Find the right power adapter and cable for your Mac notebook

: June 7, 2024
: Apple

Table of Contents

Find the right power adapter and cable for your Mac notebook

Find the right power adapter and cable for your Mac notebook

Learn which power adapter, cable, and plug works with your Mac notebook computer.

Power adapters for Mac notebooks are available in 29W, 30W, 45W, 60W, 61W, 85W, 87W, and 96W varieties. You should use the appropriate wattage power adapter for your Mac notebook. You can use a compatible higher wattage power adapter without issue, but it won’t make your computer charge faster or operate differently. If you use a power adapter that is lower in wattage than the adapter that came with your Mac, it won’t provide enough power to your computer.

Mac notebooks that charge via USB-C come with an Apple USB-C Power Adapter with detachable AC plug (or “duckhead”), and a USB-C Charge Cable.

Mac notebooks that charge via MagSafe come with an AC adapter with MagSafe connector and detachable AC plug, and an AC cable.

The images below show the style of adapter that comes with each MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. If you’re not sure which model Mac you have, use these articles:

USB-C

MagSafe 2

MagSafe

USB-C

Apple 29W or 30W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charge Cable

MacBook models introduced in 2015 or later

Apple 30W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charge Cable

MacBook Air models introduced in 2018 or later

Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charge Cable

13-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2016 or later

Apple 87W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charge Cable

15-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2016 or later

Apple 96W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charge Cable

16-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2019

Make sure you’re using the correct USB-C charge cable

For the best charging experience, you should use the USB-C charge cable that comes with your Mac notebook. If you use a higher wattage USB-C cable, your Mac will still charge normally. USB-C cables rated for 29W or 30W will work with any USB-C power adapter, but won’t provide enough power when connected to a power adapter that is more than 61W, such as the 96W USB-C Power Adapter.

You can verify that you’re using the correct version of the Apple USB-C Charge Cable with your Mac notebook and its USB-C AC Adapter. The cable’s serial number is printed on its external housing, next to the words “Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in China.”

If the first three characters of the serial number are C4M or FL4, the cable is for use with an Apple USB-C Power Adapter up to 61W.
If the first three characters of the serial number are DLC, CTC, FTL, or G0J, the cable is for use with an Apple USB-C Power Adapter up to 100W.
If the cable says “Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in China” but has no serial number, you might be eligible for a replacement USB-C charge cable.

MagSafe 2

85W MagSafe power adapter with MagSafe 2 style connector

15-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2012 through 2015

60W MagSafe power adapter with MagSafe 2 style connector

13-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2012 through 2015

45W MagSafe power adapter with MagSafe 2 style connector

MacBook Air models introduced in 2012 through 2017

About the MagSafe to MagSafe 2 Converter

If you have an older MagSafe adapter, you can use it with newer Mac computers that have MagSafe 2 ports using a MagSafe to MagSafe 2 Converter (shown).

MagSafe “L” and “T” shaped adapters

60W MagSafe power adapter with “T” style connector

13-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2009
MacBook models introduced in 2006 through mid 2009

60W MagSafe power adapter with “L” style connector

13-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2010 through 2012
MacBook models introduced in late 2009 through 2010

85W MagSafe power adapter with “T” style connector

15-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2006 through 2009
17-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2006 through 2009

85W MagSafe power adapter with “L” style connector

15-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2010 through 2012
17-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2010 through 2011

45W MagSafe power adapter with “L” style connector

13-inch MacBook Air models introduced in 2008 through 2011*
11-inch MacBook Air models introduced in 2010 through 2011
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.

Learn more

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

A replacement adapter might not be the same size, color, shape, or wattage as the original adapter that came with your computer. But it should power and charge your Mac like the adapter that originally came with your computer.

If you need help using your MagSafe adapter, see Apple Portables: Troubleshooting power adapters.

If you’re looking for a PowerPC-based power adapter, see PowerPC-based Apple Portables: Identifying the right power adapter and power cord.

Published Date: May 01, 2020