Power adaptor not working - mid 2012 macbook pro 15"

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Power adaptor not working - mid 2012 macbook pro 15"

I have a mid 2012 15" macbook pro.

I have three chargers that work (light up) however the lead on two has a dodgy connection at the port end and on another the lead by the square adaptor has a bad connection, meaning if the lead falls in a bad angle it stops working.

I wanted peace of mind while using the laptop at work so wanted to order a new magsafe1.

Not possible to buy new anywhere so tried a third party (which didn't work) then two official apple from CEX, one of them cost slightly more and stated 15". Neither of these work either. I am baffled how i could have bought 3 plugs (all identical and definitely the right type) and none work. Any idea what could be going on?

I did swap the battery around 4 months ago (ifixit) but again had no issue with three of my old magsafe plugs apart from the dodgy connections.

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Feb 4, 2026 8:02 AM

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Answer 1

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D.I. Johnson

Level 7

34,175 points

Feb 4, 2026 8:22 AM in response to brazen

brazen wrote:

I have a mid 2012 15" macbook pro.

[...]

Any idea what could be going on?

Take a close look at the MagSafe port. Inspect it for bent or broken pin or debris in the port. You can use a cotton swab and alcohol to clean the pins and compressed air and toothpick to remove any debris or lint from the port.

Also, the SMC is responsible for managing power on your Mac. Resetting it can resolve certain uncommon issues related to power or thermal management.

Resetting the SMC may be suggested for Intel-based Mac computers as a final step to resolve issues that could be power related:

•Battery isn't charging

•Mac isn't turning on

•Fans are running fast

•Mac laptop computer gets too warm

•Built-in camera isn't working

If your Mac is experiencing one of these issues, follow the steps appropriate for your Mac model:

How to Reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support

Specifically follow the guidance for the Intel-based Mac.

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Answer 2

Feb 4, 2026 8:31 AM in response to brazen

Follow up -

Your 2012 MacBook Pro is (was?) a workhorse. I still have one myself. But it is vintage and obsolete and it wants to retire. You should throw it a party and let it. Fourteen (!) years is a very good run for any computer.

With my 40 years of Mac experience, I know my way around Mac hardware. It's not difficult for me to keep an old Mac running, but keeping it productive is another story. I retired my 2012 MBP to hobby status after eleven years and replace it with a MacBook Air M2. Couldn't be happier.

I wouldn't advise spending any more real money on the old hardware.

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