Frequently Asked Questions About MacBook Batteries
Many MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air owners want to know how to properly use and maintain their batteries. But there is a lot of bad information online. Learn what to expect from your MacBook's battery, what you should and shouldn't do to prolong battery life, how to tell if there is a problem, how to get a replacement and how much it may cost.
Comments: 27 Responses to “Frequently Asked Questions About MacBook Batteries”
Laverne Lachapelle
5 years ago
Another very useful video, Gary. You might have mentioned that in may Apple laptops replacing the battery is an easy thing to do oneself and that iFixit.com has terrific instructions on how to do so. By the time the vast majority of batteries have failed, your laptop is well out of warranty so no worries about voiding one's warranty
Ed Cupman
5 years ago
Very interesting video. What about battery usage with iPads? I have an iPad pro that needs charging daily.
Jo-Ann Fairbanks
5 years ago
Gary,
GOOD stuff. Timely; I just ordered a replacement from OWC for my Early 2011 15” MacBook Pro based on “Service Battery.” (I find the Other World Computing (OWC) video easier (than -iFixit) to see, understand, and with additional important details, like the screws are different lengths...). I’ve received the battery and within the instructions, they include the reminder of doing battery recalibration after instal as well.
THANKS,
Fan Jo-Ann
Volker
5 years ago
Does the advice for MacBook batteries also works for iPhone Batteries - does it make sense to plug in the iPhone when in the office and leave it plugged in all the time?
Deborah Lynn
5 years ago
This was so timely for me as I just had to have my mid-2014 13" MBP battery replaced when it expanded after the back cover was removed to replace the SSD. I was surprised because I only use my MBP at my desktop, and it's always plugged in, so almost no cycling. The tech guy (not Apple) who replaced the SSD, then the battery, told me I needed to let the battery drain down to about 20% once a week to keep this from happening again. Good to know that's not true. Thanks, Debbie
Volker: It is fine to keep iPhones plugged in. Most people do this all night to charge it up, although some believe a bad myth that you shouldn't. It is rare for someone to keep an iPhone plugged in all day too, considering it is usually in their pocket and goes where they go. But if you can, then sure. You may want to think about a charging pad if your iPhone supports wireless charging to make it easier.
Jo-Ann: Sounds like you are lucky and have a MacBook model where it is easier to do it yourself. Some newer models are almost impossible (dissolving glue is involved).
Laverne: They vary greatly in how difficult it is to replace the battery. Some models have you dissolving glue and re-applying adhesive. So I'd carefully check how-to instructions and think about your skills before buying.
Val Lee
5 years ago
As always, fantastic info for us Mac owners. Thanks Gary! And I appreciate the fact you keep to the facts and do not waver or use foul language.
Peg Vanourny
5 years ago
Thanks for this info! I did have the battery swell up on my Mac about a year ago. My Apple store warned me not to try to open it or anything, but to bring it to the store and they would fix or replace it. They did have to send it out and they replaced it. My guy at the Genius Bar told me that a swollen battery had a risk of exploding if I'd opened the case, and they didn't even open it in the store, but they sent it out. The cost of a new battery is a whole lot less than the cost of a new Mac!
karle
5 years ago
I was having issues with a 2015 MacBook .There was a flashing question mark, unexplained shutdowns, fans running at high RPMs, I came across a report that Apple has a battery replacement program for certain Macbooks. I shut my Macbook down and made an appointment at the Apple Store. They found the battery had swelled and was included in the program. They sent it to Texas. and ten days later, as promised, I have my MacBook Pro back. No charge f bor the new battery. Runs great.
Anne Burke
5 years ago
My husband has enjoyed his iPad AIR for 4 years but in the last few months the battery has been discharging very quickly. From 100% falling to 3% in 20 minutes so now he has to keep it plugged in most of the time. Very frustrating. I believe it’s not possible to replace iPad batteries. I was wondering if the battery could be faulty. What are your thoughts?
Anne: You can definitely replace an iPad battery. People do it all the time. Make an appointment at the Genius Bar and they'll take care of it.
Maria Rosseeuw
5 years ago
Thank you for resolving the many myths re care of MacBook Batteries and for your generosity of sharing your unique knowledge. You make a difference to people's lives. :)
Bill
5 years ago
Thanks for the video and also timely for me. I went to use my 2010 MacBook Pro two weeks ago after it was sitting for several months (I also have an iMac) and I received the message that the battery needed service. I was able to charge it and it worked ok until I was able to order a new one from OWC. I found that it would work for an hour so and even when just in sleep mode it would drain rather quickly. I just put the new battery in this morning and I am going through the calibration process.
