Why Your MacBook Won't Charge
Five root causes, from cheapest to most complex. A assessment fee (from R599) tells you which one applies before you spend anything.
Faulty USB-C / MagSafe Cable
The most common cause, and the cheapest fix. A worn, frayed, or internally broken cable looks fine but cannot deliver power. Try a different Apple-certified cable before anything else.
Dirty or Corroded USB-C Port
Lint, dust, and moisture build up inside USB-C ports over time. Even a small obstruction can prevent the connector from seating fully, breaking the charging circuit. A professional clean restores full function.
Dead USB-C Controller IC on Logic Board
Each USB-C port is managed by a controller IC (such as the TUSB1044 or similar mux chip). When this chip fails, often from overvoltage, liquid, or age, the port stops accepting power entirely. Component-level repair replaces only the failed IC.
Blown Charge IC (CD3217B12)
The CD3217B12 is the primary USB Power Delivery controller on most modern MacBook Pro and Air logic boards. When it fails, the machine draws no current at all even with a working cable and port. This is a logic board component repair, not a port replacement.
Dead MagSafe DC-in Board
On MagSafe-equipped MacBooks (Air 2018–2021 via USB-C, and older models with MagSafe 1/2), the DC-in board is a separate component that can be replaced without touching the logic board. Bent pins, liquid damage, or a burned connector are all fixable.
Not Sure Which Cause?
Our assessment fee (from R599) identifies the exact fault before you spend a rand. Most MacBook not charging cases are resolved same-day.
Charging Problems We Diagnose & Fix
Every symptom below has a specific root cause. We identify which one applies to your machine at no charge.
Repair Types We Cover
Prices include parts and labour. up-to-3 year warranty on all repairs.
Only charging on one side?
Each side of a dual USB-C MacBook has its own I/O board. Single-side charging failure is almost always an I/O board replacement, not a logic board repair. Much more affordable.
How We Find the Fault
A systematic five-step process that rules out cheap causes before escalating, saving you money every time.
Cable & Charger Elimination
We test your cable and charger against known-good equipment. If the fault clears, you leave with no repair cost, just advice on a replacement cable.
Port Physical Inspection
Using magnification, we inspect both USB-C or MagSafe ports for debris, corrosion, bent pins, and physical damage. A port clean often resolves charging failures in 30 minutes.
Power Rail Testing
If the port is clean and the cable is good, we test the incoming power rail using a DC bench power supply with current limiting. This isolates whether the fault is in the I/O board or logic board.
I/O Board vs Logic Board Determination
We confirm whether the charge path fault is in the removable I/O board (cheaper fix) or on the logic board itself (component-level repair). You get a written quote at this stage, before any work begins.
Repair and Full Charge Cycle Test
After the repair, the machine is put through a complete charge cycle test, from flat battery to 100%, before you collect. We also test all remaining ports for full functionality.
Up-to-3 Year Warranty
Every charging port repair is covered by a up-to-3 year warranty on parts and labour. If the same fault returns, we fix it at no charge.
Component-Level Repair
We replace the specific failed component, not the entire logic board. Apple charges significantly more. We charge a fraction.
Same-Day Available
Port cleaning and I/O board replacements are frequently completed same-day. Drop off in the morning, collect in the afternoon.
Assessment: from R599
If we cannot repair the fault, assessment fee of from R599 applies. The assessment is unconditional, no obligation, no catch.
What Johannesburg Mac Owners Say
“Brought my MacBook Pro in after the USB-C port stopped charging. ZA Support cleaned it out in 30 minutes, turned out to be compacted lint. I expected a big repair bill and walked out paying very little. Completely honest.”
Taryn M.
Sandton
“My MacBook Air MagSafe port had bent pins from a knock. They replaced the DC-in board same-day. Back to full charge. Really professional, they showed me exactly what was wrong before starting.”
David K.
Rosebank
“Thought I needed a new logic board as my Mac wouldn't charge at all. ZA Support diagnosed it as the CD3217B12 charge IC and fixed just that component. Saved me a significant amount versus Apple's quote.”
Priya N.
Fourways
MacBook Not Charging, Frequently Asked Questions
MacBook Not Charging?
Assessment: from R599. up-to-3 year warranty.
Hyde Park, Johannesburg, or we collect from you.