2016 Macbook Pro 15" TB - Only charges at 55w when connected via Digital AV Adapter

[s4yunkim]

Have been using my computer for the past 2 weeks, and everything has been amazing. I use a 2nd charger when I'm on the go, and when I get home, I have a USB hub, external monitor, and another Apple 87w adapter plugged into a Apple Digital AV adapter as a sort of "single cable docking solution".

I noticed today that my battery was at 75% (was at 100% before it was 'docked'). The icon indicated "plugged in, but not charging".

Oddly enough, when I plug the 87w charger directly into the Mac, it charges just fine. The status reads "charging", and sure enough, the battery percentage goes up.


I checked System Report, and noticed that when the 87w adapter is plugged in directly, it shows as "87 watts, charging". However, when it's plugged in via the Digital AV adapter, it reads "55 watts, not charging".

Reset the SMC, issue persists. Issue reproducible with both Apple 87w adapters, and regardless of HDMI/USB ports on the adapter are plugged in.

Looking to talk to Apple Support next, but I thought I'd throw this out there to see if anyone else is experiencing this issue...


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UPDATE:
Apple support has provided me with an answer, and this is expected behavior:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207256

• MacBook Pro can receive a maximum of 60W of power through the Apple USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter or USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter. For the best charging performance on MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016), connect the power supply directly to your Mac.

Guess that ruins my dream of a single-cable dock, but at least I know there is nothing wrong with my Macbook.

Leaving this post for anyone who happens to search for the same issue.

 

[Brookzy]

You've answered your own question but I'll just add a couple of things:

• System Information indicates 55W instead of 60W because the adapter reserves 5W to provide power for itself and for the USB-A port on it.
• The USB-C adapter is nearly two years old which was before >60W USB-C devices were on the market so it's hard to blame Apple for this.

When Thunderbolt 3 docks finally arrive in the next couple of months you can realise your single cable dream!

 

[Sanpete]

The part about the 55 W may be solved, but why isn't it charging at 55 W? Numerous people have reported that chargers that only supply 45 W do charge their 15" MBP, only slowly.

 

[Mindinversion]

Good question. I know mine charged, albeit slowly. . . was a bit of a shock the first time I noticed my battery was down about halfway after a few hours of HoTS.

But at night I charge my 15" with a Type C to Type A adapter into a powered USB charging hub, and THAT trickle charges the machine to full also.

 

[beehofer]

Has anyone tried to see if it charges properly on the 13 inch mbp with tb?

 

[aevan]

The part about the 55 W may be solved, but why isn't it charging at 55 W? Numerous people have reported that chargers that only supply 45 W do charge their 15" MBP, only slowly.

Mine charges with the Apple digital av adapter. It's a bit slower maybe. I guess it has to do with power consumption, too. There were reports that even with the regular adapter, certain games caused the MBP to draw some power from the battery. As far as I know, this is normal behavior.

I use Photoshop mostly and had no issues with charging with the adapter.