Charge your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro

Depending on your Mac laptop, you can charge your battery with MagSafe 3 or USB-C.

Locate the charging port on your Mac

Your Mac has USB-C ports, and may also have a MagSafe 3 port. If your Mac has both ports, either can be used to charge your battery.

MagSafe 3 port

up close view of MagSafe 3 port

The MagSafe 3 port is located on the rear left-hand side of the computer, near the escape key.

Charge with MagSafe 3

USB-C port

Up close view of two USB-C ports on a MacBook Air

USB-C ports are located on the left-hand side or both sides of the computer.

Charge with USB-C

Charge with MagSafe 3

  1. Plug the USB-C power adaptor into a plug socket.

  2. Plug the USB-C end of the MagSafe 3 cable into the power adaptor.

  3. Connect the other end of the cable to the MagSafe 3 port on your Mac.

Diagram displaying a power adaptor connected to a USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable connected to a Mac laptop

After you’ve connected the charger, the indicator light will glow green if your battery is fully charged or glow amber if your battery is charging or charging is on hold.

These Mac laptops can charge with MagSafe 3:

  • MacBook Air introduced in 2022 or later

  • 14-inch MacBook Pro introduced in 2021 or later

  • 16-inch MacBook Pro introduced in 2021 or later

MagSafe 2 and MagSafe power adaptors aren't compatible with MagSafe 3.

If the indicator light flashes

If the indicator light on the MagSafe 3 connector flashes amber repeatedly, try these steps:

  1. Disconnect the USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable from your Mac and from the power adaptor.

  2. Unplug the USB-C power adaptor from the plug socket.

  3. Use a dry cloth to wipe the MagSafe 3 port and MagSafe 3 connector. Make sure both the port and connector are dry and clear of any debris.

  4. Make sure the USB-C port on the power adaptor and the USB-C connector are clear of any debris.

  5. Restart your Mac.

  6. Plug the USB-C power adaptor into the plug socket, connect the USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable to the adaptor and to your Mac, then try charging again.

If the indicator light continues to flash repeatedly, you may need a repair. Get a service.

Charge with USB-C

  1. Plug the power adaptor into a plug socket.

  2. Plug one end of the USB-C cable into the power adaptor.

  3. Plug the other end of the cable into any USB-C port on your Mac.

Diagram displaying a power adaptor connected to a USB-C to USB-C cable connected to a Mac laptop

You can also connect a USB-C or Thunderbolt display that provides power, such as the Apple Studio Display.  If your display provides power to your Mac, you don't need to connect a separate USB-C power adaptor.

Your Mac can only charge over one port at a time, so connecting multiple power adaptors to the USB-C ports and MagSafe 3 port (if present) won't charge your Mac faster. USB-C charge cables support different maximum wattages (W), so ensure you choose the correct cable.  If you connect more than one power source, your Mac will only charge from the cable and power adaptor or display providing the most power. 

These Mac laptops can charge with USB-C:

  • MacBook Pro introduced in 2016 or later

  • MacBook Air introduced in 2018 or later

  • MacBook introduced in 2015 or later

Learn more

If you’re not sure which power adapter and cable to use with your Mac laptop, find out which power adapter and cable comes with your Mac.

Find out which cable and power adapter you need to fast charge your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro.

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