2021 MacBook Pro 16" MagSafe Light Flashing Amber and Power Chime Repeating During Charging When Off

[Amazing1]

Update:

I managed to borrow a 61W adapter from a 2020 M1 MacBook Pro. Using this adapter with the same MagSafe cable to charge, the amber light appears alongside a power chime, then the light turns off, and then the light reappears solid amber without any following power chime or changes to the light after that, and I'm assuming it continues to charge stably thereafter. The sudden change from amber to off to amber is a bit strange, but I would say that's normal, especially rather than changing endlessly, with the power chime activating each time as well. Can anyone confirm this (in bold) as normal behaviour for those who have their charging working properly now?

Given this information, I am assuming that the problem is unfortunately the adapter, at least for my issue. Regardless, I will get another cable just in case, and wait 3-4 weeks for a new adapter!

I will update again after getting a new cable.

Hopefully this information is helpful.

Update 2:

As expected, after receiving a new MagSafe cable, the problem persists. This leads me to believe that the adapter is the issue, confirming my suspicions.

A new 140W adapter I ordered won't be arriving for another 3-4 weeks. Hope to hear from more of you again soon. I'll update on my situation personally in a month or so.

Keep in touch.

 

[white7561]

Yep it's the adapter. Got my 16inch. When you connect it. It goes to a second light change (the second without chime) and then it charges. So yeah i guess it's your adapter

 

[ElsassCoyote]

I have the same problem ... But It's maybe firmware related, and not hardware ?

 

[Amazing1]

I have the same problem ... But It's maybe firmware related, and not hardware ?

Hello,

I can't be quite sure.

Given that others have reported no issue after using new adapters, that would lead me to believe it's a hardware issue. I've also tried a 61W adapter which did not continue the problem I've been having. I have ordered another 140W adapter in the meantime, so I can report back later.

 

[ElsassCoyote]

Yes but with 61W adapter you don't have fast charging enabled.
It's maybe a problem in fast charging protocol.

Because if you start charging with Mac powered on , everything is fine ...
That's why I think it's maybe firmware related.

 

[Amazing1]

Yes but with 61W adapter you don't have fast charging enabled.
It's maybe a problem in fast charging protocol.

Because if you start charging with Mac powered on , everything is fine ...
That's why I think it's maybe firmware related.

You're right. Really, there are a number of things that could be a potential conflict, especially considering some of the additions to the 2021 MacBook Pro models are still fairly new, alongside Monterey.

Going off of what a few others have said previously in these replies, it seems the issue has been resolved with either a new adapter or cable. I'm hoping in my case it's just the adapter as a new cable made no difference, if it is to be a hardware problem at all.

 

[albertjs]

I am having the same problem. I also bought a second 140w charger with magsafe cable and has the same problem, so the problem is either from the computer or from all new 140w chargers...

But this is unacceptable at this price point... does Apple tests their products? WTF...

 

[Andimansbrain]

Unfortunately, I am also reporting bad news. I received the spare parts today, so 140W adapter with new USB-C MagSafe 3 cable. Have tested various combinations and the error is always identical. So even the new adapter does not solve the problem. Just connected the MagSafe cable to a 20W USB-C charger from Apple to test and there at least the same behavior does not take place, it then lights up orange, even if the adapter is probably too weak. Will contact support again, but would not like to send the MacBook Pro for repair, as it is probably a firmware issue.

 

[Fatem]

I talked again to Apple and they will replace the MacBook now. UPS picked my old one up and now I have to wait for the new one to arrive.
Maybe it‘s a general issue and the others did not recognize it yet as they did not charge the Mac while turned off. What do you think?

 

[Andimansbrain]

I was just talking to Apple support and the lady consulted longer, supposedly also with the engineers and according to her it is already being worked on, but it is not necessary to have the MacBook Pro exchanged. The problem should be fixed with a software update.

I will now return the spare parts and charge until then without the MageSafe 3 in the off state.

 

[X3n0n]

Same problem here, would not be surprised if all of the Macbook Pro 16 have the problem.

