MagSafe is the charging technology that first became available with the iPhone 12. MagSafe is both a mounting and a charging system; it includes a magnetic component that is used to secure the iPhone to the MagSafe charger and to attach MagSafe accessories like cases. Some users have had trouble charging their iPhone with their MagSafe chargers. Users affected by these difficulties report that although their iPhone is connected to the MagSafe charger via the MagSafe magnet, their iPhone is not charging. In this article, we will give some troubleshooting tips to deal with MagSafe charging issues.
About MagSafe charger
The MagSafe Charger is designed to quickly and safely wirelessly charge your iPhone. The system intelligently adapts to conditions to optimize charging your iPhone at up to 25W of peak power delivery for faster wireless charging. The actual power delivered to the iPhone will vary depending on the iPhone model, wattage of the power adapter, and system conditions.
Apple recommends that you plug into a power source before placing your iPhone on the MagSafe Charger. According to Apple, this allows MagSafe to verify it’s safe to deliver maximum power. If you happen to place your iPhone on the MagSafe Charger before plugging into a power source, Apple states that you should remove your iPhone from the MagSafe Charger, wait three seconds, and then put it back on to resume maximum power delivery.
All power adapters have different ratings for amount and rate of power delivery. The MagSafe Charger requires the following ratings to deliver faster wireless charging.
Compatible power adapters and iPhone models for up to 25W faster wireless charging
- iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max
- 30W or greater power adapter
- 15V/2.0A or higher power adapter
- MagSafe Charger, noted on the device or its cable as part number A2580 or A3250
- Higher wattage adapters at or above 15V/2.0A will also deliver a maximum of up to 25W peak power to your iPhone.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro will achieve 22.5W peak power.
Compatible power adapters and iPhone models for up to 15W faster wireless charging
- iPhone 15 and earlier
- 20W or greater USB-C power adapter
- 9V/2.22A or 9V/2.56A or higher power adapter
- MagSafe Charger, noted on the device or its cable as part number A2140
- iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 12 mini can get up to 12W for faster wireless charging with at least 9V/2.03A
- Higher wattage adapters at or above 9V/2.56A will also deliver a maximum of up to 15W peak power to your iPhone*
iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 12 mini, the MagSafe Charger delivers up to 12W of peak power delivery. When Lightning accessories such as headphones are connected, charging is limited to 7.5W to comply with regulatory standards.
*The MagSafe Charger will also function with power adapters that provide a minimum 12W (5V/2.4A) of power, but this will result in slower charging.
iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13, or iPhone 12 models can charge with MagSafe Charger.
Set up your MagSafe Charger
- Connect the USB-C connector on your MagSafe Charger to a recommended 20 watt (W) or greater Apple USB-C power adapter or compatible third-party USB-C adapter. You can also connect to a USB-C port on a Mac or PC.
- Place your MagSafe Charger face up on a flat surface, clear of any metal objects or other foreign material.
- Place your iPhone on your MagSafe Charger.
How to Fix MagSafe charger that’s not working
Make sure your iPhone supports MagSafe charging
The MagSafe Charger is designed for faster and most efficient charging with Apple MagSafe accessories and these iPhone models:
- iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16
- iPhone 15 models
- iPhone 14 models
- iPhone 13 models
- iPhone 12 models
Update to the Latest iOS version
Updating to the latest iOS version solved the problem for me. If your iPhone is not running the latest iOS, you should update. Here’s how:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
- Install any available updates.
Force Restart
Many users have reported that a force restart resolved the issue for them. Here’s how to force restart your iPhone:
- Quickly press and release the volume up button.
- Quickly press and release the volume down button.
- Press and hold the Side button.
- When the Apple logo appears, release the Side button.
Check Your Charging Adapter
A MagSafe charger should be connected to a 20W or greater USB-C power adapter. If you are having trouble, try plugging into another adapter.
Check the MagSafe Charger
You will want to know if the problem is with your charger. Try charging a different wireless device with your charger. Of course it would be best to test with an iPhone model similar to yours, but any iPhone model that support MagSafe can at least test that the MagSafe charger can function as a standard wireless charger.
Check your iPhone’s wireless charging ability
Try to charge your iPhone using another wireless charger.
Look at Battery Optimization Settings
If your iPhone is charging with MagSafe, just not fully, you may be seeing the effects of Optimized Battery Charging. Optimized Battery Charging is a setting that makes it so your battery doesn’t charge past 80% until shortly before your iPhone thinks you will take it off the charger. The idea is that it is best for your phone’s battery not to spend so much time in a fully charged state. Optimized Battery Charging is on by default.
To change your charging option with iPhone 15 models and later, go to Settings > Battery > Charging and choose an option. You can choose a charge limit between 80 percent and 100 percent in 5 percent increments. When the charge limit is 100 percent, Optimized Battery Charging is available.
To change your charging option with iPhone 14 models and earlier, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging and turn Optimized Battery Charging on or off.
Apple Support
If none of the above tips have worked for you, contact Apple Support for further help. Please make an appointment if you plan to visit an Apple Store.