How To Charge A MacBook Pro In A Car? (7 Easy Steps!)

The MacBook Pro is a laptop computer released by the Apple Company.

However many people wonder if there is any way to charge it when traveling via car.

There are a few steps that need to be taken to charge the MacBook Pro with an auto or also known as an automobile charger.

Step 1: Make sure your vehicle is running and the keys are out of the ignition before connecting anything electrical from your battery cable connections on your MacBook Pro.

This will help avoid a breakout of sparks that may damage your device.

Step 2: You can plug one end of a 12-volt DC power inverter into the cigarette adapter you installed on your car’s dashboard and connect this end to either on one end of a Y-cable.

This will allow you to charge another device such as your iPhone or another laptop at the same time you’re trying to charge your MacBook Pro.

Step 3: You can connect the other end of your Y-cable to one end of a double insulated power cable.

Then attach this connector onto an AC wall charger with 100W rated power output for laptops.

Plug the other end on the MagSafe 2 power adapter that came with your MacBook Pro.

Step 4: After everything is plugged in turn on the ignition and then press and hold down on “option/alt” while turning on your MacBook Pro while holding down these keys until it detects an external display.

Not doing so may cause some damage to your MacBook Pro.

Step 5: Turn on AC power (if available) or startup with the laptop plugged into an auto charger adapter.

Step 6: To prevent overheating and maximize charging efficiency turn off any applications that aren’t needed for charging such as streaming music or video apps.

Step 7: You can then safely remove the AC wall charger and/or disconnect the inverter from your cigarette lighter.

However never turn off the car while your MacBook Pro is still connected to the auto charger.

So there you have it.

Follow these steps to charge your MacBook Pro in a car.

Just remember that not all chargers are compatible with your machine so be careful when purchasing one for this purpose.

FAQs on Charging A MacBook In A Car

What type of car charger do I need to charge my MacBook Pro in a car?

There are a few different types of car chargers that can be used to charge a MacBook Pro.

You can use a 12-volt DC power inverter a Y-cable and a double insulated power cable.

Make sure to choose one that is compatible with your machine.

Can I use my regular MacBook wall charger to charge my MacBook Pro in a car?

No you cannot use your regular MacBook wall charger to charge your laptop in a car.

You will need to purchase an AC wall charger with 100W rated power output for laptops.

Can I use any type of inverter to charge my MacBook Pro in a car?

Not all inverters are compatible with your machine.

You will need to purchase a 12-volt DC power inverter if you want to use this method of charging.

Using a cigarette lighter adapter and an AC wall charger with 100W rated power output to charge my MacBook Pro in a car?

A cigarette lighter adapter uses direct current (DC) whereas an AC wall charger with 100W rated power output for notebooks uses alternating current (AC).

The type of connection that your laptop requires depends on the voltage so be sure to check this before purchasing either item.

If you do not have enough information about what voltage you require it may be safer just to purchase an AC wall charger with 100W rated power output for laptops.

How do I get the most out of charging my MacBook Pro in a car?

Charging your device is more efficient if you turn off any applications that are currently running on it such as music streaming apps or video playback.

This ensures that your laptop doesn’t use up more energy than necessary when it’s not being used.

You can also maximize efficiency by switching on the AC power (if available) or starting up with the computer plugged into an auto charger adapter when installing the inverter in your car.

What should I avoid doing when charging my MacBook Pro in a car?

Never charge your laptop while the engine is turned off and either you another person is still in your car.

This is a safety hazard that can cause a fire and it will ruin your device.

Make sure to turn off any applications that aren’t needed for charging such as music streaming apps or video playback before you start the car engine.

How long should I leave my MacBook Pro plugged in when charging it in a car?

Do not leave your laptop plugged in after it has been fully charged.

Unplug the AC wall charger 10-15 minutes after your laptop is fully charged so that you don’t overcharge it.

Leaving your laptop constantly plugged in when it’s not being used consumes energy unnecessarily which may shorten its battery life in the long run.