When it comes to buying a charger for your MacBook, it is essential to correctly identify the specific model of your device. Here are some tips to ensure you are purchasing the right charger.
Verify your MacBook model: Before buying a charger, make sure you know the exact model of your MacBook. This is crucial as different models require power adapters with different specifications.
Power of the power adapter: Power adapters for Mac laptops come in various power ratings, ranging from 29W to 87W. It is essential to use the adapter of the correct power for your MacBook. You can find this information printed on the adapter or on the original box of your MacBook.
Power compatibility: While you can use a higher power adapter that is compatible with your MacBook, keep in mind that this will not speed up the charging process or change the performance of the device. However, it is important not to use lower power adapters, as they may not provide enough power to properly charge your MacBook.
Check connections and ports: Make sure the charger you are considering buying has the correct connector for your MacBook. Some MacBook models use the MagSafe connector, while others use USB-C connections. Also, check that the charger cable is in good condition and does not have significant damage or wear.
Purchase from reliable sources: To ensure the quality and safety of your device, it is recommended to purchase chargers and power adapters from reliable and recognized sources. Avoid buying low-quality generic products that may damage your MacBook or pose a risk to your safety.
There are 3 types of chargers:
• Magsafe 1
• Magsafe 2
• USB-C
If the first three characters of the serial number are C4M or FL4, the cable is intended for use with the Apple 29W USB-C power adapter. If the first three characters of the serial number are DLC or CTC, the cable is intended for use with the Apple 61W or 87W USB-C power adapter.
Ever wondered what keeps Apple’s Mac devices charged and ready for action?
Each MagSafe power adapter consists of three essential parts: the connector and adapter, the AC cable, and the AC plug or AC plug adapter.
For MacBooks (2015 onwards) and newer models, Apple has designed a 29W USB-C power adapter that comes equipped with an AC plug adapter and a USB-C charging cable. The perfect combination to keep your MacBook charged and ready to face the day!
Now, if you own a MacBook Pro (2016 or later), your power is even greater. This device includes a 61W or 87W USB-C power adapter, along with an AC plug adapter and a USB-C charging cable. The power needed to fuel your most demanding projects!
First and foremost, check the basics, make sure the device is turned on and all cables are securely plugged in. If you need a power cable, make sure it is connected and doing its job. If you have multiple devices connected in a chain, try disconnecting them and connecting the problematic one directly to the Mac to see if it works.
It’s super important to use the right cable. Don’t connect your Thunderbolt device with a Mini DisplayPort cable, because it won’t work. The Thunderbolt cable has a lightning bolt drawn on the connector, so make sure to look out for that.
And another detail, connect your Thunderbolt cable to the Thunderbolt port, not the USB-C. Sometimes one can get confused with so many ports, so make sure you’re using the correct one.
Find out which cable and power adapter come with your MacBook and how to check the power of a connected power adapter or display.
If your Mac uses USB-C for charging, you can charge the laptop with any USB-C display or power adapter. For the best charging experience, you should use a power adapter or display that provides at least the minimum power of the power adapter included with the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or MacBook. Learn how to check the power of a connected power adapter or display.
MacBook Air
USB-C to MagSafe and USB-C 30W power adapter
Apple 30W USB-C power adapter, Apple 35W dual-port USB-C power adapter, Apple 67W USB-C power adapter, or Apple 70W USB-C power adapter and USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable
MacBook Air models released in 2022 or later
These models can also be charged with a USB-C charging cable. Get information on how to charge the MacBook Air and how to quickly charge the Mac.
USB-C charging cable with a 30W USB-C power adapter
Apple 30W USB-C power adapter and USB-C charging cable
MacBook Air models released in 2018 or later
45W MagSafe power adapter with MagSafe 2 connector
45W MagSafe power adapter with MagSafe 2 connector
MacBook Air models released from 2012 to 2017
45W MagSafe power adapter with “L” style connector
45W MagSafe power adapter with “L” style connector
13-inch MacBook Air models released from 2008 to 2011*
11-inch MacBook Air models released from 2010 to 2011
It is not recommended to use the adapters included with the MacBook Air (original), MacBook Air (late 2008), and MacBook Air (mid 2009) with the MacBook Air (late 2010) models. Whenever possible, use the computer’s original adapter or a newer one.
MacBook Pro
96W USB-C power adapter and USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable
67W, 70W, or 96W Apple USB-C power adapter and USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable
14-inch MacBook Pro models from 2021 or later
These models can also be charged with a USB-C charging cable. Get information on how to charge the MacBook Pro and how to quickly charge the Mac.
140W USB-C power adapter and USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable
140W USB-C power adapter and Apple USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable
16-inch MacBook Pro models from 2021 or later
These models can also be charged with a USB-C charging cable. Get information on how to charge the MacBook Pro and how to quickly charge the Mac.
