Learn what cables and power adapters you need to fast charge your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro from zero to fifty percent battery in around thirty minutes.
You can change via either MagSafe or USB-C | Image: TheRegisti/Unsplash
Fast charging requires that devices, cables and power adapters be compatible with the USB Power Delivery protocol. Thanks to Power Delivery, devices negotiate power requirements to protect against overcharging, fire hazards and other issues.
Follow along with us as we explore what you need to fast-charge any 2022 or later MacBook Air or the 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro introduced in 2021 or later.
How to fast charge your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro
With the appropriate power adapter and charging cable supporting the required wattage connected to your Mac, you can quickly charge your battery up to fifty percent in around thirty minutes, as per Apple’s support document.
How to fast-charge any 2022 or later MacBook Air
The following combinations of power sources and cables will permit you to fast-charge any MacBook Air laptop manufactured in 2022 or later.
- Apple 140W USB-C power adapter + Apple USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable or compatible third-party USB-C charge cable
- Apple 96W USB-C power adapter + Apple USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable or compatible third-party USB-C charge cable
- Apple 70W USB-C power adapter + Apple USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable or compatible third-party USB-C charge cable
- Apple 67W USB-C power adapter + Apple USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable or compatible third-party USB-C charge cable (13.6-inch M2 MacBook Air only)
- Apple Studio Display + Thunderbolt cable
- Apple Pro Display XDR + Thunderbolt 3 cable
- External third-party display capable of delivering 85W + Thunderbolt 3 cable or compatible third-party USB-C cable
How to fast charge your 2021 or later 14-inch MacBook Pro
The following power adapters, cables and displays are confirmed to fast-charge any 14-inch MacBook Pro manufactured in 2021 or later.
- Apple 140W USB-C power adapter + USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable or compatible third-party USB-C charge cable
- Apple 96W USB-C power adapter + USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable or compatible third-party USB-C charge cable
- Apple Studio Display + Thunderbolt cable
- Apple Pro Display XDR + Thunderbolt 3 cable
- External third-party display capable of delivering 94W + Thunderbolt 3 cable or compatible third-party USB-C cable
How to fast charge your 2021 or later 16-inch MacBook Pro
The following power adapters, cables and displays can fast-charge any 16-inch MacBook Pro manufactured in 2021 or later.
- Apple 140W USB-C power adapter + USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable
- Apple 140W USB-C power adapter + 2-meter 240W USB-C charge cable for 16-inch MacBook Pro (November 2023) only
Do I need to use Apple’s chargers and cables?
No. Just because Apple recommends its own power adapters and cables doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider third-party power adapters and charging cables. If using one of Apple’s chargers, confirm it’s the right type on Apple’s website.
If your Mac has both MagSafe 3 and USB-C ports, either can be used to charge its battery. The Mac charges over one port at a time, so don’t bother plugging in additional chargers because doing so won’t charge the computer faster.
Macs that can charge via USB-C:
- MacBook Pro introduced in 2016 or later
- MacBook Air introduced in 2018 or later
- MacBook introduced in 2015 or later
Shopping links for Apple chargers and cables:
- 140W Apple USB-C Power Adapter ($99)
- 96W USB-C Power Adapter ($79)
- 70W Apple USB-C Power Adapter ($59)
- 60W 1-meter Apple USB-C Charge Cable ($19)
- 240W 2-meter Apple USB-C Charge Cable ($29)
About third-party chargers and cables
Multi-port chargers share power across ports | Image: Christian Zibreg / iDB
If using a third-party power adapter, ensure it’s compatible with Power Delivery. One thing of note regarding multi-port chargers like Ugreen’s compact Nexode 300W power adapter: Total power output is shared across all of the available ports. Double-check that your multi-port charger puts out enough power through a single port.
With each new device plugged in, a multi-port charger will redistribute power distribution across ports. If your Mac stops charging or doesn’t seem to fast-charge, unplug all other devices from your multi-port charger. Needless to say, a separate power adapter is not required when charging via the connected display.
Also, your third-party cable must support the required wattage, so shop carefully.
To help with that, check out our roundup of the best USB-C cables for the iPhone 15 that can also fast charge your laptop. Some of the trusted brands worth checking out include Ugreen, Mophie, Nomad, Satechi, RavPower, Belkin and more.