USB-C plugs fall out

I haven't "yet" had this issue but see it coming. The design looks awful and not as secure as the previous MBP versions, Mag"Safe".

I use a USBC Hub for all connections. Seems like all the connections are currently tight and secure. I am not thrilled with the "new" connection interface. Looks "Micky". I am almost certain these connections will get sloppy over time, a short time. Get a plastic tooth pick and check for debris in the male and female connections, lint. I Googled around in fear of having the same issue and found these connections pick up lint and act as if they are loose and become unplugged rather easily.

Love the MacBook Pro performance though.

Hello Stephen,

It may simply be that at some time you have pulled out or tripped over the cable in a way that has weakened the links within. It's easily done and if that is the case you cannot repair it, you need to buy a new cable; not a great expense. Cables do not demagnetise either partially or fully so it has to be the connection point. This link may offer some other answers.

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

Plug another usb-c cable in next to the power and rubber band the two of them together. The extra sideways force on both cables will increase the outward force required to remove the plugs. It's not a great solution since it requires a second cable and puts some sideways pressure on the plug but as long as it's not too much you should be fine.

Another option that I haven't tested: Do a search for "Bolt Magnetic Cable". They're about to release a magsafe-like usb-c cable. The tip is supposedly designed to stay in the machine with a snug fit.

same problem here.

not the cable. 2 ports on the left are so sensitive to movement I hardly use them for anything but power.

never been 'tripped over'. and actually the first thing I bought was a MagSafe copy to prevent just that. the cable isn't at fault: I plug either end into the power supply and it goes clunk. nice and solid.

not a robust design at all. the connection fails when the cable works about 1mm out of place.

very disappointed

They would do if you sent them your comments via feedback.

https://www.apple.com/feedback/

OP,

I feel your pain. I have the 2017 macbook pro with touchbar and 4 usb-c ports and my power will stop charging if i move the macbook the slightest bit on my desk (which is often because I have a cat).

Also, the slightest bump will unhinge my usb-c -> usb 3 dongle, as well as my HDMI dongle to my external monitor. it's a real PITA. the machine is beautiful but not functional. Does anyone have a solution that doesn't involve duct tape?

I 100% agree with the sentiment of the OP. I got my Macbook Pro touch bar in June and the USB-C connection issue has been awful even right out of the box. I’ve spent over $200 on usb-c accessories from many different manufacturers and they all have issues holding the port connction. The official Apple brand accessories have the tightest hold but it’s still not good or what I would consider acceptable for a high-ticket, high-end product like this.

When the connection gets lose and disconnects a few times the port becomes inoperable and I have to restart before I can get the use of the port back. USB-C is nice in theory but can we get some locking connections already!!!?? Seriously. How about some user experience improvements, not just specs and speed!!

I also have this issue.. The slightest movement and the power cable is unplugged.. Apple has really slacked off in a HUGE way and still demands the big bucks... There is really no testing done or atleast that's the way it seems with alot of recent flaws... But this one seriously is annoying.. NEVER "move" data to a thumb drive.. Always COPY and then delete from the source.. Thanks APPLE!

Me too.

I have 2017 MBP with Touchbar model. Only 4 USB-C ports. I only have to bump my laptop or touch the TB3 cable and it disconnects my monitor and external hard drives. I get warnings about not ejecting my drives when it happens.

I have inserted the TB3 cable into the adjacent USB-C port and after jiggling the connector and moving the laptop, there have been no disconnects. It's definitely not the cable.

So what happens when the adjacent connector suffers the same fate? I think I will be taking mine to a repair centre. This is unacceptable quality. Particularly for a machine that cost AUS$5,000.

Damo.

I'm having the same issue. The USB-C connections on the new macbooks are horrible. My 15" 2016 TB macbook pro connections got very loose and now my 13" 2017 TB has the same issue.

This isn't a design fault with USB-C because my Samsung Galaxy Note 8's USB-C connection is very sturdy. I can literally have the usb-c cable/port hold the weight of the phone. When I plug a USB-C cable into my note 8 I feel a solid click and it stays in place until you use some force to disconnect it.

Apple need to get their stuff together!

I have exactly the same issue Stephen and am getting fed up with it. Booking an Apple Genius Bar appoint and asking for a new machine its ridiculous. The wind from a butterfly disconnects a drive attached. You just move the computer slightly and booofff... there goes your attached drives and all your work....

I have exactly the same problem with my USB-C ports. The USB ports on the Mac should be solid like on the power brick. I spent over two grand on this computer and the plugs fall out due to poor engineering.

Same problem here, regardless of which of the 4 USB C ports I plug the power into. I don't even have to jiggle it, the cable will literally come out that tiny 1 mm distance to disable AC power when just sitting at my desk and nothing but gravity applying pressure to the cable. It is unacceptably bad.

Not just power either. My USB-C connected hard drives will disconnect just as easily.

Apple Support,

I'm reasonably certain that USB-C connector is not magnetic.

I have the same problem that all three of my USB-C power cords easily fall out of all four of the USB-C ports on my MacBookPro 2017. That's 12 possible port/connector combinations! If your reply was correct, then I must be tripping a lot for an old guy (please call 911 for a broken hip).

Please carefully read Stephen's well written request and help the community with a proper response.

Mike