Use USB-C cables with Mac
If you have a Mac with Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), Thunderbolt / USB 4, Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) or USB-C ports, you can use cables to transfer data and connect your Mac to other devices and displays. If you have a Mac laptop, you can also connect to a power adapter to charge your Mac.
Note: For Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), Thunderbolt / USB 4, Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) and Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports, you can use both Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) and USB-C cables. For USB-C ports, you can only use USB-C cables. See the Apple Support article Identify the ports on your Mac.
Cable type | Connects to | Charging | Data transfer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) Cable | Devices with a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) or USB-C port | ✓ | ✓ | See the Apple Support article About the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) Cable. |
USB-C Charge Cable | USB-C Power adapter or devices with a USB-C port, including some models of iPhone and iPad | ✓ | ✓ | See the Apple Support article Identify your Mac power adapter. |
Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter | Thunderbolt 2 devices or a Thunderbolt display | Not supported | ✓ | See the Apple Support article About the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter. |
USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter | HDMI display, a standard USB device or a USB-C power adapter | ✓ | ✓ | See the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter product web page for additional information and compatibility details. |
USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter | VGA display, a standard USB device or a USB-C power adapter | ✓ | ✓ | See the Apple Support article About the Apple USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter. |
USB-C to USB Adapter | Standard USB devices, including cameras, printers and thumb drives | ✓ | ✓ | See the Apple Support article About the Apple USB-C to USB Adapter. |
USB-C to Lightning Cable | Some models of iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or iPod nano | ✓ | ✓ | See the Apple Support article About the Apple USB-C to Lightning Cable. |
Important: To prevent possible data loss or corruption, avoid disconnecting the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter or the USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter from AC power while transferring data.