MagSafe cables fray at the connector end, not the port.

The port itself rarely fails. The weak point is the cable, specifically the rubber strain relief right where it meets the MagSafe connector head. That bend frays and cracks after a year or two of regular use.

For MagSafe 2 (the T-shaped one on older Intel Airs), dust and debris in the port can cause intermittent charging. You can clean it with a toothpick — gently. Bent pins happen if you drop something metal on it, but it’s not common.

MagSafe 3 (the thinner one on M1/M2/M3 Airs) is more durable. The cable still frays, but the port is solid. The only real gotcha is using third-party chargers — they can trigger a “not charging” warning because Apple checks for their own chips.

If your MagSafe stops working, check the cable first. Replace the cable, not the laptop.