That little battery icon on your Mac can be cryptic. Are you *really* charging, or just pretending? Knowing for sure is key to keeping your workflow flowing. Here's how to decipher the charging code:
**The Obvious Suspect: The Battery Icon.** Look for the lightning bolt! It appears inside the battery icon in your menu bar when plugged in and actively charging. No lightning? No charge. (Unless it's at 100%, then it might disappear!)
**Listen Up!** Some older Macs make a subtle chime when plugged in. If you hear it, that's usually a good sign charging has begun.
**Check System Information:** For the ultimate confirmation, go to Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report > Power. Look for 'Charging' under Battery Information. It'll also show you the battery's current health and charge level.
**Troubleshooting Tips:** If you're plugged in but not charging, try a different outlet, a different charging cable, or even restarting your Mac. A dusty charging port can also be the culprit! Happy charging!