Your Mac's battery is essential for keeping you productive on the go. Like all lithium-ion batteries, it ages over time and with use. Understanding how to care for it can help maximize its lifespan and performance.
1. How Batteries Age
Batteries experience two main types of aging:
- Calendar Aging: This occurs simply with time, regardless of use. Exposure to extreme temperatures or keeping the battery fully charged for long periods can accelerate calendar aging.
- Cycle Aging: This happens as the battery is charged and discharged. Each battery has a limited number of charge cycles before its capacity significantly diminishes.
2. Understanding Battery Cycles
A common way battery health is measured is by its number of charge cycles. A charge cycle isn’t just a single plug-in session—it’s the equivalent of using 100% of the battery's capacity, whether in one go or across multiple charges. For example:
- If you use 50% of your Mac's battery today, then recharge it fully, and use 50% again tomorrow, that counts as one full cycle, not two.
Apple designs Mac batteries to last through hundreds of charge cycles while maintaining up to 80% of their original capacity. You can check your cycle count in System Settings > Battery > Battery Health and see how many cycles your battery is rated for on Apple's support page here.
3. Smart Charging Tips
- Avoid Overcharging: Leaving your Mac plugged in all the time can increase calendar aging. While modern Macs are designed to handle being plugged in, using Optimized Battery Charging helps reduce unnecessary full charges.
- Avoid Frequent Deep Discharges: Don’t let the battery drop to 0% regularly—it accelerates cycle aging. Charging it when it’s between 20% and 80% is gentler on the battery.
4. Temperature Matters
Extreme heat and cold accelerate battery wear.
- Avoid Heat: Using your Mac in hot environments or leaving it in direct sunlight can accelerate calendar aging.
- Avoid Cold: Freezing temperatures can temporarily reduce capacity and cause long-term harm if the battery remains frozen.
5. Use It or Lose It
Batteries need occasional use to maintain their chemistry. If you leave your Mac plugged in constantly, try unplugging it a few times a week to use it on battery.
6. Store Properly for Downtime
If you won’t use your Mac for weeks or months, store it with the battery charged to around 50% and fully shut the computer down. This minimizes the stress on the battery from both calendar and cycle aging.
7. Energy-Saving Settings
Reduce unnecessary battery drain by enabling Low Power Mode and customizing energy preferences, such as setting your display to turn off after a short period of inactivity.
8. Monitor Your Battery
Keep an eye on your battery’s health in System Settings > Battery. A capacity below 80% indicates significant aging, and it may be time for a replacement.
9. When to Replace Your Mac's Battery
Consider replacing your Mac's battery if:
- Maximum Capacity Drops Below 80%: This threshold usually signals a noticeable reduction in battery life and performance.
- Frequent Shutdowns: If your Mac shuts down unexpectedly even with charge remaining, the battery may be failing.
- Excessive Cycle Count: Apple provides specific cycle count limits for each Mac model, usually between 300 and 1,000 cycles. If you’ve surpassed this limit, it’s time for a replacement.
- Visible Swelling or Damage: A swollen battery is a serious issue that requires immediate attention to prevent further damage to your Mac.
Depending on your computer's warranty status, you can replace the battery through Apple or a trusted repair service like us. Replacing an aging battery can restore your Mac’s battery life and ensure safe operation.
Final Thoughts
All batteries age, but with proper care, your Mac’s battery can serve you well for many years. By understanding how aging works and taking simple steps to reduce stress on your battery, you can extend its lifespan and maintain reliable performance.
Have specific concerns about your Mac’s battery? Contact us for advice or a personalized check-up.