How To Tell If Your MacBook Has A MagSafe Charging Port

Modern gadgets primarily rely on rechargeable batteries, and currently, most devices use USB-C ports for this task. However, it isn't the only game in town. Apple brought back MagSafe charging after it was discontinued, so some owners might be understandably confused as to whether their MacBook comes with the charging system.

In order to locate your computer's MagSafe charging port (assuming it has one), look at the left side of the laptop's case, near the "Esc" key. You should find a longish, rounded rectangle port (USB-C ports are more of a flat oval). If you see this port, you have found your MagSafe port. Just slot in the included MagSafe cable and either plug the USB-C end into a power adapter (and then plug that into a wall outlet) or another powered USB-C port, and you should begin charging.

As its name suggests, MagSafe uses magnets to maintain a secure connection without plugging a connector deep into a MacBook. It's not particularly prone to falling out, but it is still easy to attach and detach. However, due to the gap in production times, not all MacBooks include the port. Currently, Apple uses MagSafe 3, which is only compatible with 2022 MacBook Airs or later or 2021 MacBook Pros or later (and the 2022 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro or later). Anything made prior to these dates either won't have MagSafe ports or runs on MagSafe or MagSafe 2 technology, which is incompatible with modern MagSafe cables. Oh, and MacBook Neo laptops do not have MagSafe ports, so don't bother looking if you have one.

For the most part, charging with a MagSafe cable versus charging with a USB-C cable is apples and oranges. Modern MacBooks can fast charge using either method, although you shouldn't rely on fast charging too much, as like with Android phones, regular charging puts less stress on the battery. The only true difference between MagSafe and USB-C charging is a matter of convenience.

The main advantage of the MagSafe port is that it is only used for charging. This design might decrease its potential uses, but charging by MagSafe frees up your MacBook's USB-C ports for other uses. Maybe you want to connect a wired peripheral (e.g., a keyboard) while your MacBook is charging. Or you can plug your Apple AirPods case into your MacBook and charge two devices with one outlet. Plus, the MagSafe port comes with a handy status LED that lets you know when your laptop is fully charged.

Alternatively, charging by USB-C is easy since these ports and cables are universal by design (it's in the name). If you are going on a trip and want to save space in your bags, just pack a single USB-C cable and the requisite power adapters, and you will be able to charge all your devices with that one wire — albeit one at a time. Plus, If you misplace your charging cable, you can walk into almost any electronics store and buy one. Just keep in mind that unless you spend a little extra money on a quality USB-C cable that is best for your particular device, it won't support fast charging speeds for your MacBook (or any other devices with the feature, for that matter).