The cable of a MacBook charger is often the first thing to break: it frays at the plug, kinks, or the outer layer splits open. A broken charger cable is not just annoying, it can also be dangerous. This article explains how to spot a broken cable, why you had better not fix it with tape and which replacement suits your MacBook.
Blue Apple repairs MacBooks in Amsterdam. A bad cable can eventually damage your MacBook's charging port too, so it is good to act quickly.
Signs of a broken cable
- The outer layer is split or frayed, often right next to the plug.
- You can see the wires inside.
- The MacBook only charges when the cable lies in a certain position.
- The light on a MagSafe plug flickers or keeps going on and off.
- The cable gets warm or hot in one spot.
- You smell burning or see discolouration.
If you notice heat, discolouration or a smell, stop using it immediately.
Why tape is not a good idea
Insulating tape or a bit of heat-shrink seems a quick fix, but the wires inside are often already broken. The cable can then get hot at the break, precisely under the tape where you cannot see it. With charging power up to 140 watts that is a real fire risk. Replace the cable instead.
Which cable fits your MacBook?
- USB-C charger with separate cable: on most MacBooks from 2016 the cable is separate from the power brick. Then you only replace the cable. Choose a USB-C charging cable that handles your charger's power: for 60 watts or less a normal cable is enough, above that you need a cable rated for 100 or 240 watts.
- MagSafe 3: the MacBook Air from M2 and the 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro from 2021 use a separate USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable. You can buy it on its own.
- MagSafe 1 and 2: on older MacBooks the cable is fixed to the charger. Then you need a whole new charger.
Which power you need is explained in which charger fits my MacBook.
Making your new cable last longer
- Always pull the plug, not the cable.
- Wind the cable loosely, not tightly around the brick.
- Do not let the cable bend sharply at the plug, for example when the laptop stands against a wall.
- Do not use unbranded cables or cables with an unknown rating.
The cable is new, but charging still fails
Try the cable on another port and another wall socket. If your MacBook still does not charge, or only when the plug sits at a certain angle, the MacBook's charging port may be worn or dirty. A faulty charging chip or battery can also be the cause. Read MacBook not charging? How to find the cause.
What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam
We measure whether power comes in through the port, test the charging chip and the battery, and replace the port if it is damaged. You hear beforehand what is wrong and what it costs. More on our pages about MacBook charging port repair and MacBook battery replacement.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a cable from my phone?
A USB-C cable from a phone often works, but not always at full power. Your MacBook then charges more slowly.
Is a cheap replacement cable safe?
Choose a known brand with a CE mark and the right rating. Very cheap cables can have wires that are too thin.
My MagSafe plug is discoloured. Is that bad?
Yes, it can point to overheating. Stop using it and have the charging port checked too.
