Can I charge MacBook from USB-A Power Pack?

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Level 1

9 points

Can I charge MacBook from USB-A Power Pack?

Hi, I have a new mobile router that is a netgear nighthawk which provides charging also for smart phone and tablets. I Have tested charging my 12 inch 2017 MacBook (not pro or air) and it works but charges slowly which is fine.

My question is though can charging from usb-a to the usb-c port damage my MacBook or the router?

On Netgear forum they said it would damage my macbook but Mashable say I can charge (i think) in this way. You can see the Mashable article here: https://mashable.com/2015/04/13/apple-new-macbook-external-battery-charging/#BPK oa1FDXsqj

You can also see my exact mobile router (I am using EE in the UK) here: Netgear Nighthawk | Pay Monthly 4G Mobile Broadband | EE

I obviously do not want to damage either my MacBook or the new router as both are new but it would be really useful to be able to do this as the mobile router has a huge 24 hour battery so would extend my MacBook battery a few hours each day which would be perfect for all day travelling.

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated as keep reading and watching videos giving different advice. I do not mind the charge being slower that is fine just want to know it is safe for the MacBook and mobile router.

MacBook, macOS High Sierra (10.13.3), 2017 MacBook (not pro or air)

Posted on Feb 18, 2018 4:28 AM

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Answer 1

Tok'ra

Level 1

4 points

Feb 19, 2018 2:34 AM in response to firebubble

My basic understanding is that you can't charge a bigger battery (MacBook) with a smaller oane (Netgear). In theory they both should be protected as they won't accept more that they can handle, but to be on the safe side I would get an external battery that is suited for your laptop. You may give it a go, though but it my opinion it's just not worth it. Sorry for the evasive replys but it's a grey area and we're using some expensive machines (I'm on the 15'' Pro) and I feel there is no deffinitive answer to these quiestions 🙂

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Answer 2

firebubble Author

Level 1

9 points

Feb 19, 2018 2:25 AM in response to Tok'ra

Hi, thanks for your reply. Do you think this could possibly damage the battery on my laptop or router though? Or worse do more serious damage to other parts?

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Answer 3

Tok'ra

Level 1

4 points

Feb 18, 2018 5:01 AM in response to firebubble

You're MacBook should be safe based on what I've read so far - here's another discussion on the topic Using USB external battery to charge MacBook 2015

Even if this will work, your Netgear battery will be drained and you may lose that rather than your laptop's battery. Your best bet will be an apple aproved external battery like the Anker Power Core+ USB-C. You could give it a try anyway and you can monitor your laptop's charging status with system report: Apple logo (top bar) -> About This Mac -> System Report -> Power.

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Can I charge MacBook from USB-A Power Pack?

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