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13/11/2026

Maintaining Your MacBook Battery: How to Extend Its Lifespan

Which MacBook charger do you need?

Updated on 13 November 2026

Charger lost, broken or not in the box? Every recent MacBook charges via USB-C, so you don't need an original Apple adapter. The wattage does matter. Here is which charger you need per model.

The short answer

  • MacBook Air: a 30 to 35 W USB-C charger is enough; 65–70 W charges faster.
  • MacBook Pro 14": at least 70 W, 96 W with a Pro or Max chip.
  • MacBook Pro 16": 140 W for full speed; a lighter charger works, but slower.
  • Always: choose a charger with USB Power Delivery (USB-PD).

Which charger for which MacBook?

ModelPortRecommended power
MacBook Neo (2026)USB-C20–30 W
MacBook Air 13" with M1 (2020)USB-C30 W
MacBook Air 13" with M2, M3, M4 or M5MagSafe 3 or USB-C30–35 W (fast charging: 70 W)
MacBook Air 15"MagSafe 3 or USB-C35 W (fast charging: 70 W)
MacBook Pro 13" with M1 or M2USB-C61–67 W
MacBook Pro 14" (M1 Pro and later)MagSafe 3 or USB-C70 W; Pro and Max chips 96 W
MacBook Pro 16" (2021 and later)MagSafe 3 or USB-C140 W
MacBook Air with Intel (2018–2020)USB-C30 W
MacBook Pro 13" with Intel (2016–2020)USB-C61 W
MacBook Pro 15"/16" with Intel (2016–2019)USB-C87–96 W

Not sure which model you have? Choose Apple menu > About This Mac.

No more charger in the box

Since late 2025 Apple sells new MacBooks in Europe without a charger; only a cable is included. It started with the M5 MacBook Pro and since March 2026 also applies to the MacBook Air and MacBook Neo. A MacBook from iUsed always comes with a charger.

What to look for in another charger

  1. USB Power Delivery: without USB-PD a MacBook charges barely or not at all.
  2. Power per port: multi-port chargers share their power. Check what a single port delivers.
  3. More watts is always fine: a 96 W charger on a MacBook Air is safe; the MacBook only takes what it needs.
  4. Fewer watts works, but slowly: a 20 W iPhone charger can't keep up with a MacBook Pro under heavy load.
  5. The cable matters: above 60 W you need a USB-C cable rated for 100 W or 240 W.

MagSafe or USB-C?

If your MacBook has a MagSafe 3 port, you can choose. MagSafe pops off when someone trips over the cable and keeps your USB-C ports free. Charging via USB-C works just as well. For fast charging via MagSafe, use the USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable with a powerful enough charger.

Frequently asked questions

Can I charge my MacBook with my iPhone charger?

Yes, but slowly. A 20 W charger works for a MacBook Air or Neo with light use; a MacBook Pro barely charges with it.

Is a third-party charger safe?

Yes, if it has USB-PD and a CE mark. Choose a well-known brand and avoid cheap chargers without certification.

My MacBook won't charge. What now?

First try another cable, port and socket. If that doesn't help and you bought your MacBook from iUsed, report it via the repair form.

Looking for a new laptop? See our refurbished MacBooks with a 3-year warranty.