96W USB-C power adapter and USB-C charging cable
96W USB-C power adapter and Apple USB-C charging cable
16-inch MacBook Pro models released in 2019
61W USB-C power adapter and USB-C charging cable
61W USB-C power adapter and Apple USB-C charging cable
13-inch MacBook Pro (2016) models or later
87W USB-C power adapter and USB-C charging cable
87W USB-C power adapter and Apple USB-C charging cable
15-inch MacBook Pro models released in 2016 or later
85W MagSafe power adapter with MagSafe 2 connector
85W MagSafe power adapter with MagSafe 2 connector
15-inch MacBook Pro models released from 2012 to 2015
60W MagSafe power adapter with MagSafe 2 connector
60W MagSafe power adapter with MagSafe 2 connector
15-inch MacBook Pro models released from 2012 to 2015
60W MagSafe power adapter with MagSafe 2 connector
60W MagSafe power adapter with MagSafe 2 connector
13-inch MacBook Pro models released from 2012 to 2015
60W MagSafe power adapter with “L” style connector
60W MagSafe power adapter with “L” style connector
13-inch MacBook Pro models released from 2010 to 2012
85W MagSafe power adapter with “L” style connector
85W MagSafe power adapter with “L” style connector
15-inch MacBook Pro models released from 2010 to 2012
17-inch MacBook Pro models released from 2010 to 2011
85W MagSafe power adapter with “T” style connector
85W MagSafe power adapter with “T” style connector
15-inch MacBook Pro models released from 2006 to 2009
17-inch MacBook Pro models released from 2006 to 2009
60W MagSafe power adapter with “T” style connector
60W MagSafe power adapter with “T” style connector
13-inch MacBook Pro models released in 2009
MacBook
30W USB-C power adapter and USB-C charging cable
29W or 30W USB-C power adapter and Apple USB-C charging cable
MacBook models released in 2015 or later
60W MagSafe power adapter with “L” style connector
60W MagSafe power adapter with “L” style connector
MacBook models released from 2009 to 2010
60W MagSafe power adapter with “T” style connector
60W MagSafe power adapter with “T” style connector
MacBook models released from 2006 to mid-2009
Check Power
To determine how much power an attached power adapter or display provides, check the certification label on the power adapter or check in System Information on the Mac.
Look for the certification label on the power adapter that shows the power (W):
If your Mac uses USB-C for charging, you can charge the laptop with any USB-C power adapter or display. It is safe to use a power adapter or display with a power output higher or lower than the one included with the Mac. For the best charging experience, you should use the power adapter and cable included with the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or MacBook.
Have you installed all the software and firmware updates that came with your device? If you haven’t, visit the manufacturer’s website and make sure you have the latest version.
If you have multiple devices connected in a chain, disconnect them and try the one that is giving you trouble alone. Make sure they all have their power cable, and if the one directly connected to the Mac needs one, it should have one too!
If you have a Mini DisplayPort in the chain, make sure it is at the end and connected with its respective cable.
Once you’ve done all that, check in your Mac’s System Information to see if the Thunderbolt device appears. Hold down the Option key and select the Apple menu > System Information. If it appears there but still doesn’t work, check the device documentation for further troubleshooting steps.
Sometimes simply closing and reopening the applications that are using the device can help. If not, you can always try restarting the Mac by selecting the Apple menu > Restart.
With these tips, I hope you can solve any problems you have with your Thunderbolt device on your Mac. Good luck!
Sound familiar with intermittent signal or poor video and audio quality?
Connection Problems:
Sometimes the signal goes haywire because the connections are loose. So make sure those cables are securely plugged into both the USB-C port and the HDMI. Even a slight misalignment can cause the signal to go crazy.
Your external display’s resolution may not be compatible with your device. The solution? Adjust the resolution settings to match.
And beware, if the adapter isn’t compatible with your device or display, you’ll run into problems.
Video or Audio Quality:
Have you noticed weird video or audio? It could be because you don’t have enough bandwidth for data transfer. Try higher quality cables.
Adjusting the resolution and refresh rate can also work wonders. Those settings need to match on your device and the external display.
Sometimes environmental interference or electronics can disrupt the signal. Try moving away electronic devices that might be interfering.
Adapter Not Recognized:
Check that your USB-C port is compatible with DP Alt mode. Those letters may sound like gibberish, but essentially they ensure that your adapter works well with the port.
And if everything seems to be plugged in fine but it’s still not working, there might be an issue with the drivers or firmware. Update them, and it should fix it.
Adapter Overheating:
If your adapter seems hotter than asphalt in summer, maybe you’re using it for too long at a stretch. Give it a break and put it in a well-ventilated area.
Make sure it’s getting enough power, because if not, it’ll heat up more than it should.
And if after all this it’s still burning up, there might be a more serious hardware issue. Better replace it before it explodes.
Connect the cables properly, make sure you have the right settings, and keep your adapter cool as a cucumber. If you still have problems, you can always turn to customer service for help. And don’t forget to choose an adapter from a trusted brand!