Which charger fits your MacBook? It comes down to two things: the connector (USB-C or MagSafe) and the power in watts. With the wrong charger your MacBook charges slowly, only when it is switched off, or not at all. This article explains how to choose the right Mac charger and what to look for in a spare or cheaper one.
Blue Apple repairs MacBooks at Rijnstraat 76-H in Amsterdam. We regularly see laptops that "stopped charging" where the real cause turns out to be a charger that is too weak or damaged. So first, the basics.
Step 1: which connector does your MacBook have?
- USB-C. Every MacBook from about 2016 onwards charges over USB-C (or Thunderbolt, which has the same shape). Any USB-C port on the side can charge.
- MagSafe 3. The MacBook Air from the M2 onwards and the 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro from 2021 have a magnetic charging port again. These models also charge fine over USB-C; MagSafe is handy because the cable lets go if someone trips over it.
- MagSafe 1 or 2. Older MacBooks (up to about 2015) have the old magnetic plug. You need a charger with exactly that plug; adapters to USB-C exist but are not always reliable.
Step 2: how many watts do you need?
The power rating is printed on the underside of the original charger, and you can also see it on the Mac itself: hold the Option key, choose System Information in the Apple menu and look under Power. It shows what the connected charger delivers. As a guide:
- MacBook Air (Apple chip): 30 to 35 watts is enough; with 70 watts the MagSafe models charge faster.
- 13-inch MacBook Pro: around 60 to 70 watts.
- 14-inch MacBook Pro: 70 to 96 watts, depending on the chip.
- 16-inch MacBook Pro: 96 to 140 watts. Over a normal USB-C cable you get less than over MagSafe, but it still charges.
A charger with more watts than needed is not a problem: the MacBook only takes what it can handle. A charger with fewer watts often works, but then the laptop charges slowly, or the battery still drains during heavy work while plugged in.
Can you use a phone charger or another brand?
A USB-C charger from another brand works fine as long as it supports USB Power Delivery and delivers enough power. Choose a known brand with a CE mark and watch the cable: not every USB-C cable can carry more than 60 watts. A 20-watt phone charger charges a MacBook Air very slowly and a MacBook Pro sometimes only when it is off. Fine in an emergency, not as a permanent solution.
Avoid very cheap unbranded chargers. They sometimes deliver an unstable voltage, run hot and can damage the charging chip on the logic board. That is exactly the damage we see in repairs: after it, the MacBook will not charge even with a good charger.
Your MacBook will not charge, even with the right charger
First try another cable, another port and another wall socket. If it charges with a different charger, your charger or cable is broken. If it charges with none, the problem is in the laptop: a worn port, a faulty charging chip or a battery that has given up. Read MacBook not charging? How to find the cause.
If your Mac says "not charging" while the charger is connected, the battery may also be worn. How to recognise that is explained in when to replace a MacBook battery.
What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam
We measure what actually comes in: how much power the charger delivers, whether the port makes contact and whether the charging chip works. That tells you whether you only need a new charger, or whether something in the MacBook itself needs repairing, such as the charging port or the battery. You first hear what is wrong and what it costs, and only then do we start.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a 96-watt charger for my MacBook Air?
Yes. The MacBook Air only draws the power it can handle. A stronger charger is safe and sometimes charges a little faster.
Can I charge my MacBook with a power bank?
Yes, if the power bank has USB-C Power Delivery and delivers at least 30 watts. A MacBook Pro prefers 60 watts or more.
Why does my charger get so warm?
Warm is normal, hot is not. If the charger gets too hot to hold, or you smell something, stop using it.
Does a new MacBook no longer come with a charger?
Because of the European rules for one standard charger, manufacturers sometimes sell laptops without an adapter. Check what is in the box when you buy, and whether your existing USB-C charger is strong enough.
