Why your MacBook charges so slowly, and how to speed it up

Why it happens

A MacBook charges only as fast as its adapter and cable allow. Phone chargers, small USB-C adapters, hubs and monitors often give far less power than the Mac's own adapter. If heavy apps are running too, most of that power goes into running the Mac, and very little is left for the battery.

How to fix it

1. Plug your Mac into the adapter and cable that came with it, straight into a wall socket. Leave out hubs, docks and monitor cables for now.

2. Using a different charger? Check the watts printed on it. It should match or beat your Mac's own adapter. If you click the battery icon in the menu bar and it says Slow Charger, the adapter is too weak for your Mac.

3. Quit apps you're not using, especially games, video editors and lots of browser tabs, so more power goes into the battery.

4. Check what's arriving: hold Option, open the Apple menu and choose System Information. Click Power and look for the charger's wattage under AC Charger Information.

5. Look in Battery settings. If Optimized Battery Charging is on, your Mac may wait at about 80% and finish later, which is normal.

   Battery›Charging›Optimized Battery Charging

Still not fixed?

1. Stops at the same level every time? A Charge Limit may be set. It's on Apple silicon MacBooks with macOS 26.4 or later, in the same Charging panel.

   Battery›Charging›Charge Limit

2. Mac feels hot? It can slow or pause charging to protect a warm battery. Let it cool on a hard surface away from sun or a heater.

3. Try another charging port or side of the Mac, and look inside the port for lint. Use a different cable if you have one.

4. Open Battery Health. If it says Service Recommended, the battery itself is worn.

   Battery›Battery Health

5. If it still charges slowly with the right adapter and cable, contact Apple Support or a repair shop. The adapter, cable, port or battery may need a hardware repair.