Magnetic Power Switch for Mac Mini M4

[seastar]

According to iFixit, the Mac Mini M4's power switch consists of two wires, as shown in the image below.

Similarly, the Xiaomi Mi Band 5's magnetic charging cable features a magnetic connector with two wire pins, as seen in the image below.

If we remove the Mac Mini's power switch from its bottom cover by unscrewing the four screws and 3D print a custom magnetic socket that seamlessly fits in place of the original switch while being compatible with the Xiaomi Mi Band 5's magnetic charger, we could create a unique magnetic power switch solution.

On the USB side of the magnetic charging cable, we can cut the USB connector and instead wire it to any power switch of our choice, allowing for a highly flexible and modular setup.

Xiaomi Mi Band 5's charging cable is just an example. A slimmer magnetic charging cable could also be used for a more compact and aesthetically refined design.

I believe this approach could offer a sleek, modern, and easily customizable power switch for the Mac Mini.

What are your thoughts on this idea? Do you see any potential improvements or challenges?

 

[FreakinEurekan]

I’m a little confused as to the purpose of the Xaiomi connector… is the goal to make an external switch that can be disconnected magnetically? If so, there are a plethora of magnetic connectors to choose from without (a1) ruining a charger or worse (a2) having to BUY said charger, and (b) reverse-engineering the mating point.

 

[seastar]

I’m a little confused as to the purpose of the Xaiomi connector… is the goal to make an external switch that can be disconnected magnetically? If so, there are a plethora of magnetic connectors to choose from without (a1) ruining a charger or worse (a2) having to BUY said charger, and (b) reverse-engineering the mating point.

Yes, the goal is to create a power switch that can be disconnected magnetically. The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 charger was chosen as an example because it has a compact magnetic connection with two pins, making it a good candidate for replacing the Mac Mini's power button. However, any similar magnetic connector could work.

You're right—there's no need to destroy a charger if there are better alternatives! A generic 2-pin magnetic connector would work just as well.

As for the connection, the Mac Mini power switch is just a simple 2-wire circuit that works by shorting the circuit. So there’s no real need for reverse-engineering; it’s just about replacing the mechanical switch with a magnetic one.

For example, by suggesting a better magnetic connector, you've already helped take this idea a step further! My goal here is to brainstorm with the community and collectively design an even better magnetic power switch solution.

 

[808?]

Something simple like these magnetic pogo connectors?

 

[chabig]

I don't think magnetic attachment makes any sense. Just connect two wires to those pins and run them to an external switch.

 

[G5isAlive]

What problem are you trying to solve? The current switch seems to do the job.

 

[chabig]

What problem are you trying to solve? The current switch seems to do the job.

Exactly!

"One of the biggest traps for smart engineers is optimizing something that shouldn’t exist.” - Elon Musk

 

[seastar]

Something simple like these magnetic pogo connectors?

Yes, this is exactly the kind of magnetic connector-based solution I’m aiming for. However, these particular connectors might be a bit too large, and their flat shape may not fit well in the Mac Mini’s power button slot. Since the Mac Mini's power button is small, circular, and recessed into the chassis, a flat or rectangular magnetic connector might not integrate as seamlessly as a circular one.

There are a plethora of magnetic connectors to choose from without (a1) ruining a charger or worse (a2) having to BUY said charger, and (b) reverse-engineering the mating point.

This 2-pin connector pair looks like it could be a good candidate for the Mac Mini's power button slot. It has a compact design and could work with minor adjustments, possibly with a 3D-printed adapter. I actually found this from the link you shared, thanks for pointing it out. Here’s the link: https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Connector-Female-Socket-Charging/dp/B0DJ26RV19

 

[dmccloud]

Yes, this is exactly the kind of magnetic connector-based solution I’m aiming for. However, these particular connectors might be a bit too large, and their flat shape may not fit well in the Mac Mini’s power button slot. Since the Mac Mini's power button is small, circular, and recessed into the chassis, a flat or rectangular magnetic connector might not integrate as seamlessly as a circular one.

This 2-pin connector pair looks like it could be a good candidate for the Mac Mini's power button slot. It has a compact design and could work with minor adjustments, possibly with a 3D-printed adapter. I actually found this from the link you shared, thanks for pointing it out. Here’s the link: https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Connector-Female-Socket-Charging/dp/B0DJ26RV19

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You're creating an overly complex solution to a "problem" that exists only with respect to individual perception. There is a much cheaper solution with far less (i.e., virtually zero) potential for breaking your system, and that is purchasing a stand that has a cutout for the power button. Amazon has dozens of aluminum stands, many of which can also hold a docking station underneath.

 

[seastar]

You're creating an overly complex solution to a "problem" that exists only with respect to individual perception. There is a much cheaper solution with far less (i.e., virtually zero) potential for breaking your system, and that is purchasing a stand that has a cutout for the power button. Amazon has dozens of aluminum stands, many of which can also hold a docking station underneath.

