Is It Safe To Charge Your MacBook Through A USB-C Hub?

If you own a MacBook, chances are you also have a USB-C hub or docking station. But should you use it to charge your MacBook? Is it safe?

Some USB-C hubs come with a port that allows you to charge your MacBook. However, since Apple devices don’t always play well with third-party accessories, it’s normal to wonder whether this is a good idea.

Let’s break it down.

What Kind of USB-C Hubs Support Charging?

Not all USB-C hubs include a charging port. But most modern, high-quality hubs do. These usually have a USB-C Power Delivery (PD) port that can charge your MacBook.

• Basic Hubs: Some cheaper hubs only offer a simple charging port with no other features.

• Premium Hubs: Higher-end hubs often have a multifunctional USB-C port that supports charging (up to 100W), data transfer, and even external displays.

Is It Safe to Charge a MacBook Through a USB-C Hub?

In general, yes—especially if you're using a good-quality hub. Many MacBook users have been doing this for years without any issues. But there are a few important things to keep in mind:

1. Avoid Charging a Brand-New Mac Through a Hub (At First)

If you just bought the latest MacBook model, it’s better not to charge it through a hub right away. Wait a couple of months after release.

Why? When Apple launched its first Apple Silicon Macs in 2020, some users reported their devices stopped working after charging through USB-C hubs. This was due to a software bug, not the hubs themselves. Apple later fixed it with a macOS update (Big Sur 11.2.2).

So, to be safe, charge your new Mac directly for the first few months. After that, once any early bugs are worked out, charging through a hub should be fine.

2. Only Use High-Quality Hubs

Even after the early months, make sure you're using a reliable, well-known USB-C hub. Avoid cheap or unknown brands, as these may not provide stable power and could damage your MacBook.

There have been many reports of issues caused by low-quality hubs. It’s worth spending a little more to protect your expensive device.

Final Thoughts

So, is it safe to charge your MacBook through a USB-C hub? Yes, it is—but with some caution. Follow these two main tips:

1. Don’t use a hub to charge a brand-new Mac model right away.

2. Always use a high-quality, trusted USB-C hub.

If you’ve got any thoughts or personal experiences, feel free to share them in the comments!