Mac notebook computers come with a USB-C power adapter and charge cable. You can learn which power adapter and cable come with your Mac notebook computer, and find troubleshooting tips below. If you're having an issue with a non-Apple power adapter, try using the Apple power adapter and cable that came with your Mac notebook instead.
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If your Mac notebook with USB-C doesn't charge
If your USB-C power adapter isn't charging your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro, first try unplugging the power adapter from the power outlet, waiting a few seconds, and plugging it back in. If that doesn't help, check these things.
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Check power
Make sure the USB-C power adapter that came with your Mac notebook is connected to a known working power outlet. Try plugging in a lamp or other appliance to make sure the outlet has power. If you've plugged the power adapter into a power strip, try plugging it directly into the wall outlet.
If the power adapter shuts off, interference might be affecting the power outlet you're using. If your power adapter works for a while, but then stops charging, temporarily unplug it from the power outlet. Wait 30 seconds, then plug the power adapter back in.
If your Mac notebook starts charging after you plug the power adapter back in, this might indicate an issue with line noise (disruption caused by stray electromagnetic signals) from your power outlet. The power adapter automatically shuts off when its built-in voltage protection feature senses line noise from an outlet.
Some possible sources of line noise include lights with ballasts, refrigerators, or mini-refrigerators that are on the same electrical circuit as the outlet you're using. Plugging the power adapter into an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or an outlet that's on a different circuit can help.
If your power adapter continues to turn itself off when connected to a known good outlet, take your adapter to an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Retail Store for further evaluation.
Your power adapter comes with a removable AC plug that has the blades you insert into an electrical outlet. If your Mac notebook doesn't charge when using the AC plug with the power adapter, try it with another Apple AC plug, or try using an Apple Power Adapter Extension Cable (sold separately).
Check cabling
Your Mac notebook 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. Remember, not all USB-C cables can charge your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro, so make sure the cable you try is designed for charging.
If your Mac notebook charges with one USB-C cable but not another, immediately stop using the cable that doesn't work and get your cable and power supply evaluated.
If your Mac notebook begins charging only when you wiggle or move the USB-C cable or Apple Power Adapter Extension Cable (sold separately), immediately stop using the cable and get your cable and power supply evaluated.
Check for updates
In some cases, software or firmware updates might be available for your computer that improve communication with your power adapter. If your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro with USB-C isn't charging as expected, check for software updates on your Mac.
If the adapter gets warm
The USB-C power adapter can become warm during normal use, so be sure to use it in a well ventilated area. Always plug the power adapter directly into a power outlet using the AC plug, or place it on a table or other well ventilated area when using the Power Adapter Extension Cable (sold separately).
Avoid placing your adapter in a poorly ventilated area, like on a couch, thick carpeting, bedding, or a pillow. Avoid covering the adapter with a blanket or other insulation.
The power adapter might turn itself off if it gets too warm. If this happens, disconnect the USB-C cable from your Mac notebook, then let the power adapter cool down before handling it.
If you see a spark
When you plug in the USB-C power adapter, it might spark where the blades of the plug enter the outlet. This is generally normal and can happen when you plug any electrical appliance into a power outlet.
If you see any of the following when you plug in your adapter, or if you have other concerns about sparking, you should contact Apple:
- Contact Apple if a spark comes from somewhere other than the blades of the plug.
- Contact Apple if you see any damage or discoloration on the adapter.
Get your Mac notebook and power supply evaluated
Whether your Mac notebook with USB-C is in or out of warranty, you can bring it to an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Retail Store for evaluation. Be sure to bring your Mac, your USB-C power adapter, and any USB-C cables you use for charging.
USB port types and names
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an industry standard for connecting computers and other devices. It's available with many types of ports, and each type has a unique shape. On Mac computers, USB is available with these ports, depending on your Mac model:
USB-A
Type USB-A ports are commonly called USB, USB 2, or USB 3 ports, depending on the USB specification they support. They aren't reversible, so a USB-A connector plugs into the port only when oriented correctly.
USB-C
Type USB-C ports are available as either standard USB-C ports or Thunderbolt 3 ports that also support USB-C connections. They both look the same, and the connector plugs into the port in either orientation.
Learn more about identifying the ports on your Mac, as well as the adapters and cables you can use to connect older devices to type USB-C ports.
USB specifications
USB specifications are important primarily when you want the most speed and power for your USB device, or your device needs more power or is using too much power. Every USB port supports a particular USB specification, which determines the port's maximum>USB specifications on MacData transferPowerUSB 3.1 Gen 2
Also known as USB 3.2 Gen 2
Up to 10 GbpsUp to 15W at 5VUSB 3.1 Gen 1
Also known as USB 3.2 Gen 1 or USB 3
Up to 5 GbpsUp to 900 mA at 5VUSB 2.0
Up to 480 MbpsUp to 500 mA at 5VUSB 1.1
Up to 12 MbpsUp to 500 mA at 5V
To learn which specification is supported by a type USB-A or type USB-C port on your Mac model:
- Choose Apple menu > About This Mac, click Support, then click Specifications.
- Check the System Information app for more details, including about USB devices connected to USB ports on your Mac. Select USB in the sidebar, then select a USB bus on the right.
Get the best performance from your USB devices
USB specifications all work with each other, but speed and power are limited by the cable or device that uses the earliest specification. For example, if you connect a USB 3 device to USB 2 port, your device is limited to USB 2 speeds, and it can't draw more power from the port than can be delivered over USB 2. In other words, to get the best performance, make sure that the USB port on your Mac and the USB cable to your device meet or exceed the USB specification of the device itself.
If your Mac doesn't recognize a USB device after you plug it into your Mac:
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- Check all connections: Unplug the device from your Mac, then plug it back in, and make sure that all cables and adapters are securely connected at both ends. Test with another cable or adapter, if available.
- Plug the device directly into your Mac instead of a USB hub or other device, and if necessary test with a different USB port on your Mac or device.
- Some devices need their own software, such as drivers or firmware. Others work without additional software. Check with the maker of your device, and install all available Apple software updates as well.
- If your device came with an AC power adapter, use it. Some devices can be powered by the USB port on your Mac. Others need more power than your Mac can provide.
- Restart your Mac.
Learn more
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- USB 3 devices can create wireless interference that affects Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices. Learn how to resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference.
- Mac notebook computers with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 can charge over that port using a compatible USB-C power adapter and cable.