Apple Portables: Troubleshooting MagSafe adapters
Symptoms
Is your portable computer's MagSafe power adapter not working correctly? This article will tell you what you can do if you experience one or more of the following issues:
- Your power adapter won't charge the computer.
- The LED on the adapter connector doesn't light up when attached to the computer.
- The adapter only charges the computer intermittently.
- The adapter's white insulation separates from the magnetic end of the MagSafe connector (also known as strain relief).
Note: If you are attempting to troubleshoot a non-MagSafe power adapter with a barrel-type connector, please refer to this article.
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| Barrel-type connector | MagSafe connectors |
Products Affected
Portable Computers, MagSafe adapters only
Resolution
Follow these steps to identify the cause of the issue and find out what solutions are available to you.
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 charring or melting of the adapter, or if you have other concerns about sparking, contact Apple.
Troubleshooting power adapter issues
1. Make sure a known good outlet is being used.
Verify that the power outlet you're using is working correctly. Plug in a known-good appliance, such as a lamp, TV, or clock, and confirm it powers on properly.
2. Identify line noise issues.
- If the adapter works after this 60-second "rest", you most likely have a line noise issue with your power source. It will require that you to 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. It may not happen if you plug the power adapter into an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or plug it into a different circuit. Unless the adapter continues to exhibit this behavior on a known-good outlet, it does not need to be replaced.
- If the adapter still does not power the computer, go to the next step.
3. Check for possible AC plug (also known as a "duck head") issues.
If you're using the AC plug (also known as a "duck head") with the power adapter, swap it out for the included two- or three-pronged AC cord, as shown below.
4. Validating AC plug ("duck head") functionality.
Plug the adapter with the AC cord into the wall and connect it to your computer. Check the battery icon in the computer's menu bar. Does it show the charging icon?
- If the adapter now charges the computer (but it didn't with the AC plug connected) and the LEDs in the MagSafe connector are lit, go to section 5.
- If the LEDs do not work or the power adapter still does not charge the computer, you should check for stuck pins or dirty connectors. Details are listed further below in this article under issue number 6.
At this point we have determined that the adapter is fine, but the adapter's AC plug ("duck head") doesn't seem to be working correctly. Please proceed to the Additional Information section.
5. Check for strain relief issues.
Strain relief is defined as a condition where the DC cable (the thin cord attached to the power adapter) separates from the end of the MagSafe connector. Strain relief is typically identified visually by observing a separation of the white insulation on the magnetic end of the MagSafe adapter (see below). Under continued use the cable may discolor and the rubber molding may become deformed. Another indication of possible strain relief, which may or may not be visible, is intermittent connectivity. This condition can often be verified by wiggling the cable back and forth near the MagSafe connector and observing if the LED indicator (which turns amber and green) flashes on or off depending on the position of the cord.
For more information on reducing strain relief issues, see the following articles:
- Apple Portables: Troubleshooting MagSafe strain relief issues
- Apple Portables: Reducing cable strain on your MagSafe power adapter
- Apple Portables: How to disconnect the MagSafe power adapter
You should not use power adapters that have strain relief damage, or missing insulation or rubber. Refer to the Additional Information section of this article for information on replacing your adapter.
6. Check for stuck pins or dirty connectors on MagSafe Connectors.
Sometimes you may discover that the MagSafe adapter for your computer is not working properly because the pins within the MagSafe connector are stuck.
For example, if you were to take a close look a the pins on the connector of the MagSafe adapter shown below, you would see that the outer two pins are stuck down:
If you find that a pin is stuck down, try unplugging and re-plugging the adapter. The pins should move and reset themselves to a neutral position. If you find that a pin isn't resetting itself, gently press the pin sideways using a fingertip or other soft (non-scratching) surface to see if the pin will reset itself. If the pin will not reset, contact an Apple Retail Store or Apple-Authorized Service Provider for assistance.
Be sure to inspect and clean both the MagSafe adapter connector and the power port on your Apple portable computer for dirt or signs of damage.
Dirty MagSafe connectors and pins
If your MagSafe connectors requires cleaning:
To clean the DC plug on either the computer or the power adapter, disconnect the adapter from the wall outlet. Remove debris gently with a cotton swab or a soft bristle toothbrush which provides the strength, flexibility and precision to do this job. Be careful not to get any cotton fibers stuck in the pin receptacle.
The power adapter port contains a magnet that could erase data on a credit card or other magnetic device if it gets too close. In order to preserve and protect your data, Apple recommends that you keep magnetic media away from the power adapter port.
7. See if the computer is charging and the LED is lit.
After inspecting and cleaning the MagSafe adapter connector and power port, see if the computer is charging and the LED is lit.
Additional Information
Whether your product is in or out-of-warranty, you can take your adapter (you don't need to take the computer, however, please do bring the computer's serial number) to an Apple-Authorized Service Provider or Apple Retail Store for evaluation and replacement if necessary. The location of your computer's serial number can be found in the following articles: MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air. You may be eligible for a replacement adapter free of charge provided there are no signs of abuse. Make a reservation at the Genius Bar before visiting your local Apple Retail Store. To make a reservation, go to http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/.