I'm sure an update will come out to fix it soon or later.

 

[Amazing1]

Hi everyone!

I am having the same problem. I also bought a second 140w charger with magsafe cable and has the same problem, so the problem is either from the computer or from all new 140w chargers...

But this is unacceptable at this price point... does Apple tests their products? WTF...

This is a shame to hear. I would've hoped that a new adapter or cable would fix the issue as some others have mentioned in this thread. If this didn't work, then perhaps it's not an issue with the cable or adapter, and may be able to be fixed through an update, hopefully!

I talked again to Apple and they will replace the MacBook now. UPS picked my old one up and now I have to wait for the new one to arrive.
Maybe it‘s a general issue and the others did not recognize it yet as they did not charge the Mac while turned off. What do you think?

I think it's very possible that the charging tests were only performed when the devices were powered on, but I can't be certain. I also did not have the issue for a day or so after completely erasing my system, so I'm not sure what triggers the issue, as it quickly came back in my case. Let us know if you have the same issue on your new MacBook Pro on either 12.0 or 12.0.1.

I was just talking to Apple support and the lady consulted longer, supposedly also with the engineers and according to her it is already being worked on, but it is not necessary to have the MacBook Pro exchanged. The problem should be fixed with a software update.

I will now return the spare parts and charge until then without the MageSafe 3 in the off state.

It is great that you got some more time to talk. If the engineers are aware and working on a fix, that's wonderful. I'm not interested in exchanging my MacBook Pro regardless, I've already had time to use and set up my laptop. Thanks for letting us know about this. Are you going to charge using USB-C when off, or even when on -- are you ditching MagSafe altogether for the time being?

Same problem here, would not be surprised if all of the Macbook Pro 16 have the problem.

I'm sure an update will come out to fix it soon or later.

It seems like you're right, many have this issue, maybe all and some don't even know yet... It does not seem like anyone knows the cause of this issue so it's hard to say. Hopefully an update is able to fix it sooner rather than later.


Thanks everyone! Keep in touch.

 

[Andimansbrain]

It is great that you got some more time to talk. If the engineers are aware and working on a fix, that's wonderful. I'm not interested in exchanging my MacBook Pro regardless, I've already had time to use and set up my laptop. Thanks for letting us know about this. Are you going to charge using USB-C when off, or even when on -- are you ditching MagSafe altogether for the time being?

I will only charge with USB-C when on and off and ditching MagSafe for the time until the fix is applied.

 

[War833]

I am also seeing this problem on my MBP 16", when the battery drains fully and I go to plug it in after it dies.

 

[ElsassCoyote]

Found in Apple Forum :

Bro... I just did my replacement in Apple Store. I did testing in store and the issue disapear at first when the system is 12.0.0. I charge the new Mac only when the battery below 80% to allow fast charging be activated. However, when I did system update to 12.0.1, under the same condition the issue happened again. Took me two hours in store just to test this out. My conclusion is do not update to 12.0.1 if you mind this issue. If you have updated to 12.0.1, just hope they will fix it soon.

Really interesting ...

 

[Andimansbrain]

Found in Apple Forum :

Bro... I just did my replacement in Apple Store. I did testing in store and the issue disapear at first when the system is 12.0.0. I charge the new Mac only when the battery below 80% to allow fast charging be activated. However, when I did system update to 12.0.1, under the same condition the issue happened again. Took me two hours in store just to test this out. My conclusion is do not update to 12.0.1 if you mind this issue. If you have updated to 12.0.1, just hope they will fix it soon.

Really interesting ...

That is really interesting, unfortunately I did not test it when the system was 12.0.0, because I updated to 12.0.1 as the first action after the data migration. I think we have to hope for an update in the near future and will get it when more people complain about it.

 

[wli88]

I have the same problem. After reading the threads above and based on my own experiences, this issue seems to be related to the fast charge function of the new MacBook. One evidence is that the issue seems to be gone when you charge your Mac to above 80% and then turn it off and connect to the changing cable. When your battery is above 80%, fast charge won't be initiated so the charging would work. This is also consistent with someone else this this thread that claimed the 61W adapter does not have this issue because 61W adapter doesn't support fast charge.

