I just noticed this on my MacBook Air. Does anyone know what it is/how I can prevent death by MacBook Air?
![380a3fb9bdd12a6f59e1089450b6a49d.jpg]()
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Am I in danger of electrocution?
- Thread starter Brandon263
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Is that rust? Looks like something caught in and stuck there... I would say you just need a new MagSafe connector board if it is separate on an MBA.
When I packed up my laptop on Friday it wasn't like this so I don't think it's rust. It has a blackish metallic texture to it like burnt wires or something. Charging, etc. works fine though.
Should I take it to the Apple Store or should I try cleaning it myself? I'm worried Apple will void my warranty...
If its still in warranty, just make an appointment and take it in. Not worth the risk IMO.
If it's not under warranty, just make an appointment and take it in. You will get advice for free. And they will tell you if it is something that you can take care of yourself, or if it is something that someone with significant experience should fix. Most important they should find if there is an underlying problem that needs to be taken care of.
I think the five contacts are the important thing, the bit that looks bad is just where the magnet of the magsafe connector touches and is probably harmless.
OK, thanks for the advice guys. I'll take it to the Apple Store next weekend and let you know how it goes.
Funny, this thread got me to look at the magsafe port on my 2013 11" MBA. It is also showing some similar discoloration, although much less severe - mine is only at the extreme left and right edge.
I agree, this should have nothing to do with the electrical part of the connection which is isolated by a plastic insulator, it is only in the magnetic area. On mine, I think it's just a buildup of crud and probably doesn't affect much of anything. But yours is much worse, and the photo also shows some marks on the aluminum body itself.
What kind of environment do you use your computer it? High humidity, dirty air or anything else unusual?
I agree, this should have nothing to do with the electrical part of the connection which is isolated by a plastic insulator, it is only in the magnetic area. On mine, I think it's just a buildup of crud and probably doesn't affect much of anything. But yours is much worse, and the photo also shows some marks on the aluminum body itself.
What kind of environment do you use your computer it? High humidity, dirty air or anything else unusual?
Have you tried to pick whatever it is out of there with a toothpick or something similar? There's strong magnets there which like to collect debris.
Nothing unusual, as far as I can tell. I'm staying at a friend's house for the weekend and she doesn't have anything unusual near the power outlets or anything. Apartment's spotless. I took a plane from Florida to Montreal. Is it possible that some moisture condensed on that part of the laptop? But why would it leave such a weird, burnt color? And why would the burnt out part also include the aluminum surrounding the port? This is very weird.
I'm afraid of damaging the laptop. I've rubbed the burnt aluminum part surrounding the charging port with my fingernail and a smoky residue is left on my fingernail so it can be removed, but I'm worried about damaging the charging pins or scratching the aluminum.
That does look like rust. But I doubt it rusted over night.
How the connector is made, there is a grey plastic covering the metal part underneath. It still shouldn't have ripped over night though...
I'll take a pic of an old connector I took out of my 2011 MBP later when I get home.
How the connector is made, there is a grey plastic covering the metal part underneath. It still shouldn't have ripped over night though...
I'll take a pic of an old connector I took out of my 2011 MBP later when I get home.
I have a 2010 MacBook and the plastic case was cracked. Eventually enough of the plastic around the MagSafe port chipped away, and eventually it shorted out the MagSafe board. Apple replaced the MagSafe board and the case under my AppleCare warranty.
My advice: Don’t mess with it. As others have said, take it to Apple and get their opinion. They certainly will be able to fix it - possibly for free under warranty or as a good will issue.
My advice: Don’t mess with it. As others have said, take it to Apple and get their opinion. They certainly will be able to fix it - possibly for free under warranty or as a good will issue.
So, if anyone wants to know how the MagSafe port is made underneath. There are 4 magnets under the grey lining. There is no electricity going through that part.
My old and ugly MagSafe port
![ImageUploadedByTapatalk1409604033.280855.jpg]( "ImageUploadedByTapatalk1409604033.280855.jpg")
Underneath, exposing the 4 magnets.
![ImageUploadedByTapatalk1409604069.632102.jpg]( "ImageUploadedByTapatalk1409604069.632102.jpg")
My old and ugly MagSafe port
Underneath, exposing the 4 magnets.
