Intel-Based Apple notebooks: Identifying the right power adapter and power cord

General MagSafe information

Note: This article is for identification purposes only. If you need to troubleshoot a MagSafe adapter issue, refer to Apple Portables: Troubleshooting MagSafe Adapters.

Power adapters for Intel-based Apple notebooks are available in 45W, 60W, and 85W varieties. Although you should always use the proper wattage adapter for your Apple notebook, you can use an adapter of a higher wattage without issue.

For instance If you have a MacBook (13-inch Late 2009) that normally uses a 60W adapter, you can also use an 85W adapter with that computer. You would not use a 45W adapter with that computer; it would not provide enough power for that MacBook. 

Using an adapter of higher wattage than the adapter that came with the computer will not cause the computer to charge more quickly or otherwise operate any differently than using the adapter that came with the computer. The tables further down in this article show the style of connector that initially shipped with each model of MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. 

Note: If you are looking for a PowerPC-based power adapter please use the article PowerPC-based Apple Portables: Identifying the right power adapter and power cord.

Every MagSafe adapter consists of three pieces, two of which can be in use at a time: the Adapter, AC cord, and the AC plug or "Duckhead". Note: AC cords and AC plugs may appear different than the examples below based on your location.

Adapter	AC Cord	AC Plug ("Duckhead")

 There are three styles of MagSafe connector available: a "T" style connector,  "L" style connector, and the new MagSafe 2.

MagSafe 2

Note: MagSafe 2 connectors are not backwards compatible, so you cannot use a MagSafe 2 connector with computers that do not have a MagSafe 2 port. However, you can use your older MagSafe power adapter on newer computers with a MagSafe ports by using a MagSafe to MagSafe 2 Converter:

About MagSafe "L" and "T" shaped adapters 

Computers that use the 85W MagSafe Adapter	Adapter Connector Type
MacBook Pro (15-inch Mid 2009) MacBook Pro (17-inch Mid 2009) MacBook Pro (17-inch Early 2009) MacBook Pro (15-inch Late 2008) MacBook Pro (17-inch Late 2008) MacBook Pro (15-inch Early 2008) MacBook Pro (17-inch Early 2008) MacBook Pro (15-inch 2.4/2.2GHz) MacBook Pro (17-inch 2.4GHz) MacBook Pro (15-inch Core 2 Duo) MacBook Pro (17-inch Core 2 Duo) MacBook Pro (15-inch Glossy) MacBook Pro (17-inch) MacBook Pro	85W MagSafe power adapter with "T" style connector
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012) MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011) MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2011) MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011) MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011) MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010)	85W MagSafe power adapter with "L" style connector

Computers that use the 45W MagSafe Adapter	Adapter Connector Type
MacBook Air (Mid 2009) MacBook Air (Late 2008) MacBook Air (Original) Note: Adapters that shipped with the MacBook Air (Original), MacBook Air (Late 2008), and MacBook Air (Mid 2009) are not recommended for use with MacBook Air (Late 2010) models. When possible, use your computer's original adapter or a newer adapter.	45W MagSafe power adapter with "L" style connector
MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2011) MacBook Air (11-inch, Mid 2011) MacBook Air (13-inch, Late 2010) MacBook Air (11-inch, Late 2010)	45W MagSafe power adapter with "L" style connector

 You can find extra or replacement adapters with AC cord and AC plug at the Apple Online Store, an Apple Reseller, or the Apple Store:

• Apple 60W MagSafe Power Adapter (for MacBook and 13-inch MacBook Pro)
• Apple 85W MagSafe Power Adapter (for 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pro)
• Apple 45W MagSafe Power Adapter for MacBook Air

Note: Although the replacement adapter may not have the same connector shape ("T" or "L") or wattage as the original adapter that came with your computer, newer adapters should power and charge your MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air just like the adapter that originally came with your computer.