MacBook Pro 16-inch M3 pro Magsafe 3 port blinking, doesn't charge. USB-C port charges

[ptrckadrn]

MacBook Pro 16-inch M3 pro Magsafe 3 port blinking, doesn't charge. USB-C port charges

Macbook was purchased in Apple Soho, New York on May 17th, 2024

Magsafe 3 port stopped working on July 29th, 2025 in the middle of charging.

Visited Apple Amsterdam on July 30th, 2025.

They tried using their own MagSafe 3 power adapter, the problem persisted.

They had a look using magnifier on both the MagSafe 3 port and the pins on the MagSafe 3 power adapter and found no moisture / damage whatsoever.

They took the MacBook in for Restore/revive, later informed that the problem persisted.

They proposed to do a Hardware Repair Level 1 and quoted EUR 138.21 before tax. They declined to even consider providing discounts to the reparation fee, given the MacBook is only 14 months old and 2 months out of warranty.

I rejected the proposal and took my laptop back on August 1st, 2025.

I have tried:

1. cleaning the MagSafe 3 port and the pins on the MagSafe 3 power adapter using microfiber cloth and toothbrush, the problem persists.
2. using the same MagSafe 3 cable with IKEA power adapter, the problem persists.

It was my largest apple purchase ever and sad to see that it would be my last.

Have any of you guys faced the same issue with the MagSafe 3 port?

Appreciate any solutions.

 

[jchap]

They tried using their own MagSafe 3 power adapter, the problem persisted.

They had a look using magnifier on both the MagSafe 3 port and the pins on the MagSafe 3 power adapter and found no moisture / damage whatsoever.

They took the MacBook in for Restore/revive, later informed that the problem persisted.

Sorry to hear of your problems. Since they duplicated the problem using their own MagSafe 3 power adapter at the store, and an OS/software reinstall did not resolve the problem (why would it, really), it's likely to be a power supply-related problem on the internals. If the machine still charges via USB-C, that's even more of a smoking gun that points to an AC power supply problem internally.

Your options are indeed limited since your machine is officially out of warranty. (I don't suppose you could add AppleCare after the fact, but it might be worth asking. Since they didn't propose it, it's probably not an option.) The quoted price is probably not so bad, considering that they will likely just swap out the whole logic board in typical Apple style, since they usually are loathe and too lazy and/or busy to diagnose and replace individual parts at the stores. Normally, that repair would cost much more. I know it seems unfair and I would be unhappy about it, too, but going by the book, this is pretty much your best option.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

It's unfortunate to have it fail after only 14 months, but the warranty is 12 months so your choices are:

1. Have it fixed for €138
2. Stick with USB for charging

USB isn't a terrible option, of course... I often use my own MacBook Pro with a LG 5k display, which charges the Mac automatically through the Thunderbolt cable.

Had you purchased the Mac in the EU, you'd have a Consumer Law claim. But purchasing it in New York negates that.

 

[ptrckadrn]

It's unfortunate to have it fail after only 14 months, but the warranty is 12 months so your choices are:

1. Have it fixed for €138
2. Stick with USB for charging

USB isn't a terrible option, of course... I often use my own MacBook Pro with a LG 5k display, which charges the Mac automatically through the Thunderbolt cable.

Had you purchased the Mac in the EU, you'd have a Consumer Law claim. But purchasing it in New York negates that.

Thanks for the reply. would USB charging harm in the long run?

 

[jchap]

Thanks for the reply. would USB charging harm in the long run?

Previous MacBook and MacBook Air models (specifically the M1 models, not to mention the Intel models) have been charged only via USB-C, so presumably there is no harm in charging only via USB-C.

 

[KeesdeW]

I used my MagSafe port for exactly 3 days, and then decided it was an annoyance instead of a feature and now just carry a usb-c to c cable with the charger. I really wish I had an extra usb-c port instead of the single purpose MagSafe. Main reason is a carry an iPad too, which I use as a secondary display on the road, and I don't want to carry around an extra charger and cable for that. I know I can charge through the MacBook, but it's just more convenient to also be able to charge my iPad while I'm in a meeting somewhere with just the MacBook. Charge my phone with it too from time to time.