If your MagSafe cable or power adapter isn't working

Learn what to do if the MagSafe cable or power adapter that came with your Mac laptop computer stops charging or exhibits other behaviors.

Identify your MagSafe cable or adapter

If your Mac uses MagSafe to charge the battery, it uses either a MagSafe 3 connector, MagSafe 2 connector, or a T style or L style MagSafe connector. To identify your cable or adapter, use the list below to find your MagSafe connector.

MagSafe 3 connector

MagSafe 3 connector

MagSafe 2 connector

MagSafe 2 connector

L style MagSafe connector

L style MagSafe connector

T style MagSafe connector

T style MagSafe connector

If your Mac uses MagSafe 3, you can charge your Mac with a USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable and a USB-C power adapter.

If your Mac uses MagSafe 2, you can charge your Mac with a MagSafe 2 power adapter or a MagSafe power adapter connected with the MagSafe to MagSafe 2 converter.

If your Mac uses MagSafe, you can charge your Mac with a T style or L style MagSafe power adapter.

The MagSafe connector and MagSafe port on your Mac laptop contain a magnet that can possibly erase data on a credit card or other magnetic devices. Keep magnetic media away from the end of the MagSafe adapter and away from the MagSafe port.

MagSafe 2 and MagSafe power adapters aren't compatible with MagSafe 3.

Check power

Learn how to check your power outlet and confirm your adapter wattage.

Check the power outlet

Make sure that you've connected your power adapter to a working power outlet. Unplug your power adapter from the power outlet, then plug in a known good device, such as a lamp or clock to confirm it powers on properly. If the power outlet works, connect your power adapter and try to charge your Mac. If your Mac still won't charge, shut down your Mac and close the display for 30 seconds, then open the display and try to charge your Mac again. If you have an Intel-based Mac, reset the SMC.

Confirm the adapter wattage

Make sure that the proper wattage power adapter for your laptop computer is used. For the best charging experience, you should use the power adapter and cable included with your Mac laptop.

Check for line noise issues

Unplug the power adapter from the wall, wait 60 seconds, then plug the adapter back in.

  • If the adapter works after this 60-second "rest", you most likely have a line noise issue with your power source. You should reset the adapter periodically by repeating this moment of rest. This issue occurs when the AC adapter's over-voltage protection feature senses ground noise and then turns off the adapter.

  • Some possible sources of line noise include lights with ballasts, refrigerators, or mini-refrigerators that are on the same electrical circuit as your computer. This behavior may not occur if you plug the power adapter into an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or plug it into a different circuit.

If your power adapter continues to turn itself off when connected to a known good outlet, take your adapter to an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Store for further evaluation.

If you see a spark

Sometimes when you plug the power adapter into the wall, you may see a spark. This is usually normal and can occur when you plug any electrical appliance into a live outlet. If the spark comes from somewhere other than the blades of the plug, if you experience any damage or discoloration of the adapter, or if you have other concerns about sparking, contact Apple.

Check the plug, power port, and MagSafe connector or cable

Learn how to test the AC plug or cable, inspect the power port, and check for damage.

Check the AC plug or cable

Your power adapter comes with a removable AC plug that has the blades you insert into an electrical outlet. If your Mac laptop doesn't charge when using the AC plug with the power adapter, try it with another Apple AC plug, or try using an Apple Power Adapter Extension Cable (sold separately).

If your power adapter works after changing out the AC plug or AC cord, the AC plug or AC cord that was originally in use should be replaced and no longer used.

Check the power port for debris

Make sure that the power port (where you plug in the MagSafe connector) is clean and free of debris. The port is magnetic and might attract metal objects.

If the indicator light flashes

If your battery is charging or charging is on hold, the indicator light glows amber. If the indicator light on the MagSafe 3 connector flashes amber repeatedly, try these steps:

  1. Disconnect the USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable from your Mac and from the power adapter.

  2. Disconnect the USB-C power adapter from the wall outlet.

  3. Use a dry cloth to wipe the MagSafe 3 port and MagSafe 3 connector. Make sure both the port and connector are dry and clear of any debris.

  4. Make sure the USB-C port on the power adapter and the USB-C connector are clear of any debris.

  5. Restart your Mac.

  6. Connect the USB-C power adapter to the wall outlet, connect the USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable to the power adapter and to your Mac, then try charging again.

If the indicator light continues to flash repeatedly, contact Apple.

Check for strain relief (MagSafe 2 or earlier)

If your DC cable (the thin cord that attaches the MagSafe 2 or MagSafe connector to the power adapter) separates at either end of the cable, immediately stop using the cable and get your cable and power supply evaluated.

If the adapter gets warm

The power adapter can become warm during normal use, so be sure to use it in a well ventilated area. Always plug the power adapter directly into a power outlet using the AC plug, or place it on a table or other well ventilated area.

Avoid placing your adapter in a poorly ventilated area, like on a couch, thick carpeting, bedding, or a pillow. Avoid covering the adapter with a blanket or other insulation.

The power adapter might turn itself off if it gets too warm. If this happens, disconnect the MagSafe connector from your Mac laptop, then let the power adapter cool down before handling it.

Check for updates

In some cases, software or firmware updates might be available for your computer that improve communication with your power adapter. If your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro isn't charging as expected, check for software updates on your Mac.

Set up service or purchase a new cable or adapter

If your cable or power adapter still isn’t working, you can bring it and your Mac laptop to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for evaluation.

If you want to purchase a replacement, choose your cable or power adapter below:

If you're not sure which cable or power adapter to use with your Mac, learn how to identify your Mac power adapter.

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