Have you found yourself frustrated when your MagSafe power bank fails to charge your iPhone? This convenient accessory is supposed to make charging on the go easier, not more difficult.
Don’t worry – in most cases, you can get your MagSafe power bank working again with some simple troubleshooting steps.
Common Reasons a MagSafe Power Bank May Stop Working
There are a few key things that typically cause a MagSafe power bank to stop functioning properly:
- Faulty or worn out cable – Frayed cords, broken pins, and other cable damage can prevent power transfer between the power bank and your iPhone.
- Debris/dirt in charging port – Lint, dust, and other foreign matter can get lodged in either the power bank’s charging port or your iPhone’s Lightning port, blocking the electrical connection needed for charging.
- Incompatible or faulty power adapter – The power adapter you use to charge your MagSafe power bank itself may be the culprit. You’ll need to use at least a 12W USB-C adapter for optimal performance.
- Outdated firmware – Like any tech accessory, MagSafe power banks receive periodic firmware updates that can fix bugs and improve performance. If it’s been a while since you’ve updated, that could cause issues.
- Misalignment with iPhone – The MagSafe charger needs to be precisely aligned on the back of your iPhone for power transfer to work properly. If it’s off-center, charging may be intermittent or not work at all.
- iPhone case is too thick – Some iPhone cases don’t play nicely with MagSafe accessories. The extra thickness prevents proper contact between the power bank and iPhone.
- Defective battery – In some instances, the rechargeable battery inside a MagSafe power bank can become worn out or damaged and stop holding a charge.
How to Troubleshoot Your MagSafe Power Bank
If your MagSafe power bank stops working, don’t panic. There are a number of troubleshooting tips you can try to get it functioning again:
- Inspect cable and clean charging ports – Carefully examine the charging cable for any damage. Use a toothpick to gently clean out any dust or debris from the power bank’s USB-C port and your iPhone’s Lightning port.
- Try a different power adapter and cable – Switch to another USB-C power adapter and cable to determine if your existing charger is the problem.
- Check for firmware updates – Go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone to see if any firmware updates are available for the power bank and install if so.
- Remove the thick case from iPhone; ensure proper alignment – Take off any bulky cases from your iPhone and then carefully position the MagSafe charger on the center back of the device. You’ll hear a snap when it aligns and connects properly.
- Try charging the power bank with a MacBook or other source – Attempt charging your MagSafe power bank with a USB-C cable connected to a laptop or wall adapter to see if the issue is with the power bank itself.
- Contact Apple Support – If you still can’t get your MagSafe power bank working after trying these troubleshooting tips, reach out to Apple Support for further assistance.
Preventative Measures to Keep Your Power Bank Working
You can avoid many issues with your MagSafe power bank by taking proactive preventative measures:
- Don’t overload the power bank – Be careful not to exceed the wattage rating when charging multiple devices simultaneously from one power bank.
- Keep cables, ports, and contacts clean – Regularly inspect and clean your charging cables and ports to avoid dirt buildup.
- Update firmware when available – Periodically check for firmware updates to ensure optimal performance.
- Store power bank properly – Keep your power bank away from heat, liquids, and potential impacts to prevent damage when not in use.
- Replace aging cables – Swap out cables that show wear for brand-new ones to maintain top charging speeds.
Conclusion
In summary, MagSafe power banks can suddenly stop working due to a range of issues, from debris in ports to misalignment. With some simple troubleshooting like cleaning contacts, updating firmware, and properly aligning with your iPhone, you can typically get your power bank functioning again.
Preventative care, like avoiding overloads and replacing worn cables, can also keep your MagSafe accessory working reliably for longer. But if problems persist, don’t hesitate to contact Apple Support for assistance getting your power bank operational.
With the right troubleshooting and preventative care, your MagSafe power bank can keep you charged up when you’re on the go.