Margaret Boyles
5 years ago
Hi Gary, Re leaving your MacBook plugged into power all the time and your comments "It's perfectly okay to have your MacBook sitting on your desk charged up to 100%"
I started doing this a very long time ago when I watched one of your earlier videos suggesting this.
However when I went to an Apple Shop, the technician said this was not a good idea after looking at my battery cycle reading.
Now I am confused about whether to leave it plugged in all the time or not.
Margaret: What was your battery cycle reading? It should have been lower when compared to doing the opposite, so I'm not sure what the tech could have been complaining about.
Karl
5 years ago
Gary, are all MacBook batteries replaceable? Are there any models where you can do it yourself? Thanks
Karl: They can all be replaced by Apple or a tech shop. Very old models have removable ones, so obviously you can do those yourself (you can remove the battery without opening the case). The rest vary. Some can be done by someone with technical know-how. Others involve dissolving and re-applying glue and other issues. Basically, if you know how to do it, then you can do it. Otherwise, I would advise you to have Apple do it. It is one of the cheapest ways to keep an old MacBook going.
Philip Hurst
5 years ago
A very helpful and on-point post. It is good to see some of the "myths" about battery life so expertly dispelled. Thank you.
Margaret Boyles
5 years ago
My battery count tonight is: Cycle Count: 222. I purchased my MacBook on 18th November, 2015. I was following your advice and leaving it plugged in all the time but stopped after the Apple Shop technician told me differently. I cannot recall the date that the technician told me this. Probably at least 6 - 9 months ago I suspect.
Margaret: That advice is just wrong. Was that at an official Apple Store or a third-party shop? 222 is not bad for one almost 4-years-old. But the most important thing is to use it as you need it.
Carol
5 years ago
My mid-2015 MacBook Pro is working fine, but says "Service Battery" at 534 cycles. I chatted with Apple support because I wondered whether I had to do something in a hurry, and I was told the message will come up when the cycles reach past halfway to 1000, and I could replace if having trouble. What if I use a longer cable/power supply to spend more time connected, and preserve battery? The tech said that would be a good plan.
Carol: if your MacBook battery condition is Service Battery I would get that done ASAP. Using it plugged in when convenient is what you should shoot for.
Margaret B
5 years ago
Yes Gary it was an official Apple Shop in Highpoint in Melbourne, Australia. My battery count is low because I was following your advice for a long time and leaving my computer always plugged in to power. I will now - once again - follow your advice from now on and leave my MacBook plugged in to the power when using it at home (which is most of the time). Thank you for a wonderful informative service that you provide. I so look forward to receiving your weekly eNewsletters.
Another very useful video, Gary. You might have mentioned that in may Apple laptops replacing the battery is an easy thing to do oneself and that iFixit.com has terrific instructions on how to do so. By the time the vast majority of batteries have failed, your laptop is well out of warranty so no worries about voiding one's warranty
Very interesting video. What about battery usage with iPads? I have an iPad pro that needs charging daily.
Gary,
GOOD stuff. Timely; I just ordered a replacement from OWC for my Early 2011 15” MacBook Pro based on “Service Battery.” (I find the Other World Computing (OWC) video easier (than -iFixit) to see, understand, and with additional important details, like the screws are different lengths...). I’ve received the battery and within the instructions, they include the reminder of doing battery recalibration after instal as well.
THANKS,
Fan Jo-Ann
Does the advice for MacBook batteries also works for iPhone Batteries - does it make sense to plug in the iPhone when in the office and leave it plugged in all the time?
This was so timely for me as I just had to have my mid-2014 13" MBP battery replaced when it expanded after the back cover was removed to replace the SSD. I was surprised because I only use my MBP at my desktop, and it's always plugged in, so almost no cycling. The tech guy (not Apple) who replaced the SSD, then the battery, told me I needed to let the battery drain down to about 20% once a week to keep this from happening again. Good to know that's not true. Thanks, Debbie
Deborah: I believe the swelling has more to do with age than with how much you use it. Though both probably contribute.
Volker: It is fine to keep iPhones plugged in. Most people do this all night to charge it up, although some believe a bad myth that you shouldn't. It is rare for someone to keep an iPhone plugged in all day too, considering it is usually in their pocket and goes where they go. But if you can, then sure. You may want to think about a charging pad if your iPhone supports wireless charging to make it easier.
Jo-Ann: Sounds like you are lucky and have a MacBook model where it is easier to do it yourself. Some newer models are almost impossible (dissolving glue is involved).