I see your point—there are definitely existing solutions like stands that make accessing the power button easier. But does having a solution mean we shouldn’t explore other possibilities? Should we always stick to what already exists?

The idea here isn’t just about solving a problem, but about designing something more modular, like how iMacs use magnetic power cables. What if we want a detachable power button that can be placed anywhere on a desk? Or a more seamless integration for setups where the Mac Mini is hard to reach?

This is more about experimenting with new ways of interacting with devices rather than just solving a specific problem. If no one ever questioned existing solutions, we wouldn’t have innovation.

In fact, this concept could be developed even further. For example, the magnetic connector could be paired with a wireless on/off switch, allowing even more flexibility. There’s a lot of potential for making power controls more modular and user-friendly.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

I don't want to discourage innovation or customization, just be sure there's a POINT to it.

For my purposes, the existing power switch is ideal. I have the Mac mounted under my desk, so it's simplicity to reach under and tap it if necessary. But the fact of the matter is - it's not necessary very often, at all! I turn the Mac on if we've had a power failure that's been restored and.... that's about it.

Even if you DO want a remote power switch - why does it have to be magnetic? It's not like a MacBook where you're likely to trip over the power cord (and if you are.... that means it's out where you can get to it which renders the remote switch moot). Use a simple, cheap, reliable plug instead.

I know people DO turn their Mac off more often than that (and in fact I do have another Mac mini M1 that I use for work, that does get shut off every night). But even if you're powering it off/on daily.... how difficult is that, really? Certainly it's not a task of such toil that I'd be willing to take my Mac apart and jury-rig the power button to solve it.

 

[seastar]

I don't want to discourage innovation or customization, just be sure there's a POINT to it.

For my purposes, the existing power switch is ideal. I have the Mac mounted under my desk, so it's simplicity to reach under and tap it if necessary. But the fact of the matter is - it's not necessary very often, at all! I turn the Mac on if we've had a power failure that's been restored and.... that's about it.

If the existing power button works well in your setup, then there's no real need to change it. For a lot of people, that’s all they need. But in some cases, a remote or modular power button could be really handy. For example, some users mount their Mac Mini in a hard-to-reach location (behind a monitor, inside a media cabinet, or in a rack system). In those situations, having an external switch makes things much easier.

By the way, mounting the Mac Mini under a desk might negatively impact its cooling since it could prevent the top surface from dissipating heat efficiently. As far as I know, the Mac Mini’s metal chassis plays an important role in heat dissipation, complementing its cooling system.

Even if you DO want a remote power switch - why does it have to be magnetic? It's not like a MacBook where you're likely to trip over the power cord (and if you are.... that means it's out where you can get to it which renders the remote switch moot). Use a simple, cheap, reliable plug instead.

As for why magnetic, it's not just about aesthetics or modularity. A magnetic power switch also provides a safety advantage: if the cable gets accidentally pulled or caught on something, it will simply detach instead of putting stress on the connector or the Mac Mini itself. This is similar to why Apple introduced MagSafe on laptops—to prevent damage from accidental pulls.

In fact, this concept could be developed even further. For example, the magnetic connector could be paired with a wireless on/off switch, allowing even more flexibility.

Another interesting approach could be integrating a large external power button or placing the power button underneath a monitor for easy access. This would make turning the Mac Mini on/off much more ergonomic, especially for users who prefer an easily accessible power switch on their desk. It would be similar to how some high-end monitors or workstations have dedicated power buttons in a convenient location.

I know people DO turn their Mac off more often than that (and in fact I do have another Mac mini M1 that I use for work, that does get shut off every night). But even if you're powering it off/on daily.... how difficult is that, really? Certainly it's not a task of such toil that I'd be willing to take my Mac apart and jury-rig the power button to solve it.

Using a simple plug may seem like an easy solution, but it also comes with risks. If we use a widely available plug, someone else—intentionally or accidentally—could plug in another device or unknowingly supply power to the Mac Mini in an unintended way. This could cause unexpected issues or even damage the device. A dedicated magnetic power switch prevents such mistakes while keeping the setup clean and purpose-built.

A simple, cheap plug definitely works, but the goal here is to explore a more elegant and modern approach. Just like how wireless charging isn’t necessary but adds convenience, a magnetic power switch offers a unique and modular alternative to the traditional power button.

I totally understand that this isn’t a necessity for everyone, but for those who enjoy customization and modular designs, it could be a fun and useful upgrade.

 

[G5isAlive]

I totally understand that this isn’t a necessity for everyone, but for those who enjoy customization and modular designs, it could be a fun and useful upgrade.

Fair enough, but for those that don't see the need, be prepared for their point of view as well. For me, the last thing in the world that I want is another thing to keep track of, especially something as important as the power button on my computer. The more 'stuff' you accumulate, the more you want fewer individual parts. Just my 2 cents worth.