Mid 2012 MacBook Air charger discrepancy on wattage

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Mid 2012 MacBook Air charger discrepancy on wattage

I have a mid 2012 13" MacBook Air but the charger is not working. It is a 45W, but I borrowed a 60W for a short time and it worked fine. I want to buy a replacement charger, but unsure which wattage to buy.

In system settings the AC Charger Information shows wattage at 60, but when I bought the unit it came boxed from Apple with the 45W Model A1436. Unclear what I am supposed to use because of the info being different. Thanks in advance for helpful guidance/info.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 26.1

Posted on Dec 2, 2025 9:43 AM

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Answer 1

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Tesserax

Level 10

157,818 points

Dec 2, 2025 9:53 AM in response to Tamlouie

For reference: Use a power adapter with your Mac - Apple Support

According to Apple, the Mid 2012 MacBook Air is not even listed. However, other sources do confirm that it uses a 45W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter. Using an adapter that provides more power shouldn't pose an issue as the Mac controls the amount of power it needs when charging.

The key is that you want to make sure that you get a MagSafe 2 adapter. Outside of Apple (which may no longer sell the 45W adapter,) other sources would be something like MacSales.

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Answer 2

Tesserax

Level 10

157,818 points

Dec 2, 2025 12:40 PM in response to Tamlouie

To be honest, I am always suspect of buying from eBay. Anyone can claim that they are selling an original Apple device, but these "devices" could easily be knock-offs.

My recommendation is to purchase one from either Apple or OWC, and again, the 65W should be fine. You can always contact the sales folks at either site to ask questions and to learn what their respective return policies should you need them.

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Answer 3

Tamlouie Author

Level 1

26 points

Dec 2, 2025 10:55 AM in response to Tesserax

Thanks so much. I looked at MacSales but they do not have a 45W only 60 and 85. I found a seller on eBay that states it only sells OEM Apple MagSafe 2 adapters (apple-computers-dc). It "seems" legit and am hoping since I am short on options.

I did want to ask about mine not being listed; isn't that odd for Apple not to list it? There must be something very specific about this one (too old, not a quality one, etc) because I seem to remember when I was using it years ago, having to really search to find information particular to it online.

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Answer 4

Tamlouie Author

Level 1

26 points

Dec 2, 2025 12:53 PM in response to Tesserax

I will reach out to them and see if they can find one for me. Thanks again.

P.S. Hopefully when I speak to them they can also explain about the discrepancy in the wattage too.

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Answer 5

Tesserax

Level 10

157,818 points

Dec 2, 2025 1:05 PM in response to Tamlouie

Sounds like a great plan! Either should be able to address your concerns/questions about the adapters.

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