What Charger Do I Need For My MacBook?

Lost your charger, broken it, or bought a new Mac that shipped without one? Every MacBook falls into one of four power-adapter types and a handful of wattages — find your exact model in the tables below and you will know precisely which charger to buy.

Section 01The four generations of MacBook charger

An incompatible charger from the wrong generation simply will not connect — the plug is a different shape. So the first job is to know which of the four families your MacBook belongs to.

Since the original MacBook in 2006, Apple has moved through four power-adapter forms: MagSafe (the first magnetic connector, in T-shape then L-shape), MagSafe 2 (a slimmer magnetic connector), USB-C (a universal reversible port) and the current MagSafe 3. Crucially, every Mac that uses MagSafe 3 can also be charged over USB-C, which is why a modern USB-C adapter is the most flexible charger you can own.

Power adapter	Years in use	Connector
MagSafe (Version 1 — T-shape, then L-shape)	2006–2012
MagSafe 2	2012–2017
USB-C	2015–2021
MagSafe 3	2021–present

Want the backstory on the magnetic connector that has bookended this whole timeline? We cover it in our guide to the history of MagSafe charging.

Section 02How to identify your MacBook

Before buying a replacement, confirm exactly which MacBook you have. There are two reliable ways to do it — one if the machine still turns on, one if it does not.

If your Mac still turns on: About This Mac

Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen and choose About This Mac. The overview shows your model name and year — for example, “MacBook Air (13-inch, M2, 2022)”.

For the precise hardware identifiers, click More Info, scroll to the bottom and open System Report. Under Hardware Overview you will find the Model Identifier (for example, Mac14,2) and Model Number (for example, A2681) used in the tables below.

If your Mac will not boot: the serial number

If the machine is dead, you can still identify it from the 11-character serial number printed on the underside. Enter it into Apple’s Check Coverage tool and it will name your exact model.

Once you know your model, find it in the matching table below.

Section 03Which MacBook Air charger do I need?

Find your MacBook Air by model number or identifier, then read across to the correct Apple power adapter.

Section 04Which MacBook Pro charger do I need?

The MacBook Pro spans the widest range of wattages, from 60W on the older 13-inch models to 140W on the 16-inch. Higher-power models will charge from a lower-wattage USB-C adapter, just more slowly — so for fast charging, match the wattage in the table.

Section 05Which MacBook (and 12-inch) charger do I need?

The plain “MacBook” name covers the original white and aluminium models, the slimline 12-inch Retina MacBook, and — as of 2026 — the budget MacBook Neo. The 12-inch was the first Mac to charge over USB-C, using a 29W adapter. The Neo also charges over USB-C, on the smallest adapter of any Mac at just 20W — and note it has no MagSafe at all, so a magnetic charger will not fit it.

Section 06Frequently asked questions

Do I need to buy an official Apple charger?

An official Apple USB-C adapter is the safest way to guarantee the right voltage and wattage for your MacBook. Third-party chargers are fine if you buy from a reputable brand — Anker, for example, makes MacBook-compatible adapters that are often cheaper than Apple’s. Avoid unbranded chargers, which can deliver inconsistent power.

Why doesn’t my MacBook come with a charger?

Under the EU Radio Equipment Directive (2022/2380), customers in Europe must be offered devices without a charger, a rule designed to cut electronic waste. We explain the full picture in our article on why the M5 MacBook Pro no longer ships with a power adapter in the UK and EU.

What is MagSafe?

MagSafe is Apple’s magnetic charging connector, launched in 2006. The name combines “magnet” and “safe”: the magnetic attachment holds firmly but releases cleanly if someone trips over the cable, so the laptop is not dragged off the desk. It returned as MagSafe 3 in 2021 after a USB-C-only spell.

Why did Apple introduce USB-C charging?

USB-C arrived on the 12-inch MacBook in 2015. Apple adopted it for its versatility — a single reversible port that handles power, data transfer and video output at once.

Can I change the plug type on an Apple charger?

Yes. The mains plug, known as the “duckhead”, detaches from the adapter so you can swap in the plug for your region. Apple’s World Travel Adapter Kit includes seven of the most common AC plugs. On USB-C adapters you can also swap between a MagSafe 3 cable and a USB-C cable without unplugging the adapter from the wall.

Can I charge a MacBook with a different wattage?

If your MacBook charges over USB-C, you can use any Apple USB-C adapter. For full-speed charging, use one rated at or above the wattage that shipped with your Mac — a higher-wattage adapter is safe and simply charges faster up to the limit your Mac accepts. A lower-wattage adapter still works, but charges slowly and may not keep up under heavy load.

I’ve replaced the charger and my MacBook still won’t boot — what now?

A few things could be at play: the charger may be the wrong one for your model, or there may be an underlying hardware fault. Check the tables above to confirm compatibility first. If the Mac still will not charge, contact an Apple-authorised repair centre — you can find your nearest one using Apple’s repair locator.