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Guide · ChargerThe table Connector Wattage Buying Frequently asked questions
Which charger for my MacBook? USB-C, MagSafe and wattage
The right charger is the one Apple shipped with your model. Here is how to find it in thirty seconds, and what really happens if you plug in a more powerful one, a weaker one, or a compatible model.
The essentials
Three things are enough: the wattage (29 to 140 W), the connector (MagSafe, MagSafe 2, USB-C or MagSafe 3) and the exact model of your Mac, engraved on the underside of the case (A number). More powerful does no harm: the Mac only draws what it needs. Less powerful still charges, but slowly, and not always while you work.
The original charger, model by model
Find your model using the “A” number engraved on the underside of the case, then take the wattage shown. Every wattage comes as a genuine Apple version and as a compatible one, all tested and covered by a 2-year warranty.
Which charger for my MacBook?
The original charger supplied by Apple, model by model. Each wattage is available as a genuine Apple Original and as a compatible Generic, both tested and guaranteed.
MagSafe or USB-C: how to tell?
MagSafe 1 (2006-2012)
A magnetic “T” or “L” shaped tip, on MacBook and MacBook Pro models before 2012. 45, 60 and 85 W.
MagSafe 2 (2012-2017)
A thinner, wider magnetic tip. MacBook Air 2012-2017 and MacBook Pro Retina. 45, 60 and 85 W.
USB-C (2015-2021)
A reversible plug with a detachable cable. From the 12-inch MacBook to the 2016-2021 MacBook Pro. 29 to 96 W.
MagSafe 3 (since 2021)
The magnet is back on the 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro and recent MacBook Air. The brick stays USB-C: only the cable changes, 67 to 140 W.
More powerful, less powerful: what really happens
More powerful
Perfectly safe. A 96 W charger on a MacBook Air that asks for 30 W will not damage it: the Mac decides what it draws. It is even handy if you own several Macs.
Less powerful
The Mac charges, but slowly. Under a heavy workload it may even lose charge while plugged in. Fine as a stopgap, not for daily use.
67 W or 70 W
The same thing in practice. Apple replaced the 67 W with the 70 W without changing which models it fits.
29 W or 30 W
Same again: the 30 W succeeded the 29 W. Both suit the 12-inch MacBook and the MacBook Air.
Genuine or compatible?
Genuine Apple
The benchmark: same brick, same safety, same charging behaviour. This is what we recommend for daily use and for recent models.
Compatible
Cheaper, useful as a second charger or for an older Mac. Every compatible charger we sell is tested before shipping and carries the same 2-year warranty as a genuine one.
Common belief
“A more powerful charger damages the battery”
False. The advertised wattage is a maximum available, not a wattage forced on the Mac. What really harms a Mac is a non-compliant brick with no regulation or safety circuit: a genuine charger, or a tested compatible one, does not have that problem.
If you remember one thing
Use your model's original wattage, or higher. Never lower for daily use.
MacBook charger: your questions
What wattage charger does my MacBook need?
The original one for your model: 30 W for most MacBook Air models, 61 or 67 W for 13-inch MacBook Pro models, 87 or 96 W for Intel 15 and 16-inch models, 140 W for recent 16-inch MacBook Pro models. The table above gives the wattage for each A number.
Can I use a more powerful charger?
Yes, with no risk. The Mac only draws what it needs. A more powerful charger simply charges faster if the Mac supports fast charging.
Can a weaker charger damage my Mac?
No, but charging will be slow and, under heavy use, the battery may keep draining while plugged in. Keep it for emergencies.
67 W or 70 W, what is the difference?
None in practice. Apple replaced the 67 W with the 70 W; both fit the same MacBook models.
Genuine Apple charger or compatible one?
Genuine for daily use and recent models; compatible, tested and covered by a 2-year warranty, as a second charger or for an older Mac.
My MacBook no longer charges, is it the charger?
Not necessarily: charging is a chain (charger, cable, connector, battery, logic board). Our guide “MacBook not charging” walks you through each link in the right order.
Charger · MacBook that won't charge: causes and solutions · Finding your Mac's model number (A####)
