• Battery
  • Charging

MacBook charging slowly: the four usual causes

Why a MacBook charges slowly: low watt charger, weak cable, heavy use, heat or Optimized Battery Charging, and how to check each.

4 min read

Why is my MacBook charging so slowly?

Usually one of four: a lower watt charger than the Mac came with, a cable that cannot carry full power, heavy use while charging, or a warm battery that macOS charges slowly to protect.

How do I check the charger and cable?

pmset -g adapter

A figure well below your original adapter means the brick or cable is limiting it: MacBook charger wattage.

Can macOS slow charging on purpose?

Yes. Optimized Battery Charging holds at 80 percent, and charging slows near full and when the battery is warm. Charge to Full Now in the battery menu skips the hold.

Common questions

Why is my MacBook charging slow with the original charger?

Heavy use while charging, a warm battery, or Optimized Battery Charging holding near 80 percent.

Does a USB-C hub slow charging?

Often. Many hubs pass through less power than the original adapter supplies.

Read next