Choosing the right charger for your MacBook Pro can feel like navigating a minefield of wattage, voltage, and compatibility. One of the most common questions that surfaces is whether an 85W charger can be safely used with a MacBook Pro, especially if the original charger was a lower wattage. Let’s unpack this question and explore the nuances involved.
Understanding Power Delivery And Wattage
Wattage is the measure of electrical power. It’s calculated by multiplying voltage by amperage (Watts = Volts x Amps). Think of wattage as the “size” of the electrical pipe, dictating how much power can flow through it. Your MacBook Pro requires a certain amount of power to operate efficiently and charge its battery.
MacBooks are designed with sophisticated power management systems. These systems regulate the charging process, ensuring that the battery receives the appropriate amount of power without being overloaded. This is a crucial safety feature.
Using a charger with a higher wattage than required generally won’t damage your MacBook Pro. The device will only draw the power it needs. It’s like having a large water pipe connected to a smaller tap; the tap only lets through as much water as it needs.
Compatibility: Is The 85W Charger A Good Fit?
The answer to whether an 85W charger is suitable depends on which MacBook Pro model you have. Generally, an 85W charger is compatible with older 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro models that originally shipped with an 85W charger. However, the situation becomes more complex with newer models and smaller MacBook Pro variants.
Older 15-inch And 17-inch MacBook Pro Models
If your older 15-inch or 17-inch MacBook Pro originally came with an 85W charger, then using another 85W charger is perfectly acceptable. These models were designed to draw that much power when needed, especially during intensive tasks like video editing or gaming.
Using a genuine Apple 85W charger or a high-quality, reputable third-party 85W charger that adheres to Apple’s power delivery specifications is always recommended. This ensures proper voltage regulation and prevents potential damage to your MacBook Pro’s battery or internal components.
Newer MacBook Pro Models (13-inch And 16-inch)
For newer MacBook Pro models, particularly the 13-inch and 16-inch versions, the compatibility picture is more nuanced.
The 13-inch MacBook Pro typically comes with a 61W USB-C power adapter. While using an 85W charger won’t damage the 13-inch model, it won’t necessarily charge it faster. The MacBook Pro’s power management system will limit the amount of power it draws to what it needs, negating the potential benefit of the higher wattage.
The 16-inch MacBook Pro comes standard with a 96W USB-C power adapter. Using an 85W charger with the 16-inch model is possible, but it might not be ideal. The MacBook Pro might charge slower, especially when under heavy load, and in some cases, it might even discharge slightly if the power demand exceeds what the 85W charger can provide.
USB-C Power Delivery (PD) Protocol
Most modern MacBooks utilize the USB-C Power Delivery (PD) protocol. This protocol allows devices to communicate and negotiate the optimal voltage and amperage for charging. A USB-C PD charger can deliver different levels of power depending on the device it’s connected to.
When using a USB-C PD charger, the MacBook Pro will communicate with the charger and request the appropriate amount of power. This intelligent communication ensures safe and efficient charging.
Potential Benefits And Drawbacks Of Using A Higher Wattage Charger
Using a higher wattage charger, like an 85W charger, can offer some advantages, but also some potential drawbacks.
Potential Benefits
- Versatility: An 85W charger can be used to charge other devices that require less power, such as iPhones, iPads, or other USB-C powered devices. This can reduce the number of chargers you need to carry around.
- Future-Proofing: If you plan to upgrade to a more powerful MacBook Pro in the future, having an 85W charger already on hand can be convenient.
Potential Drawbacks
- Size and Weight: 85W chargers are generally larger and heavier than lower wattage chargers. This can be a disadvantage if you prioritize portability.
- Unnecessary Cost: If you only need to charge a 13-inch MacBook Pro, buying an 85W charger might be an unnecessary expense, as you won’t be utilizing its full potential.
- Slower Charging in Specific Cases: For a 16 inch MacBook Pro under heavy load, using an 85W charger could cause slower charging or even a slight discharge.
Choosing The Right Charger: Key Considerations
When choosing a charger for your MacBook Pro, consider the following factors:
- MacBook Pro Model: Identify the specific model of your MacBook Pro and its original charger specifications.
