If your USB-C power adaptor isn't charging your Mac laptop

Find out what to do if the USB-C power adaptor that came with your Mac laptop computer stops charging, gets warm or sparks.

Mac laptop computers come with a USB-C power adaptor and charge cable. If you're experiencing an issue with a non-Apple power adaptor, try using the Apple power adaptor and cable that came with your Mac laptop instead.

If your Mac came with a USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable, find out what to do if your MagSafe cable or power adaptor isn't working.

Check power

If your power adaptor isn't charging your Mac laptop, unplug the power adaptor from the plug socket, wait a few seconds, then plug it back in. If that doesn't help, try these tips.

Restart your Mac

Choose Apple menu  > Restart, then click Restart.

Test the plug socket

Make sure you've connected your USB-C power adaptor to a working plug socket. Unplug your USB-C power adaptor from the plug socket, then plug in a known-good device, such as a lamp, to confirm it turns on correctly. If the plug socket is working, connect your USB-C power adaptor and try charging your Mac. If your Mac still isn't charging, shut it down and close the display for 30 seconds, then open the display and try charging it again. If you're not using a Mac with Apple silicon, reset the SMC.

Look for sparks, discolouration or damage

Sometimes when you plug the power adaptor into a wall plug socket, you may see a spark. This is usually normal and can occur when you plug any electrical appliance into a live socket. If the spark comes from somewhere other than the blades of the plug, if you experience any damage or discolouration of the adaptor, or if you have other concerns about sparking, contact Apple.

Check for line noise issues

Unplug the power adaptor from the wall, wait 30 seconds and then plug the adaptor back in:

• If your Mac laptop starts charging after you've plugged the power adaptor back in, this may indicate an issue with line noise (disruption caused by stray electromagnetic signals) from your plug socket. The power adaptor will automatically shut off when its built-in voltage protection feature senses line noise from a socket.

• Some possible sources of line noise include lights with ballasts, refrigerators or mini-refrigerators that are on the same electrical circuit as the socket you're using. Plugging the power adaptor into an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or a socket that's on a different circuit can help.

If your power adaptor continues to turn itself off when connected to a known good outlet, take your adaptor to an Apple Authorised Service Provider or Apple Store for further evaluation.

Check the plug, USB-C cable and USB-C ports

Find out how to check the AC plug, USB-C cable and USB-C ports.

Try another AC plug

Your power adaptor comes with a removable AC plug that has the blades for inserting into an electrical socket. If your Mac laptop doesn't charge when using the AC plug (duckhead) with the power adaptor, try it with another Apple AC plug, or try using an Apple Power Adaptor Extension Cable (sold separately).

Check the USB-C cable

Your Mac laptop comes with a USB-C cable that charges the computer. You can find out if this cable is causing your charging issue by trying another USB-C cable. Some USB-C cables only support data transfer and won't charge your Mac, so make sure the cable you're using supports charging.

If your Mac laptop charges with a different USB-C cable or only charges when you wiggle or move the USB-C cable, stop using the cable that doesn't work and get your cable and power supply evaluated.

Inspect the USB-C ports for debris

Make sure the USB-C ports on your Mac are clean and free of debris. If necessary, blow compressed air into the USB-C ports.

Check for updates

In some cases, software or firmware updates may be available for your computer that improve communication with your power adaptor. If your Mac starts up, check for software updates on your Mac.

If the adaptor starts getting warm

The USB-C power adaptor can become warm during normal use, so make sure you're using it in a well-ventilated area. Always plug the power adaptor directly into a plug socket using the AC plug, or place it on a table or other well-ventilated area when using the Power Adaptor Extension Cable (sold separately).

Avoid placing your adaptor in a poorly ventilated area, such as on a sofa, thick carpet, bedding or a pillow. Avoid covering the adaptor with a blanket or other insulation.

The power adaptor may turn itself off if it gets too warm. If this happens, disconnect the USB-C cable from your Mac laptop, then let the power adaptor cool down before handling it.

Set up a service or purchase a new cable or adaptor

If your Mac laptop still isn't charging, you can bring it to an Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider Make sure you bring your Mac, your USB-C power adaptor and any USB-C cables you use for charging.

If you want to purchase a replacement, choose your cable or power adaptor below:

• Apple 140W USB-C Power Adaptor for 16-inch MacBook Pro (2021 or later)

• Apple 96W USB-C Power Adaptor for 15-inch MacBook Pro or 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019)

• Apple 70W USB-C Power Adaptor for MacBook Air or 14-inch MacBook Pro

• Apple 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adaptor for MacBook Air or MacBook

• Apple 30W USB-C Power Adaptor for MacBook Air or MacBook

• Apple Power Adaptor Extension Cable for use with any Apple power adaptor

• Apple World Travel Adaptor Kit for use with any Apple power adaptor

• Apple USB-C Charge Cable (1m) for use with any Apple laptop, supports up to 60W

• Apple USB-C Charge Cable (2 m) for use with any Apple laptop, supports up to 100W

Although you can use any USB-C power adaptor with your Mac laptop, you should use a USB-C power adaptor with equal or greater wattage (W) than the power adaptor that came with your Mac. If you're not sure which power adaptor came with your Mac, find out how to identify your Mac power adaptor.