Start with the socket and the cable
Plug another device into the same wall socket. In many Lagos homes and shops, power is unstable, and a loose or dead socket looks exactly like a charging fault. Try a different socket or extension and check that the charger's power brick light, if it has one, comes on.
Look along the cable for kinks, cuts or bends near the plug. Chargers fail most often at the ends of the cable.
Check the charger and the plug
Unplug everything, then reconnect the charger to the wall first and the laptop last. If the power brick is very hot, smells burnt or makes a buzzing sound, stop using it. A faulty charger can damage the laptop.
If you can borrow a charger with the same voltage and plug type, test with it. If the laptop charges with the borrowed charger, the problem is your charger, not the laptop. Always match the voltage (V) and connector, and do not force a plug that does not fit.
Look at the charging port
With the laptop off and unplugged, look into the port with a torch. Dust, lint or a bent centre pin can stop the contact. Do not poke metal objects into the port. If the plug wobbles or only charges when held at an angle, the port is worn or its solder joints are cracked. That needs a workshop repair.
Do a power reset
Switch the laptop off, unplug the charger and, if the battery is removable, take it out. Hold the power button for about 30 seconds, then put the battery back, plug in the charger and try again. This clears stuck power states on many laptops.
Check what the laptop says
If Windows shows plugged in, not charging, the battery may be worn out or the laptop may be limiting the charge on purpose to protect the battery. Some brands include a battery care setting that stops charging at a set level. Check the manufacturer's power or battery app before assuming a fault.
Test the battery
Try running the laptop on the charger with the battery removed, if it is removable. If it runs normally, the battery is the likely problem. Batteries lose capacity with age and heat. A battery that drops from a high percentage to shutdown quickly, or swells so the laptop base bulges, should be replaced soon. A swollen battery is a safety risk, so stop charging it.
Update or reinstall the battery driver
In Device Manager, open Batteries, uninstall Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery, then restart the laptop. Windows reinstalls it. This fixes some false not charging messages.
When to bring it to a workshop
Bring the laptop in if the charger is fine on another laptop but yours still does not charge, if the port is loose, if the laptop shuts off when the cable moves, or if the battery is swollen. A technician can test the charging circuit and the battery and explain the cause before work begins.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my laptop plugged in but not charging?
Common causes are a faulty socket or charger, a worn charging port, a failing battery, or a battery care setting that limits charging. Test the charger on another laptop and the laptop on another charger to tell them apart.
Can I use any charger on my laptop?
No. Use a charger with the same voltage and a suitable current rating and the right connector. The wrong charger can overheat or damage the laptop.
Is it safe to use a laptop with a swollen battery?
No. A swollen battery can leak or catch fire. Stop charging the laptop and bring it to a technician to replace the battery.
This guide is general advice. Every device and business is different, so if you are unsure, ask a technician before you act.