- Wattage Requirements: Determine the optimal wattage for your MacBook Pro. Using a charger with the recommended wattage ensures efficient charging and avoids potential issues.
- USB-C Power Delivery (PD): Ensure the charger supports USB-C PD for optimal compatibility and intelligent power delivery.
- Brand and Quality: Opt for a reputable brand and a high-quality charger to ensure safety and reliability. Genuine Apple chargers are a safe bet, but there are also several reputable third-party options available.
- Safety Certifications: Look for chargers with safety certifications from recognized organizations. This indicates that the charger has been tested and meets safety standards.
Third-Party Charger Alternatives
While Apple’s chargers are generally reliable, there are also many third-party chargers that offer comparable performance and features. When choosing a third-party charger, do your research and read reviews to ensure it’s a reputable brand and that the charger meets safety standards.
Some reputable third-party charger brands include Anker, Belkin, and RAVPower. These brands offer a wide range of USB-C PD chargers with various wattage options.
When purchasing a third-party charger, pay close attention to the specifications and ensure that it’s compatible with your MacBook Pro. Look for chargers that are specifically designed for MacBooks and that support USB-C PD.
Safety Precautions When Using Any Charger
Regardless of whether you’re using an Apple charger or a third-party charger, it’s important to take certain safety precautions:
- Avoid Overheating: Do not cover the charger while it’s in use, as this can cause it to overheat. Ensure that the charger has adequate ventilation.
- Check for Damage: Regularly inspect the charger and cable for any signs of damage, such as frayed wires or cracked housings. If you notice any damage, stop using the charger immediately.
- Use the Correct Voltage: Ensure that the charger is compatible with the voltage in your region. Using a charger with the wrong voltage can damage your MacBook Pro or pose a safety hazard.
- Keep Away from Moisture: Keep the charger and cable away from water and other liquids. Moisture can cause electrical shorts and damage the charger.
- Unplug When Not in Use: When you’re not using the charger, unplug it from the wall outlet. This not only saves energy but also reduces the risk of electrical hazards.
Conclusion: The 85W Charger Verdict
So, can you use an 85W charger for your MacBook Pro? The answer, as we’ve seen, is conditional.
For older 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro models designed for 85W charging, using an 85W charger is perfectly safe and appropriate.
For newer models, specifically the 13-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, the situation is more nuanced. While an 85W charger won’t harm these models, it might not provide optimal charging performance. A 13-inch model won’t charge faster, and a 16-inch model might experience slower charging, especially under heavy load.
Ultimately, choosing the right charger for your MacBook Pro involves considering your specific model, its power requirements, and your charging needs. Opting for a charger with the recommended wattage and USB-C PD support ensures safe, efficient, and reliable charging.
Remember to prioritize safety by choosing reputable brands, checking for safety certifications, and following basic safety precautions when using any charger. By taking these factors into consideration, you can ensure that your MacBook Pro stays powered up and ready to go whenever you need it.
Can I Use An 85W Charger With My Smaller MacBook Pro, Like A 13-inch Model Designed For A 60W Or 61W Charger?
Yes, you can safely use an 85W charger with a smaller MacBook Pro that is designed for a lower wattage charger. Your MacBook Pro will only draw the amount of power it needs from the charger. Think of it like plugging a lamp into a circuit that can provide more amperage than the lamp requires. The lamp will only use the amperage it needs, and the excess capacity of the circuit doesn’t harm it.
Your MacBook Pro has built-in power management circuitry that intelligently regulates the charging process. This ensures that the device receives the appropriate voltage and current, preventing any overcharging or damage to the battery or internal components. Using a higher wattage charger will simply allow your MacBook Pro to charge at its maximum supported rate without forcing it to draw more power than it can handle.
Will Using An 85W Charger Charge My Lower-wattage MacBook Pro Faster?
Potentially, yes, using an 85W charger might charge your lower-wattage MacBook Pro faster, but only up to its maximum supported charging rate. Your MacBook Pro is designed with a specific charging profile that dictates how quickly it can accept power. If the charger provides more power than the device can handle, it won’t force the device to charge faster than it’s designed to.
