Using a different or phone charger with your MacBook

Why it happens

MacBooks charge over USB-C using a standard called USB Power Delivery, so most good USB-C chargers work. A low-wattage charger can only send a little power. While you're working, your Mac may use more than it gets, so the battery charges slowly or even drains.

How to fix it

1. Check the wattage printed on the adapter that came with your Mac, such as 30W, 70W or 140W. Aim for a replacement with the same or more.

2. Choose a USB-C charger that supports USB Power Delivery, from a maker you trust. Avoid unbranded chargers with no safety markings.

3. Use a proper USB-C charging cable. Some thin cables carry less power, so a powerful charger can still charge slowly through them.

4. To see how much power the charger gives, go to General > About, click System Report, then click Power and look at the charger information.

   General›About›System Report…

Still not fixed?

1. Charging very slowly with a small charger? Let the Mac sleep or shut it down while it charges, and it'll fill up much faster.

2. If your Mac says the adapter isn't supported or isn't giving enough power, switch to the Apple adapter or a certified USB-C Power Delivery charger with enough watts.

3. Try another wall socket, another cable and the other USB-C ports on your Mac, one at a time, to find the weak link.

4. If no charger charges your Mac on any port, it's likely a hardware fault in the port or battery. Contact Apple Support or a repair shop.