Can You Charge a MacBook with Another MacBook Using USB-C?

You might be surprised, but yes, you can actually use one MacBook to give another MacBook a bit of a power boost. But don\’t get too excited—this isn\’t a magic solution for charging woes. Think of it more as a neat party trick when you\’re desperate for some extra juice.

Here\’s the deal: If both your MacBooks have USB-C charging (we\’re talking most models since around 2015 for the MacBook, 2016 for the MacBook Pro, and 2018 for the MacBook Air), you can connect them with a solid USB-C cable. In this setup, the MacBook doing the charging plays host while the other one grabs the power. It\’s worth mentioning that the power transfer is not going to knock your socks off—it’s not rapid charging by any means. It’s more like a temporary boost to keep your device alive until you can find a proper charger.

Now, let\’s dive into the nitty-gritty. This tech trickery works because macOS can handle power swaps when needed, but it might take a couple of tries to get things rolling. You might see \”The battery is not charging\” pop up at first—in that case, try jiggling the ports or trying again. Also, if you’ve got a hefty MacBook Pro trying to live off a daintier MacBook Air, don’t expect miracles. You’re more likely to slow down battery drainage than actually charge it efficiently.

In the real world, using your other MacBook as a makeshift power bank is like using a band-aid for a bigger wound. It might get you through a pinch, but it’s not a reliable or efficient method for the long haul. So, in those emergency moments with no power adapter in sight, give it a whirl, but remember, old reliable—your actual charger—is your best bet for keeping things fully charged.

Can you charge a MacBook with another MacBook using a USB-C cable?

Absolutely, it’s possible to charge a MacBook with another using a USB-C cable, but let’s dive into what that really means. It’s kind of like using a friend’s phone charger when you’ve forgotten yours – possible, but with a few quirks to keep in mind.

• Check the Ports: Both MacBooks need USB-C ports capable of power delivery. Most of the recent models have this, but if you’re dealing with an older MacBook, double-check the specs.
• Who’s Giving and Who’s Receiving? You’ll decide which MacBook plays the role of the charger and which one needs juice. Ideally, the charging MacBook should be plugged into a power outlet to keep its own battery from draining too fast.
• Plug and Play: Connect them with the USB-C cable. If the source MacBook is powered up and ready, it’ll start juicing up the other one. Just know that this method might have your battery meter crawling instead of sprinting.
• Keep It Short: Using another MacBook as a power source can get you out of a jam, but it’s not the fastest option. Think of it as an emergency solution rather than a daily routine.
• Look Around for Alternatives: If you’re often caught without a proper charger, maybe invest in a portable power bank. Those little gadgets can bail you out more efficiently when you’re on the move.

So, while charging one MacBook with another isn’t a permanent solution, it’s a handy trick to have up your sleeve when the need arises. Just make sure you’ve got everything lined up for a smooth session of power sharing!

Can You Charge a MacBook with Another MacBook?

Ever wondered if you can just plug one MacBook into another and juice it up? Well, unfortunately, charging your MacBook directly from another MacBook isn’t really something Apple has planned for. There\’s a lot of theory around it, but when it comes down to actual practice, you\’ll hit some pretty big roadblocks with hardware compatibility and power issues. So, what are the possibilities and alternatives here? Let\’s dive in.

The Technical Roadblocks

1. Power Delivery Magic (or Lack Thereof)
   Most MacBooks have those fancy USB-C/Thunderbolt ports capable of doing two-way power delivery since 2015. So yes, hypothetically, you could attempt to make one MacBook the power host.

   • The Catch:
     • Power Limits: MacBooks usually output about 15W, which is like trying to fill a swimming pool with a garden hose, considering your MacBook might need anywhere from 30W to 140W depending on the model.
     • No Special Charging Software: Unlike some smartphones with funky features like “Battery Share,” MacBooks don’t have built-in software to handle this kind of thing.

2. The Hardware Throwdown
   Apple’s all about protecting their batteries. Trying to charge from another MacBook could trip safety measures, putting the kibosh on the whole operation to handle any funky voltage.

But Wait, There’s More

If you\’re in a bind without your charger, try these:

1. Tap Into a Handy USB-C Power Bank

• Pro Tip: Use a beefy USB-C power bank (think ≥30W) that can mimic those Apple chargers. They’re portable and can get your MacBook back to life.
• Do This:
  1. Make sure your power bank’s output matches what your MacBook needs (check your charger’s label).
  2. Grab a USB-C to USB-C cable that’s up to the USB PD standards.

2. Share the Load with Chargers

• How To: If both MacBooks have USB-C chargers, just share one. Get the one with less battery life charged first.
• Simple Steps:
  1. Unplug the charger from one MacBook.
  2. Hook it up to the other MacBook in need.

3. Go the Sneaky Network Route

• Workaround: While not quite the same as charging, you can access a powered-up MacBook remotely with macOS’s “Wake on LAN” or “Back to My Mac” features. This means you can offload some tasks and save battery on your main device.

Why Apple Isn’t Onboard

1. Battery Woes
   Uncontrolled power moving back and forth could hurt the batteries because lithium-ion doesn\’t play well with erratic voltages.
2. Hardware Priorities
   Apple likes to stick with certified gear for a reason—reliability. They don’t want you messing around with third-party stuff that might void warranties or worse, fry your Mac.

Key Advice

• Stay Away from Sketchy Methods: Those non-Apple cables and power hacks could seriously mess with your ports or causes bigger damage.
• Emergency Moves: If you’re really stuck, close non-essential apps, maybe turn off Wi-Fi, and extend your battery life until you can find a proper charger.

It’s always best to rely on Apple-approved chargers and power solutions for your MacBooks. While dreaming about direct MacBook-to-MacBook charging is fun, for now, it’s mostly wishful thinking in Apple\’s tech landscape.