Now let's hope this is a firmware issue and Apple can fix it in their next update. If it's a hardware issue I think Apple will be in trouble.. Because it seems that ALL 16 inch MacBook have this issue.

 

[Amazing1]

Found in Apple Forum :

Bro... I just did my replacement in Apple Store. I did testing in store and the issue disapear at first when the system is 12.0.0. I charge the new Mac only when the battery below 80% to allow fast charging be activated. However, when I did system update to 12.0.1, under the same condition the issue happened again. Took me two hours in store just to test this out. My conclusion is do not update to 12.0.1 if you mind this issue. If you have updated to 12.0.1, just hope they will fix it soon.

Really interesting ...

Two hours of testing is admirable, they're dedicated to the cause! It seems the issue may be fast charging and or 12.0.1. Thanks for finding this, I can't seem to find any other posts or threads elsewhere about this issue, personally.

I have the same problem. After reading the threads above and based on my own experiences, this issue seems to be related to the fast charge function of the new MacBook. One evidence is that the issue seems to be gone when you charge your Mac to above 80% and then turn it off and connect to the changing cable. When your battery is above 80%, fast charge won't be initiated so the charging would work. This is also consistent with someone else this this thread that claimed the 61W adapter does not have this issue because 61W adapter doesn't support fast charge.

Now let's hope this is a firmware issue and Apple can fix it in their next update. If it's a hardware issue I think Apple will be in trouble.. Because it seems that ALL 16 inch MacBook have this issue.

You're right! My MacBook Pro is currently at 100% and has no issues charging when off, I hadn't realized this prior... I just tested it now. And yes, I had no issues using the 61W adapter. If the issue doesn't exist on 12.0 but then on 12.0.1 (which I can't confirm but has been speculated above), then I imagine this could be fixed through a software update. The issue may be fast charging and or 12.0.1.



I've personally cancelled my order for a new 140W adapter -- I no longer believe this is the issue according to new evidence. I'm glad to hear from more people however, it seems these are not isolated incidents but more widespread than originally thought.

Thanks everyone for the updates. I hope we get a proper resolution soon. Keep in touch.

 

[white7561]

I have the same problem. After reading the threads above and based on my own experiences, this issue seems to be related to the fast charge function of the new MacBook. One evidence is that the issue seems to be gone when you charge your Mac to above 80% and then turn it off and connect to the changing cable. When your battery is above 80%, fast charge won't be initiated so the charging would work. This is also consistent with someone else this this thread that claimed the 61W adapter does not have this issue because 61W adapter doesn't support fast charge.

Now let's hope this is a firmware issue and Apple can fix it in their next update. If it's a hardware issue I think Apple will be in trouble.. Because it seems that ALL 16 inch MacBook have this issue.

Wait so how do I reproduce it? Is 75% enough to check if it's bugging out or not at power off?

And how do I test this on my machine. Charge and when it's about 75% then turn off or turn off when it's at 75% and then charge with my 140w charger?

 

[Amazing1]

Wait so how do I reproduce it? Is 75% enough to check if it's bugging out or not at power off?

And how do I test this on my machine. Charge and when it's about 75% then turn off or turn off when it's at 75% and then charge with my 140w charger?

It seems the issue does not occur at all (especially when MacBook Pro is turned off) when more than 80% charged, even when using the fast charging capabilities of the 140W adapter and MagSafe 3 cable.

Below 80% charge, the flashing MagSafe light indicator and repeating power chime is expected to be present when using the 140W adapter's fast charging, MagSafe 3 capabilities when plugging in to charge after the device has been powered off.

 

[white7561]

It seems the issue does not occur at all (especially when MacBook Pro is turned off) when more than 80% charged, even when using the fast charging capabilities of the 140W adapter and MagSafe 3 cable.

