MacBookPro 2015 not wanting to charge with USB-C to MagSafe 2 cable

[Alex23]

Hello Mac people,

I've got a MacBookPro 2015 which obviously has a MagSafe type power plug.
When using that with the legacy MagSafe power charger, all is good and perfect

I also have a MacBook Air 2020 for work that charges via USB-C. I bought a USB - C to MagSage cable to allow charging the old computer with the new UBS-C charger.

However, when connecting, well the connection just seems to be switching on and off constantly.
Yes, I did reset the SMC.
Currently the MacBookPro is still on OS Mojave but will be updating it soon to BigSur probably. Could the OS be the problem?


PS the battery should also be in good shape, it was changed two years ago with a new one.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Wasn’t aware anyone made USB-C to MagSafe 2 but I do see a few options on Amazon. I would expect it to be a bit flaky… MagSafe 2 is 16.5 volts, and USB-C can provide either 15 or 20 volts. Personally I wouldn’t bother with it; just return the cable & use the proper charger. But you could work with the seller to see what options they have for you, if you really really want to use USB-C.

 

[Fishrrman]

I'd keep using the MagSafe cable that came with it.
That works...

 

[curnalpanic]

What cable did you buy, exactly? Magsafe 3 connector does not even fit in the Magsafe 2 port.

 

[Alex23]

What cable did you buy, exactly? Magsafe 3 connector does not even fit in the Magsafe 2 port.

LogiLink USB-C to Apple MagSafe 2 (1.80 m)

LogiLink USB-C zu Apple MagSafe 2 (1.80 m, USB 3.2 Gen 1)

Für Reisende zum schnellen Aufladen von Apple MagSafe 2 Geräten entwickelt. Das Kabel ist kompatibel mit MacBook Pro von 2012 bis 2015 und MacBook Air von 2012 bis 2017. Ein USB-C-Netzteil ist separat erhältlich.

www.galaxus.de

 

[Alex23]

I'd keep using the MagSafe cable that came with it.
That works...

MagSafe charger is 500g in weight. Since I travel a lot for work lately, just trying to be inteligent... and not carry two chargers that essentually do the same thing.

 

[Alex23]

Wasn’t aware anyone made USB-C to MagSafe 2 but I do see a few options on Amazon. I would expect it to be a bit flaky… MagSafe 2 is 16.5 volts, and USB-C can provide either 15 or 20 volts. Personally I wouldn’t bother with it; just return the cable & use the proper charger. But you could work with the seller to see what options they have for you, if you really really want to use USB-C.

There are options and they have decent reviews: LogiLink USB-C to Apple MagSafe 2 (1.80 m)

 

[jaytv111]

According to this English page: https://www.redcorp.com/en/product/...e2-to-usb-c-charging-cable-2m-pa0226/q9483344

It needs a 61 or 87 watt USB-C adapter, the ones that come with the larger Macbook Pros, not the 30 watt one included with the Macbook Air.

So it looks like you will need to buy a new charger.

The problem is that older Macbooks don't understand the USB Power Delivery protocol. On Macbooks they work with a wide range of power, but this cable was probably built around a narrower range of power adapters.

 

[Alex23]

According to this English page: https://www.redcorp.com/en/product/...e2-to-usb-c-charging-cable-2m-pa0226/q9483344

It needs a 61 or 87 watt USB-C adapter, the ones that come with the larger Macbook Pros, not the 30 watt one included with the Macbook Air.

So it looks like you will need to buy a new charger.

The problem is that older Macbooks don't understand the USB Power Delivery protocol. On Macbooks they work with a wide range of power, but this cable was probably built around a narrower range of power adapters.

Hey
Thank you for your input here. This is useful. It makes sense. Before buying I did look at wattage and it is clear that the two charger wattage and voltage outputs are different. I was not sure if this would be a blocker, apparently it is.