How to Charge Your MacBook Without the Original Charger

What you can use instead of an Apple charger

You can charge a MacBook with any USB-C power adapter that meets or exceeds your model's wattage requirement. Most modern MacBooks use USB-C, which is the same connector found on Android phones, tablets, and many laptops. The key is matching the power output: a 13-inch MacBook Air needs at least 30 watts, while a 16-inch MacBook Pro needs 96 watts or more.

Third-party USB-C chargers from brands like Anker, Belkin, and Nekteck work reliably if they're rated for the right wattage. You can also use chargers from other laptops — a Dell, Lenovo, or HP charger with USB-C will work as long as it delivers enough power. Older MacBooks with MagSafe connectors (the magnetic charging port) cannot use USB-C chargers without an adapter.

The charger does not have to be made by Apple, but it does have to be a real USB-C power adapter, not a phone charger. A 5-watt phone charger will charge your MacBook extremely slowly or not at all while the laptop is in use.

Key Takeaways

Any USB-C power adapter rated for your MacBook's wattage will charge it — you do not need an Apple charger specifically.
A 13-inch MacBook Air needs at least 30 watts; a 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro needs 96 watts or higher.
Chargers from other laptops, tablets, and third-party brands work if they have USB-C and meet the wattage requirement.
Older MacBooks with MagSafe ports require a MagSafe adapter or the original charger — USB-C chargers will not fit.
Using a charger with lower wattage than recommended will charge slowly or not at all while you use the MacBook.

Finding the right wattage for your MacBook model

The wattage you need depends on your MacBook's size and year. Check your MacBook's specifications by clicking the Apple menu, selecting "About This Mac," and looking at the model name. A 13-inch MacBook Air from 2022 or later needs 30 watts. A 14-inch MacBook Pro needs 67 watts minimum, and a 16-inch MacBook Pro needs 96 watts.

If you use a charger with lower wattage than recommended, your MacBook will charge very slowly or not charge at all while you are working on it. A 30-watt charger on a 16-inch MacBook Pro will charge only when the laptop is asleep. Using a charger with higher wattage than your MacBook needs is safe — the MacBook will only draw the power it requires.

You can find your exact charger wattage requirement by looking at the original Apple charger. The wattage is printed on the brick itself, usually on a label that says "Output" or "Max Output."

USB-C power banks and portable chargers

A USB-C power bank can charge your MacBook if it has enough capacity and output wattage. Most phone-sized power banks output only 5 to 18 watts, which is too low. You need a power bank rated for at least 30 watts output and a capacity of 20,000 mAh or higher to charge a MacBook meaningfully.

Larger USB-C power banks from brands like Anker, Baseus, and Omni Port are designed for laptops and typically output 45 to 65 watts. These will charge a 13-inch MacBook Air or smaller MacBook Pro, but they will not fully charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro because that model needs 96 watts. A power bank is useful as a backup for a few hours of work, not as a permanent replacement for a wall charger.

When shopping for a power bank, look for the output wattage clearly listed in the specifications, not just the total capacity. A 25,000 mAh power bank with only 18 watts output will charge your MacBook very slowly.

Using USB-C hubs and docking stations

Some USB-C hubs and docking stations include a power delivery port that can charge your MacBook while you use other ports for monitors, keyboards, or external drives. The hub itself must support USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) at the wattage your MacBook needs. A hub that supports only 30 watts will not charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro adequately.

When you plug a USB-C hub into your MacBook, you connect the hub's USB-C cable to your MacBook's port, and then plug a power adapter into the hub's power input. The hub passes power through to your MacBook while also providing other connections. Not all hubs do this — check the product description to confirm it supports power delivery and lists the wattage.

Hubs are convenient if you already have a desk setup, but they add an extra step and another cable. If you are traveling or need to charge quickly, a direct USB-C charger is simpler.

MagSafe chargers for older MacBooks

If your MacBook has a round magnetic charging port (MagSafe), it cannot use USB-C chargers. MagSafe was Apple's standard from 2006 to 2015 and returned in 2021 on newer MacBook Pro models. The 2021 and later MacBook Pro models with MagSafe can use USB-C chargers as a backup, but they charge faster with a MagSafe adapter.

For older MacBooks with MagSafe, you need either the original Apple MagSafe charger or a third-party MagSafe replacement. These are harder to find than USB-C chargers because MagSafe is no longer common. You can find third-party MagSafe chargers on Amazon or eBay, but verify the wattage matches your model before buying.

If you have a 2015 or earlier MacBook Pro with MagSafe and cannot find a replacement charger, your only option is to buy a used original Apple charger or contact Apple about purchasing a replacement.

What to avoid when charging without the original charger

Do not use a phone charger, even if it has USB-C. Phone chargers typically output 5 to 25 watts, which is far below what a MacBook needs. Your MacBook may show a "Not Charging" message or charge so slowly that the battery drains while you work.

Avoid chargers without clear wattage labeling or from unknown brands with no reviews. A charger that does not meet USB Power Delivery standards may damage your MacBook's battery or charging port over time. Stick to established brands like Anker, Belkin, Nekteck, or other chargers that clearly state their wattage and USB-PD certification.

Do not assume that a charger works just because it fits the port. USB-C is a standard connector, but not all USB-C chargers deliver enough power. Always check the wattage before plugging in.

Temporary solutions if you have no charger at all

If your MacBook battery is nearly empty and you have no charger available, put your MacBook to sleep when ready. A sleeping MacBook uses almost no power and can hold a charge for weeks. This buys you time to find or borrow a charger.

If you are at work, school, or a library, ask if anyone has a USB-C charger you can borrow. Many people carry USB-C chargers for phones and tablets, and if the wattage is at least 30 watts, it will charge your MacBook. If you are at home, check if you have any other USB-C devices — tablets, newer phones, or other laptops — and try their chargers.

As a last resort, you can visit an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider and ask to borrow a charger while you shop or wait. Some locations will let you charge your MacBook at a table while you are there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge my MacBook with a phone charger?

A phone charger with USB-C may physically fit, but it will not charge your MacBook effectively. Phone chargers output 5 to 25 watts, while MacBooks need 30 watts or more. Your MacBook will show "Not Charging" or charge extremely slowly, if at all.

Will using a higher-wattage charger damage my MacBook?

No. Your MacBook will only draw the power it needs, regardless of the charger's maximum output. A 96-watt charger on a 13-inch MacBook Air is safe — the MacBook will use only 30 watts.

Can I charge my MacBook with a charger from another laptop?

Yes, if the other laptop's charger has USB-C and outputs at least as much wattage as your MacBook needs. A Dell or Lenovo USB-C charger rated for 65 watts will charge a 13-inch MacBook Air or 14-inch MacBook Pro without problems.

What if my MacBook says "Not Charging" when I plug in a USB-C charger?

The charger likely does not output enough wattage. Check the wattage printed on the charger itself. If it is below 30 watts, try a different charger. If the wattage is correct, the charger may be faulty or the charging port may have a problem.

Do I need to buy an Apple charger, or can I use any brand?

You do not need an Apple charger. Any USB-C charger from a reputable brand that meets your MacBook's wattage requirement will work. Anker, Belkin, and Nekteck are reliable alternatives that cost less than Apple chargers.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.