Use and cleaning of power adapter with MagSafe connector
Summary
The power adapter with MagSafe connector that comes with your Apple portable uses a magnetic connection instead of a physical plug. This means that tripping over a power cord won't send your computer flying off the table or desk; the cord simply breaks cleanly away, without damage to either the cord or the computer.
The power adapter with MagSafe uses an LED to indicate when the battery is charging and when the battery is full. As with earlier power adapters, the LED on the DC connector will turn amber when the battery is charging and green when the battery is fully charged.
Products Affected
MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air
If the power adapter doesn't light up at all when it's plugged into the computer and you know the adapter is connected to a known good power source, check to see if:
- any pin is stuck down or bent (see below)
- any of the five contacts are dirty or there are pieces of magnetic debris, such as metal particles, preventing contact (see below).
To clean the DC plug on either the computer or the power adapter, disconnect the adapter from the wall outlet. Remove debris gently with a cotton swab or a soft bristle toothbrush which provides the strength, flexibility and precision to do this job. Be careful not to get any cotton fibers stuck in the pin receptacle.
If you find that a sense pin is stuck down, try unplugging and replugging the adapter. The pins move and should reset themselves to a neutral position. If you find that a pin isn't resetting itself, disconnect the adapter from the wall outlet and gently press the pin sideways using a fingertip or other soft (non-scratching) surface to see if the pin will reset itself. If the pin will not reset, contact an Apple Retail Store or Apple-Authorized Service Provider for assistance.
The power adapter port contains a magnet that could erase data on a credit card or other magnetic device, if it gets too close. In order to preserve and protect your data, Apple recommends that you keep magnetic media away from the power adapter port.
Should the above steps not resolve your power issue with the MagSafe adapter, please refer to Portable Computers: Troubleshooting power adapters for further assistance.
Additional Information
For additional information on using your MagSafe adapter, please refer to Apple Portables: Reducing cable strain on your MagSafe power adapter and Apple Portables: How to disconnect the MagSafe power adapter.