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The Lenovo ThinkPad X280 is a 12.5” business laptop computer manufactured in 2018. It features a thin, ultralight display, all-day battery life with RapidCharge, and upgraded security features.

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Laptop not charging: USB C light lights up

My X280 (running Pop_OS) has stopped charging. When I plug in a a 65W usb C charger, the white LED turns on , but the OS reports that the battery is not charging. When I unplus the USB C the OS reports that the battery is discharging. The 65w USB charger is from Anker and has been used to power the laptop for a month with no issues.

I have tried the other USB C port on the laptop and the white LED comes on

Any thoughts on what to do next?

Update (10/06/23)

I will give this a try, luckliy I bought this unit with 12 month warranty, so I will try the sellor first, before giving it a go myself. :)

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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Thank you John! I don't understand it, but it worked!!

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Hello, this worked for me but looking at reddit and other forums it might not work for everyone.

  1. Shut down the computer.
  2. Detach the power cable from the socket and laptop.
  3. Turn on your computer. When the logo screen is displayed, immediately press Enter and then F1 to enter ThinkPad Setup.
  4. Select Config ➙ Power. The Power submenu is displayed.
  5. Select Disable built-in battery and press Enter.
  6. Now, to power reset press and hold the power button for 30 seconds > let go of the buttons after 30 sec.
  7. Plug the charger into the laptop.
  8. Turn on the laptop; it should now start charging.

This worked but I did notice that using Pop_OS it took a minute or so to start charging. But it does work.

I think if you removed the back and the battery it will do the same but the bios option saved me time :)

Update (11/30/23)

Update long over due: Pop OS will not charge while the battery has about 80% capacity left.

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Thank you John, I did this and it worked. Saved me buying a new board! I don't understand it, but it worked!!!

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Hi @johnbunney

I can only suggest that you open the laptop and start checking the voltages in the battery charge circuit.

If the motherboard is model number NM-B521 (printed on the board) then here's the schematic for the board that will help.

Go to p.70 to view the battery charging circuit. Unfortunately I cannot find a board layout diagram as presumably a lot of the components shown in the schematic will not be designated on the board as is usually the case these days. Hopefully the major ones are at least.

If you find a faulty component then the component model information is shown in the schematic along with the board designator for the component. Apologies if you knew this already.

Here's the hardware maintenance manual as well which details the procedures to disassemble and remove most everything from the laptop, which may also help.

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John Bunney will be eternally grateful.
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