However, if your MacBook Pro’s maximum charging rate is close to the lower wattage charger’s output (e.g., a 60W MacBook Pro charged with a 61W charger), then using an 85W charger could indeed lead to a slightly faster charging time, especially when the battery is low. The difference might not be significant, but it could shave off some charging time. The primary benefit lies in the charger’s capacity, allowing for a potentially higher charging rate when the MacBook Pro demands it.
Is It Safe To Use An 85W Charger With My IPhone Or IPad?
While technically possible with the correct adapter (USB-C to Lightning or USB-C to USB-C for newer iPads), using an 85W charger with your iPhone or iPad is generally not recommended for long-term battery health. Modern iPhones and iPads have sophisticated power management systems, but consistently charging them with a much higher wattage charger could potentially accelerate battery degradation over time.
Apple recommends using the chargers that come with your devices or chargers specifically designed for iPhones and iPads, which typically range from 5W to 20W. While a short, occasional charge with an 85W charger might not cause immediate harm, prolonged and repeated use could lead to faster battery aging and reduced overall battery lifespan. It’s best to stick with lower wattage chargers for your smaller devices for optimal battery health.
What Are The Risks Of Using A Charger That’s *lower* Wattage Than Recommended For My MacBook Pro?
Using a charger with a lower wattage than recommended for your MacBook Pro can lead to several issues. The most noticeable effect will be significantly slower charging times. Your MacBook Pro is designed to draw a specific amount of power for optimal performance and charging, and a lower wattage charger simply won’t be able to supply enough power to meet those demands efficiently.
In some cases, your MacBook Pro might not charge at all while in use, or it might even discharge despite being plugged in. This is especially true when running demanding applications or tasks that require significant processing power. Furthermore, the lower wattage charger could overheat as it strains to provide the necessary power, potentially damaging the charger itself or even posing a safety risk.
Will Using An 85W Charger From A Different Brand (not Apple) Damage My MacBook Pro?
Not necessarily, but the key is to ensure the third-party 85W charger is reputable and meets industry safety standards. Look for chargers that are certified by recognized organizations like UL, CE, or FCC. These certifications indicate that the charger has undergone rigorous testing and meets specific safety and performance criteria.
A high-quality, certified third-party charger should function similarly to an Apple-branded charger, providing the correct voltage and current to your MacBook Pro without causing damage. However, using cheap, uncertified chargers from unknown brands can be risky. These chargers might not have the necessary safety features to protect against overvoltage, overcurrent, or overheating, potentially damaging your MacBook Pro’s battery or other internal components.
How Can I Tell If My MacBook Pro Is Drawing The Correct Amount Of Power From The Charger?
Unfortunately, macOS doesn’t provide a built-in, straightforward way to directly monitor the wattage being drawn from the charger. However, there are a few indirect methods you can use to get an idea of whether your MacBook Pro is charging properly. One method is to monitor the battery percentage and charging speed over time. If the battery is charging significantly slower than usual or not charging at all while plugged in, it could indicate an issue with the charger or the MacBook Pro’s power management system.
Another approach involves using third-party apps designed to monitor system performance and battery health. Some of these apps can provide more detailed information about charging status, including estimated charging time and battery health metrics. While these apps might not directly display the wattage being drawn, they can offer insights into whether the charging process is proceeding as expected.
What Should I Do If My 85W Charger Stops Working With My MacBook Pro?
First, try a process of elimination to identify the source of the problem. Try a different power outlet to rule out an issue with the outlet itself. Also, inspect the charger cable and the connector for any signs of physical damage, such as frayed wires or bent pins. If you have access to another MacBook Pro or USB-C charging device, try using the charger with that device to see if it works.
If the charger still doesn’t work, the problem likely lies within the charger itself. If your charger is still under warranty, contact Apple or the manufacturer for a replacement or repair. If the warranty has expired, consider purchasing a new charger. Be sure to choose a reputable brand and ensure the charger meets the power requirements of your MacBook Pro.