When an IdeaPad Slim 5 says Plugged in, not charging, or does not charge at all, the Lenovo Community answers separate three causes. The cheapest to rule out is the charger and outlet: try another outlet and, if you can, another charger of the same rating, since cables and bricks fail and a tired connector gives intermittent charging. The second is software: reinstall the battery driver through Device Manager, update the BIOS and the system drivers through Lenovo Vantage, and check that Battery Conservation mode is not on, since it deliberately stops charging at a threshold and shows exactly the message owners report.
The third is the battery or the charging port, and a laptop that charges only when the cable is held at an angle needs a repair. Static discharge, holding the power button for sixty seconds, also resets the charge controller. If the laptop charges on one charger and not another of the same rating, the second charger or its cable is at fault. A USB-C model can also charge from other chargers, but a low-wattage one may not keep up under load, so use the original.
Differential
Likely causes of “Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 family will not charge”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A failing charger or cable
What separates it Charging drops in and out
How to confirm Try another charger and outlet
- 2
Battery Conservation mode
What separates it Charging stops at about 60 percent
How to confirm Turn it off in Lenovo Vantage
- 3
A battery driver fault
What separates it Plugged in, not charging
How to confirm Uninstall the ACPI battery in Device Manager and restart
- 4
An old BIOS
What separates it Charging stopped after an update
How to confirm Install the latest BIOS from Lenovo
- 5
A loose port or worn battery
What separates it Charging works at an angle only
How to confirm Contact Lenovo
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The message shown in the battery icon
- The charger rating and condition
- Whether Conservation mode is on
- Whether the problem began after an update
Try in this order
0 of 9 completedTry another outlet and charger
ReversibleUse a wall outlet and a charger of the same rating if you have one.
Check Battery Conservation mode
ReversibleLenovo Vantage, Device, Power, turn it off.
Reinstall the battery driver
ReversibleDevice Manager, Batteries, uninstall Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery and restart.
Update the BIOS and drivers
ReversibleRun Lenovo Vantage and install the system updates.
Do a static discharge
ReversibleUnplug everything and hold power sixty seconds.
Inspect the port
ReversibleLook for lint or a bent pin and contact Lenovo if it is damaged.
Check the charger light and cable
ReversibleLook for a light on the brick and a cable that is not frayed.
Test the port with another cable
ReversibleIf the model charges over USB-C, try a certified cable of the right rating.
Unplug and replug after a restart
ReversibleRestart with the charger removed, and connect it once Windows is running.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- A deliberate stop
- Conservation mode stops charging by design.
- The message
- Plugged in, not charging is the standard Windows message for several causes.
- USB-C chargers
- A weak USB-C charger may keep the laptop on but not charge it under load.
- Cable wear
- The cable near the connector fails first.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If it will not charge on a known-good charger after the driver and BIOS steps, contact Lenovo
- !If the port is loose, it needs repair
- !A hot charger or port means stop
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does it say plugged in, not charging?+
Conservation mode, a driver fault or a charger issue.
Is the charge limit normal?+
Yes, if Conservation mode is on.
Will updating the BIOS help?+
It can.
Is a loose port repairable?+
Lenovo can repair it.
Can I use my phone charger?+
Not for a laptop that needs more power.
Why does it charge only when off?+
The charger is too weak for use.