Ed: Same basic rules for the iPad.
Laverne: They vary greatly in how difficult it is to replace the battery. Some models have you dissolving glue and re-applying adhesive. So I'd carefully check how-to instructions and think about your skills before buying.
As always, fantastic info for us Mac owners. Thanks Gary! And I appreciate the fact you keep to the facts and do not waver or use foul language.
Thanks for this info! I did have the battery swell up on my Mac about a year ago. My Apple store warned me not to try to open it or anything, but to bring it to the store and they would fix or replace it. They did have to send it out and they replaced it. My guy at the Genius Bar told me that a swollen battery had a risk of exploding if I'd opened the case, and they didn't even open it in the store, but they sent it out. The cost of a new battery is a whole lot less than the cost of a new Mac!
I was having issues with a 2015 MacBook .There was a flashing question mark, unexplained shutdowns, fans running at high RPMs, I came across a report that Apple has a battery replacement program for certain Macbooks. I shut my Macbook down and made an appointment at the Apple Store. They found the battery had swelled and was included in the program. They sent it to Texas. and ten days later, as promised, I have my MacBook Pro back. No charge f bor the new battery. Runs great.
My husband has enjoyed his iPad AIR for 4 years but in the last few months the battery has been discharging very quickly. From 100% falling to 3% in 20 minutes so now he has to keep it plugged in most of the time. Very frustrating. I believe it’s not possible to replace iPad batteries. I was wondering if the battery could be faulty. What are your thoughts?
Anne: You can definitely replace an iPad battery. People do it all the time. Make an appointment at the Genius Bar and they'll take care of it.
Thank you for resolving the many myths re care of MacBook Batteries and for your generosity of sharing your unique knowledge. You make a difference to people's lives. :)
Thanks for the video and also timely for me. I went to use my 2010 MacBook Pro two weeks ago after it was sitting for several months (I also have an iMac) and I received the message that the battery needed service. I was able to charge it and it worked ok until I was able to order a new one from OWC. I found that it would work for an hour so and even when just in sleep mode it would drain rather quickly. I just put the new battery in this morning and I am going through the calibration process.
Hi Gary, Re leaving your MacBook plugged into power all the time and your comments "It's perfectly okay to have your MacBook sitting on your desk charged up to 100%"
I started doing this a very long time ago when I watched one of your earlier videos suggesting this.
However when I went to an Apple Shop, the technician said this was not a good idea after looking at my battery cycle reading.
Now I am confused about whether to leave it plugged in all the time or not.
Margaret: What was your battery cycle reading? It should have been lower when compared to doing the opposite, so I'm not sure what the tech could have been complaining about.
Gary, are all MacBook batteries replaceable? Are there any models where you can do it yourself? Thanks
Karl: They can all be replaced by Apple or a tech shop. Very old models have removable ones, so obviously you can do those yourself (you can remove the battery without opening the case). The rest vary. Some can be done by someone with technical know-how. Others involve dissolving and re-applying glue and other issues. Basically, if you know how to do it, then you can do it. Otherwise, I would advise you to have Apple do it. It is one of the cheapest ways to keep an old MacBook going.
A very helpful and on-point post. It is good to see some of the "myths" about battery life so expertly dispelled. Thank you.
My battery count tonight is: Cycle Count: 222. I purchased my MacBook on 18th November, 2015. I was following your advice and leaving it plugged in all the time but stopped after the Apple Shop technician told me differently. I cannot recall the date that the technician told me this. Probably at least 6 - 9 months ago I suspect.
Margaret: That advice is just wrong. Was that at an official Apple Store or a third-party shop? 222 is not bad for one almost 4-years-old. But the most important thing is to use it as you need it.
My mid-2015 MacBook Pro is working fine, but says "Service Battery" at 534 cycles. I chatted with Apple support because I wondered whether I had to do something in a hurry, and I was told the message will come up when the cycles reach past halfway to 1000, and I could replace if having trouble. What if I use a longer cable/power supply to spend more time connected, and preserve battery? The tech said that would be a good plan.
Carol: if your MacBook battery condition is Service Battery I would get that done ASAP. Using it plugged in when convenient is what you should shoot for.
Yes Gary it was an official Apple Shop in Highpoint in Melbourne, Australia. My battery count is low because I was following your advice for a long time and leaving my computer always plugged in to power. I will now - once again - follow your advice from now on and leave my MacBook plugged in to the power when using it at home (which is most of the time). Thank you for a wonderful informative service that you provide. I so look forward to receiving your weekly eNewsletters.