Below 80% charge, the flashing MagSafe light indicator and repeating power chime is expected to be present when using the 140W adapter's fast charging, MagSafe 3 capabilities when plugging in to charge after the device has been powered off.

Okay. So Right now I'm at 75% . So if I turn it off and then charge it using MagSafe 140w. If it's bugging out. It'll repeat the flashing amber thing ya? I'm currently using my laptop for a teams meeting. It's prob gonna be below 75% after this. But just making sure that 75% is okay to test since i don't know really the limit before it starts happening..

Let's hope mine is fine. But if it isn't it's prob SW compared to hw huh?

 

[Amazing1]

Okay. So Right now I'm at 75% . So if I turn it off and then charge it using MagSafe 140w. If it's bugging out. It'll repeat the flashing amber thing ya? I'm currently using my laptop for a teams meeting. It's prob gonna be below 75% after this. But just making sure that 75% is okay to test since i don't know really the limit before it starts happening..

Let's hope mine is fine. But if it isn't it's prob SW compared to hw huh?

I would assume if you turn your laptop off and then attempt to charge it when it is at 75%, in your case, it will start repeating the power chime with the MagSafe light continuing to flash.

I have not had this issue at all when charging the device when it's on regardless of battery percentage, so you should be fine if you want to charge your device when using it.

I am starting to believe it is not a hardware issue as some others have speculated, and can hopefully be fixed through a software update.

Let us know how it goes!

 

[white7561]

I would assume if you turn your laptop off and then attempt to charge it when it is at 75%, in your case, it will start repeating the power chime with the MagSafe light continuing to flash.

I have not had this issue at all when charging the device when it's on regardless of battery percentage, so you should be fine if you want to charge your device when using it.

I am starting to believe it is not a hardware issue as some others have speculated, and can hopefully be fixed through a software update.

Let us know how it goes!

Seems to be a power communication issue. We don't really know how the MagSafe PD charging communicates with the laptop. Since when you turn if off or on it kinda recycles the charging. So something is happening. So I assume it's the communication on power off. Welp I'll try after this then. Let's hope mine is fine. I am on 12.1 beta tho. We'll see if I get the issue too. Since when I got the machine i didn't have the problem. But again, i didn't know about the must below 80% thingy

 

[white7561]

Seems to be a power communication issue. We don't really know how the MagSafe PD charging communicates with the laptop. Since when you turn if off or on it kinda recycles the charging. So something is happening. So I assume it's the communication on power off. Welp I'll try after this then. Let's hope mine is fine. I am on 12.1 beta tho. We'll see if I get the issue too. Since when I got the machine i didn't have the problem. But again, i didn't know about the must below 80% thingy

Okay. So . I'm on 50 % . When I turned it off. And use MagSafe it charges and turns on. I unplugged it, then If I turned it off then I closed the lid. Then MagSafe it'll chime repeatedly. (I think this didn't happen when the unit arrived on my door because of what you said. The batt was more than 80%) so yeah seems like a bug. Prob because plugging it in turns it on, and turning it on recycles the charging. But since it's lid is closed it restart the charging cycle.

But again this doesn't explain on why it only happens on MagSafe and when below 80% as you said. So yeah. Definitely a bug. Needs to report this. Although this bug isn't really that annoying I think since i can't see myself charging the MacBook with MagSafe with it off and closed lid. Since I usually don't turn off my laptop. Even tho I might close the lid.

A question, if your Mac is in closed lid position. But sleeping not turned off and below the 80% limit thing, does the bug occurs? I can't test right now since I'm using it for work. But maybe you've tried it? Thanks!

 

[Smoothie]

I received my 16-inch M1 Pro yesterday. I ran the battery down to 74 percent, turned it completely off, closed the lid and attached the 140 watt adapter to the MagSafe port. The amber light flashed briefly once, there was a sound that you hear when plugging in an iPhone (not the Mac startup bong), and the amber light then remained on with no flashing. After a couple of minutes, I opened the lid and it automatically booted up.

I haven't updated to 12.0.1 and I've turned off the startup bong, in case that's relevant.