M1 Max Macbook: a MagSafe bug is making mobile charging impossible
1.12.2021
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Is this the first big bug on M1 Macbooks? Users are reporting that MagSafe charging won’t work when their Macbook is turned off. There’s a temporary workaround, but no fix yet.
A mysterious bug is making life difficult for some of the proud owners of the new Macbook Pro with its M1 Max chip. According to Golem.de, it’s impossible to charge affected Macbooks with the MagSafe Charger when they’re completely switched off. However, those affected can still resort to their slower USB-C cable to charge their devices.
The bug is still fresh, Apple hasn’t taken a public stance on it yet and has only offered assistance to one user. A solution to the problem is expected in the coming days, weeks or months.
Details on the bug
The MagSafe bug only occurs when a Macbook Pro with M1 Max is completely turned off. This is done by either hitting «Shut Down» in your Macbook’s menu or when the device runs out of battery. After that, you can no longer charge the device with MagSafe on some devices.
The error can be recognised in the following ways:
- The MagSafe cable flashes orange.
- The Apple Charging sound is looped.
- Your Macbook won’t charge.
We don’t know how many Macbooks with the M1 Max are affected. Most bug reports seem to come from owners of 16-inch models. It’s unclear whether other models are also affected. Also, whether a software update can fix the problem.
The workaround according to Apple customer service
When the error occurred to Reddit user /u/_Trillionaire_, they asked Apple’s customer service what to do. Their advice:
- Turn off your Macbook.
- Press and hold the power button for ten seconds.
- Choose «Options» in the menu that appears.
- Click on «Continue».
- Log in to your account.
This will take you to Recovery Mode. Apple customer service then advises, according to /u/_Trillionaire_, to shut down your Macbook via the Apple logo.
But if you believe /u/_Trillionaire_, this is only a temporary fix and requires that the Macbook still has some battery capacity. In addition, the fix also stops working every now and then. There’s no permanent fix yet.
Further advice on the part of Apple that can remedy the situation, which /u/_Trillionaire_ has received:
- The Macbook should be charged in sleep mode via MagSafe.
- It should also be charged while open.
- Plug in the MagSafe cable before you turn off the Mac.
- The laptop’s macOS operating system should always be kept up to date.
Apple told the Reddit user that this bug has arrived in Cupertino and is currently being investigated.
A USB-C workaround
Until Apple figures out a fix, users are on their own. However, we aren’t completely at the mercy of this MagSafe trap, as we can always fall back on the USB-C interface. And it works. The bug should really only occur when you’re out and about. When it’s connected to a dock, you won’t have any problems.
You can make sure you’ll always have some juice with an old Macbook charger. Or, if you need something more compact, go for a Baseus GaN Travelcharger. Most normal smartphone chargers will be too weak to supply the Macbook.
The Baseus charger isn’t the only one that can charge your Macbook. However, I can confirm that this one works. I’m sure other chargers will do the same. Make sure you get one that puts out at least 65 watts.
I also recommend sturdier cables and a certain length for when you’re on the go. Because as long as it plugs into your Macbook and fits into the charger, you can use any USB-C cable you want. When it comes to general durability for everyday use, I go for Otterbox.
Not a solution, but functional
Apple is probably working on a fix or statement. The workarounds aren’t quite good enough. This annoys me a bit as well, since I prefer MagSafe over USB-C with its increased charging speed. I couldn’t reproduce the error on my Macbook Pro. But either way: with a device in this price range, I shouldn’t have to do these tests. It’s even worse for Apple, as they’re breaking their «it just works» promise.
The potential scenario of a massive amount of Macbooks activating their warranty due to faulty hardware is even more annoying. Was there no testing? We’re lucky that we can still charge via USB-C; otherwise the outcry would probably be huge.
It’s an easy choice between a lifeless paperweight Macbook and a slightly slower charge. However, I still won’t believe «It just works».
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