Resolved MagSafe disconnecting too easily

[navaira]

Hi all,

I bought an Air a month ago and in the last 10 days or so it looks like MagSafe started disconnecting way easier than before. Specifically when I press it down it immediately falls out or just disconnects while staying in. I am not 100% sure but it does feel like it didn't do that two weeks ago. Would you say it's normal and it's supposed to have such weak connection?

Or should I just get a Snuglet?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Boyd01]

when I press it down it immediately falls out or just disconnects while staying in.

My 2013 MBA certainly isn't like that. I have to push down pretty hard to get it to disconnect. And even then, the magnet still holds it at the bottom, so if I remove the pressure it reconnects immediately.

 

[navaira]

Mine doesn't, which is what I find weird. I did some reading in the meantime and apparently MagSafe vs MagSafe 2 was not exactly an improvement. It's a very odd thing to "break" though, neither the plug nor socket look suspicious.

 

[Boyd01]

I had a 2008 MBP and 2011 MBA with the original Magsafe. I think the Magsafe 2 on my 2013 MBA is just as good, if not better, in terms of staying plugged in. I did prefer the right-angle cord on the 2011 MBA though.

Can you compare yours to another computer somewhere?

 

[navaira]

That's a good idea (why didn't I think of it myself ) Going to have a visit at the Apple Store again!

 

[navaira]

This is the problem. It's "half-connected", as in the cable is in the port... but it's bent just enough to actually disconnect.

 

[MacTech68]

Some kind of ferrous/magnetic debris is probably stuck to the magnet inside the connector on the MacBook Air.

I've seen this a few times now (metal shavings, broken staples), and, depending on WHAT's stuck in there it can be difficult to remove.

 

[navaira]

You are correct I'm afraid. There's something dark/dusty in the corners there. No clue how to remove that :/ (also no clue how it even got there)

 

[MacTech68]

I'd suggest using sometime plastic and relatively soft (so as to avoid scratching the inner surface) to try to flick/pick it out.

I certainly don't believe it's something you could claim under warranty (nor am I suggesting you think it is), but maybe your local Apple Store Genius might have a trick they can do for FREE.

Apple suggests a cotton swab (cotton bud) or a soft bristle tooth brush.

See point "8" in the article below:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203207

 

[Shanghaichica]

I don't have any issues with my magsafe connector it fits in snuggly and only disconnects if I apply a reasonable amount force. However I just discovered some dark debris in there. I've been able to clean it all out with a cotton bud with a cleaning wipe attached to it.

 

[navaira]

Yesss. I cleaned up the dirt/dust/whatever it was with a folded piece of paper and problem is gone. I still wonder how come this even happened, but I'm glad it was possible to solve.

Thanks everyone for ideas and hints!