My Mac's power cable isn't working

  • Updated

If your Mac’s power cable isn’t working, you might be able to fix it yourself by trying these solutions from our in-house tech wizards. 

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Check your charger

Check your charger compatibility

Tips for optimizing your Mac's performance

Check your charger

Start here to determine which power adapter and cable come with your Mac, then refer to the instructions below. 

First, unplug your power adapter from the outlet. Wait a few seconds and then plug it in one more time. If that doesn’t work:

Step 1. Check power

  • Verify that your power adapter is plugged into a working outlet.
  • Disconnect the power adapter from the outlet and try plugging in a different device like a clock or a lamp — if it works, try the adapter again.
  • If your computer still doesn’t charge, shut it down and close the screen for at least 30 seconds, then open it again to try the adaptor once more.

Step 2. Check for line noise issues

  • Unplug your power adapter, wait around 30 seconds, then connect it again.
  • If your Mac starts to charge, there might be an issue with the line noise.
  • Line noise issues can affect outlets that share the same electrical circuit with things like refrigerators — try connecting your adapter to an outlet on another circuit.
  • If the adapter still doesn’t charge when plugged into another working outlet, no worries, just get in touch with us. Contact Back Market Customer Care

Step 3. Check the AC plug or the cable

Your power adapter always comes with a detachable plug (the part with the metal prongs that go into the outlet). Try using another Apple AC plug as the one you’re working with may be faulty.

Step 4. Check the cable

The charging issue may stem from the USB-C cable. 

  • If you find that your USB-C-enabled Mac is able to charge with one USB-C cable and not another, or if you need to wiggle the cable or Adapter Extension Cable back and forth in order for it to charge, stop using the cable right away and get touch with us. Contact Back Market Customer Care

If you see any sparks:

You may notice that small sparks appear when the charger’s metal prongs connect with the outlet. Most of the time this is normal. However, contact Back Market Customer Care right away if:

  • You see a spark coming from somewhere other than the metal prongs.
  • The charger shows signs of damage or discoloration.

 

Check your charger compatibility

Below you’ll find a list of the chargers that come with your Mac computer as well as the wattage of the connected power adapter or display. See a list with photos

MacBook Air

Here's a list of quality adaptors that come with a MacBook Air. Not sure of the model? Identify your MacBook Air

MacBook Air launched in 2022

  • Apple 30W USB-C 
  • Power Adapter 35W Dual USB-C Port Power Adapter
  • 67W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable
  • These models also use a USB-C cable

MacBook Air launched in 2018 or later

  • Apple 30W USB-C Power Adapter

MacBook Air launched in 2012 to 2017

  • 45W MagSafe Power Adapter along with MagSafe 2 style connector 

MacBook Pro

Here's a top-notch list of adapters that come with your MacBook Pro. Confused about your model? Identify your MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro models launched in 2021 (14-inch)

  • Apple 67W or 96W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable
  • These models can also charge with a USB-C charge cable

MacBook Pro models launched in 2021 (16-inch)

  • Apple 140W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable
  • These models can also charge with a USB-C charge cable

MacBook Pro models launched in 2019 (16-inch)

  • Apple 96W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charge Cable

MacBook Pro models launched in 2016 or later (13-inch)

  • Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charge Cable

MacBook Pro models launched in 2016 or later (15-inch)

  • Apple 87W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charge Cable

MacBook Pro models launched in 2012 through 2015 (15-inch)

  • 85W MagSafe Power Adapter with MagSafe 2 style connector

MacBook

MacBook models launched in 2015 or later

  • Apple 29W or 30W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charge Cable

 

Tips for optimizing your Mac's performance

You can level up the performance of your MacBook charger by keeping an eye on how your device is running.

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Update your apps and software: Make sure to update all your apps or each software program individually. Older versions can slow down the performance of your device.

Update your macOS: Keep tabs on whether or not your MacBook is updated to prevent any unnecessary issues.

Optimize your settings: Fine-tune your Mac’s energy, brightness, Wi-Fi, applications, and peripherals to keep your charger in tip-top condition.

  • Energy: The "Energy Saver" preference pane includes several settings that determine the power levels for your MacBook.
    • Your MacBook knows when it’s plugged in and runs accordingly. 
    • When using battery power, it dims the screen and uses other components sparingly. 
    • If you change this setting to maximize performance, your battery will drain more quickly.
  • Brightness: Dim the screen to the lowest comfortable level to make the most of your battery life.
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi consumes power, even if you're not using it to connect to a network.
    • You can turn it off in the Wi-Fi status menu in the menu bar or in "Network Preferences".
  • Applications and external devices: Quit applications you’re not using and disconnect external devices (e.g. mouse, keyboard, printer). 
    • Eject your SD card when you’re finished using it.

Don’t let other devices drain your MacBook: When you’re using your MacBook to charge other devices with a USB, make sure it’s plugged in and powered on or those devices may drain your MacBook’s battery faster than normal. Additionally, if another device is connected to your MacBook when it’s turned off or in sleep or standby mode, the device’s battery may drain.

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