Newer MacBooks have two ways to charge: through the magnetic MagSafe 3 connector and through a USB-C port. Both work, but there are differences in speed, safety and convenience. This article explains when MagSafe 3 is better, when USB-C is perfectly fine, and what to do when one of the two stops charging.
Blue Apple repairs MacBooks in Amsterdam, including MagSafe and USB-C ports.
Which MacBooks have MagSafe 3?
- MacBook Air from the M2 (13 and 15-inch).
- 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro from 2021.
The MacBook Neo has no MagSafe and charges only over USB-C.
Advantages of MagSafe 3
- Safety: the plug comes loose if someone trips over the cable. Your MacBook stays on the table.
- Free ports: your USB-C ports stay free for drives, a monitor or other devices.
- The light: amber while charging, green when full. See the MagSafe light: amber, green or flashing.
- The highest power on the 16-inch: the 16-inch MacBook Pro only gets the full power of the 140-watt charger via MagSafe 3. Over USB-C it charges too, but with less power.
Advantages of USB-C
- Available everywhere: one USB-C charger for your MacBook, phone and tablet. Handy when travelling.
- Charging via a monitor or dock: many USB-C monitors charge your MacBook over the same cable as the picture.
- Choice of port: you can charge through any USB-C port, on whichever side suits you.
Fast charging
Some MacBooks can fast charge: fill a large part of the battery in about half an hour. For that you need a charger with enough power. For the MacBook Air that is a charger of 70 watts or more, for the MacBook Pro a stronger charger. On the 16-inch fast charging works via MagSafe 3. With a weaker charger it simply charges more slowly. See which charger fits your MacBook.
Charging while working
If you do heavy work while charging, for example video or a game, part of the power goes to the chip. With a weak charger the battery then charges slowly or not at all. That is not a fault: use a charger with more power.
Which to choose?
- At home or at the office: MagSafe 3, for safety and free ports.
- On the go: USB-C, so you carry one charger for everything.
- With a USB-C monitor: let the monitor charge it, if it delivers enough power.
One of the two no longer charges
If your MacBook charges over USB-C but not over MagSafe, the problem is in the MagSafe cable or port. Check for dirt or metal particles in the port. If it charges over MagSafe but not through a particular USB-C port, that port may be worn. If it charges through no connector at all, it may be the charging chip or the battery. Read MacBook not charging.
Look after your cables
MagSafe 3 cables are braided and fairly sturdy, but kinks at the plug remain a weak point. Wind the cable loosely and always pull the plug. A separate MagSafe 3 cable can be bought on its own if it breaks. See your MacBook charger cable is broken.
What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam
We measure the MagSafe and USB-C ports, clean them and replace a broken port. We also test the charging chip on the logic board. You hear beforehand what it costs. More on our page about MacBook charging port repair.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use MagSafe and USB-C at the same time?
Your MacBook picks one source itself. Two chargers at once do not charge faster.
Is MagSafe 3 bad if it often comes loose?
No, that is what it is made for. If it comes loose at the slightest movement, clean the port and plug.
Does a new MacBook come with a MagSafe cable?
That varies by model and country. Check what is in the box when you buy.
