MacBook Pro M1 (2020) – One USB-C Port No Longer Charges - Still Works for Data

[k1ckdapro]

Hi all,

I've recently noticed an issue with my MacBook Pro M1 (2020) regarding one of the two USB-C ports. Specifically, the USB-C port farthest away from me no longer charges my MacBook. I first discovered this yesterday when I plugged in my usual charger, but the MacBook didn’t recognize it at all. At first, I thought it might be an issue with the cable or charger, so I tested multiple cables and power adapters. Unfortunately, none of them worked in that port. However, the other USB-C port still charges the MacBook without any problem.

Interestingly, the "dead" port isn't entirely non-functional. It still works perfectly fine for regular USB tasks, such as connecting external devices. I also inspected the port closely and confirmed that there is no visible debris, lint, or any physical obstruction. Just to be sure, I used contact spray to clean it, but this didn’t resolve the issue either.

I can’t pinpoint exactly when this happened, but I do know that I have almost always used this specific port for charging. A few days ago, I connected a USB-C to SD card adapter to import some photography, and I may have unplugged it without ejecting first. I highly doubt this could be related, but I wanted to mention it just in case.

Additionally, I am currently running macOS Sequoia 15.4 beta 4, which I updated to yesterday. I was hoping the update might fix the issue, but it didn’t. I have also tried a complete reboot, a safe start, and all the usual troubleshooting steps. Since M1 Macs supposedly perform an automatic SMC (System Management Controller) reset with each restart, I assume there’s nothing more I can do in that regard.

At this point, I’m not sure if this is a software bug or a hardware issue. Is there anything else I can try? I’m not inclined to go for an expensive repair as long as one port still charges fine and the other remains fully functional for USB data. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks !

 

[smirking]

I had something similar happen to me last year when I still had an M1 Pro MBP. I've since upgraded to an M4. One of my ports wouldn't charge, but it would carry data.

I thought the port was busted. Then to my surprise a few days later, it started working normally again. I have no idea what happened. I remember suspecting that it was a software issue rather than a hardware one. This was some time ago so I can't recall what made me conclude that.

I didn't attempt to fix it at all. It just started working again on its own. I hope this ends up being the case for you too. If it is, it'll be very interesting!

 

[k1ckdapro]

I had something similar happen to me last year when I still had an M1 Pro MBP. I've since upgraded to an M4. One of my ports wouldn't charge, but it would carry data.

I thought the port was busted. Then to my surprise a few days later, it was started working normally again. I have no idea what happened. I remember suspecting that it was a software issue rather than a hardware one. This was some time ago so I can't recall what made me conclude that.

I didn't attempt to fix it at all. It just started working again on its own. I hope this ends up being the case for you too. If it is, it'll be very interesting!

Thanks for your reply! I’m hoping I’ll have the same luck. 🙂 So, did you just keep using it as usual? Or did you happen to shut it down for an extended period?

 

[smirking]

Thanks for your reply! I’m hoping I’ll have the same luck. 🙂 So, did you just keep using it as usual? Or did you happen to shut it down for an extended period?

I just kept using it. I did avoid plugging into that glitchy port though because I thought it was broken. It was only later that I realized that I accidentally used the “dead” port a few times and it wasn’t so dead after all. But it definitely was mostly dead for at least a few days.

 

[k1ckdapro]

I just kept using it. I did avoid plugging into that glitchy port though because I thought it was broken. It was only later that I realized that I accidentally used the “dead” port a few times and it wasn’t so dead after all. But it definitely was mostly dead for at least a few days.

Thanks a lot. I will try to do the same then