AC Adaptor Status in BIOS

To go to the BIOS start the system and immediately keep tapping F2 on the keyboard. Make sure the charger is plugged into the system.

Check the AC adaptor type in BIOS, if it is none or unknown then there might be a hardware issue with charger, DC IN port or motherboard.

Charge the Battery with System Turned Off

Shut down the system and plug in the charger, charge the battery for 30-45 minutes.
Start the system and check if the battery percentage has increased.

Run Hardware Test (Dell ePSA Test)

Start the system and immediately keep tapping F12 on the keyboard, select diagnostic from the menu and hit Enter on the keyboard.

Update the BIOS

Visit this link and enter the service tag number of your PC and then update the BIOS. If the battery is less than 10 percent and AC adapter is not charging the system then you might not be able to update the BIOS. In that case, you have to force update the BIOS. Please visit this link to force update the BIOS

Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

Press and Windows + R key on the keyboard to open the Run box
Type Control in the Run box and hit OK, it will open the control panel,
In the search box type in Troubleshooting and click on it

Click on System and Security and click on Power to run the troubleshooter.

Uninstall and reinstall Microsoft ACPI Battery driver from Device Manager

Press and Windows + R key on the keyboard to open the Run box
Type in devmgmt.msc and hit OK to open device manager
Now click on arrow icon beside Batteries to bring up the drop-down list
Make a right-click on Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery and on click Uninstall.
Confirm the uninstall by clicking on OK and once uninstall is finished, restart the PC.

Check for Any Damage

Check the charger, AC adaptor, DC IN port where you connect the charger to the PC and look for any damage. Any damage to any part can be the cause of charging error.

Use Dell Charger

Always make sure that you are using the same charger which came with the system. Using other brand charger or universal charger may harm your system.

Connect Power Cord Directly to the Wall Outlet

Always connect the charger directly to the wall outlet. Using surge protector may cause charging, slow performance, slow Wi-Fi and many other issues.

Reseat the Power Cable

Reseat the power cable which is connected to the AC adapter. Sometimes reseating the power cable resolves the charging issue.

Check the LED Light Status on Adapter

When you plug in the charger to the wall outlet you can see the small LED green/blue/white light on the AC adapter. If you see the LED light that means power cord and AC adapter is fine and the system is not recognizing the power supply. There might be an issue with the DC IN port where you connect the charger or it may be the motherboard.

If you do not see any LED light on the charger or the adapter then your charger may be faulty, you may have to contact your system manufacturer to get another charger.

Please note- Sometimes it is seen that the LED light on the charger/adapter goes away as soon as you plug in the charger to the PC. This is caused due to reverse current issue, in this case, the motherboard may be faulty. You have to contact the manufacturer to get the faulty part replaced.

Check the Charger on Another Good Known System

If you have a similar model number or another good known system where you can check if this charger is working on another good known system. Make sure AC adapter is of the same wattage and is compatible with the system. Do not use the charger on non-compatible systems.

Use the Charger of Similar or Another Good Known System.

Try using the charger of the similar model number or another good known system on this affected system. Make sure AC adapter is of the same wattage and is compatible with the system.

Wrap Things Up

I hope the troubleshooting provided in this article helped you to fix “plugged in, not charging” error. Even if the issue was not fixed I hope it definitely helped you to figure out the cause of the error.

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