If you have a Macbook, you most probably have a USB-C hub or a docking station. But, The question is, should you charge a Macbook through it? Is it safe?
Some USB-C hubs have a USB-C port that can be used to charge your MacBook. Apple has a reputation for not being compatible with many third-party accessories. So, you may wonder whether you should charge the MacBook through the hub’s multi-functional USB-C port.
The answer is complicated. Before that, you should know some facts about Macbook and third-party hubs.
What type of Hub has a USB-C Charging port for Macbook?
Not all USB-C Hubs have charging ports. However, In modern days, all premium quality hubs have one dedicated or a charging-capable port.
There are some differences. Some cheap hubs have charging-capable ports (PD ports) that don’t have other functionalities. This PD (Power Delivery) port is OK if you don’t need it for anything else.
However, Top-class USB-C hubs for Macbooks have a multifunction USB-C port. That port can be used for media display, data transfer, up to 100W charging, and more.
Should I Charge Macbook through USB-C Hub’s Port?
In most cases, yes. You can charge your MacBook through a premium quality USB-C hub. Many people have been doing it for years without any problems. Also, some people suffer from various issues. I have done a little research on this and found some alarming information.
Based on those findings, here are some key points you should follow.
1. Don’t pass charging power through USB-C Hub for newer Macbook Immediately
Apple releases a newer generation of Macbook every year. If you buy a new Mac within the very first month or two months of the release date, don’t charge it through the USB-C Hub.
Though it is not very common that a USB-C hub can break your Macbook, you still should be careful. In 2020, Apple released its first Apple Silicon-based Macs. I found several people reported that their Macbook became dead after charging it through the USB-C Hub’s multi-functional ports.
You may think that it happens because these Macs were very different one than the X86 Macs. But, It was not the case. It was a software bug. With the release of macOS Big Sur 11.2.2, Apple had fixed it.
In the past, we saw similar things happen. So, based on that, it is ideal to charge your newer generation Macbook directly without a USB-C hub within a couple of months or even three or four months. After being sure that it won’t create a problem, you can safely charge your Macbook through the USB-C Hub.
2. Use Best Quality Hubs
Except for the above scenario, it is safe to charge your Macbook Pro through the multi-functional port of a USB-C hub. But, there are still other things to take care of. You should not use a cheap Hub to do it.
There are countless incidents of misfortunes just because of cheaper or unknown brands’ hubs. For your convenience, we have created a list of the best Hubs.
So, What do you understand after getting all these information? Is it safe to charge MacBook through a USB-C Hub? Yes, it is. But, You should do it with some extra care. Mainly, you should follow these two pieces of advice mentioned above.
If you have any opinion on this, you are more than welcome to input in the comment box.