Your MacBook usually will not charge from a monitor because the display is not delivering enough USB-C power. The monitor may lack USB-C Power Delivery, may supply too few watts for your model, or the cable may only carry video and data, not power. Using the wrong port on the monitor or a display connection that does not support power passthrough also stops charging.
Why this happens
A monitor can charge a MacBook only if it has a USB-C port with Power Delivery passthrough and enough wattage. If any part of that chain is missing, video may work while charging does not.
- No power passthrough. Only USB-C or Thunderbolt monitors that advertise Power Delivery can charge a laptop. HDMI and DisplayPort carry no charging power.
- Not enough watts. A monitor supplying 60W may not fully charge a 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro under load, so it may hold or slowly drain.
- Wrong cable. A video-only or low-power USB-C cable will show a picture but not pass full charging current.
- Wrong port. Many monitors have only one USB-C port that provides power, while the others are data or downstream ports.
Is this normal?
Yes. It is normal for a MacBook to charge from some monitors and not others, since charging depends entirely on whether that monitor supports USB-C Power Delivery.
Does it cause any problems?
The display still works, but the battery may slowly drain during use, and the Mac may eventually shut down if the power supplied is less than what it consumes under load.
How to fix or check it
- Confirm the monitor supports USB-C Power Delivery and check its wattage in the specs. Compare it to your MacBook's charger rating.
- Use the monitor's designated power USB-C port, which is often labeled with a wattage number or a laptop symbol.
- Use a full-featured USB-C or Thunderbolt cable that supports both video and power, ideally the one supplied with the monitor.
- Check charging status. Hold Option and click the battery menu, or open System Settings and Battery, to see the power adapter wattage being drawn.
- If wattage is too low, keep the Mac's own charger plugged in alongside the monitor for full charging.
- Restart the Mac, and reseat both ends of the cable, to clear a failed power negotiation.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the monitor show video but not charge my MacBook?
Video and power are separate. The connection can carry the display signal while the monitor lacks Power Delivery or the cable does not support charging.
How many watts does the monitor need to charge my MacBook?
Match your Mac's charger. An air may charge from 30W to 65W, while a 16-inch Pro needs closer to 96W or more for full charging under load.
Can I use an HDMI cable to charge instead?
No. HDMI carries only video and audio. Charging over a monitor requires a USB-C or Thunderbolt connection with Power Delivery.