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cpthk

macrumors member
Original poster
Sep 23, 2009
32
1
I just got the apple magic keyboard mini, the one without the numpad. It came with the usb-c lighting cable. But I don't have an extra USB-C port to connect to, I am using the old USB-A lighting cable, the one that charges the iphone. It seems to be not charging it. I don't see the charge staying at 100%. Has anyone tried this before? Does the magic work work with USB-A lighting cable?
 
My colleague has a magic keyboard (without Touch ID) and he charges it with a lightning cable. I don't know about the newest keyboard, maybe something changed but I would think it works too. Maybe the side providing power is not providing enough? What is is plugged into? The iPhone charging brick or a computer?
 
It's plugged in to a brick that goes to the wall, so it should have enough power.
Is your colleague using the USB-A kind of lightning cable?
 
It's plugged in to a brick that goes to the wall, so it should have enough power.
Is your colleague using the USB-A kind of lightning cable?
Correct, black usb-a to lightning. From the iMac Pro time.
 
It doesn't matter what is opposite the Lightning port. The keyboard will charge.
 
I have the previous generation Magic Keyboard without touch ID (the space grey one). Mine charges just fine using the USB-A to lightning cable from my old iPhone. In fact, when I plug it into my 2018 Mini with that cable, it becomes a USB keyboard that works without bluetooth. The keyboard also charges fine with an old iPhone charger and that cable.

I assume this is the keyboard you are talking about?


There is no mention of requiring a USB-C port for that keyboard, so I'd think it would work with USB-A.

Now the touch-id version is something else, it has a limited number of devices that are compatible and they are all new enough to have USB-C. No experience with these.

 
do you have a free USB-A you can plug the keyboard into on the computer instead of the wall? Also I know you said you do not have a free USB-C spot, but is there a way you could just unplug one for like 30min-1hr? The keyboards charge very fast and last a very long time even if you did a 15 min charge
 
I charge various vintages of Apple wireless keyboards with a USB-A to Lightning cable all of the time. If yours isn't working then it's likely one of two problems: you're not plugging in the Lighting end of the cable fully or the cable is bad.
 
After many tried, the USB-A type of lightning cable does not charge the new magic keyboard. This magic keyboard came with the USB-C type of lightning cable. Only the USB-C will charge. I know some said USB-A is working for them, that's probably because they have the older one that came with USB-A cable. If your came with the USB-C cable, then using the old USB-A will not work.
 
  • Wow
Reactions: Boyd01
Did you try charging your iPhone with the USB-A to Lightning cable? It could be just a bad cable. Did you try it in both orientations to see if that made a difference (flipping it 180-degrees and reconnecting)?

There's no reason that it would make a difference. The power lines on the Lightning connector are the same regardless of what's on the other end of the cable, be it USB-A or USB-C.
 
Yes, it's a working cable tested charging my iphone. I also tested my other backup cable as well. Also, tested with a different power adapter.
I know that in theory it should work, but I tested it not the case. I was surprised as well.
USB-C could deliver higher voltage, so this could be the reason the keyboard isn't taking the charge.
To clarify, this is the newest magic keyboard without the touchid. It came with the USB-C cable. It was released in 2021.
 
I can also confirm that my old USB-A to lightning charger does not charge a new Magic Keyboard – even without touchid. I have to use the USB-C cable that came with the keyboard to charge it.
 
How can there be such a difference I wonder. My USB A cable charges my new (bought 2022 like my keyboard) Magic Mouse just fine, but not my keyboard.
 
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