14 Things You Can Do To Make Your MacBook Last Longer

If you are thinking about getting or have recently bought a new MacBook Air or Pro, you may want to know how to make it last as long as possible. Here is some advice on how to keep your MacBook running well for many years to come.

Comments: 19 Responses to “14 Things You Can Do To Make Your MacBook Last Longer”

    Patty
    3 years ago

    Please share details on which clear cases you use to cover MacBook Air 13” m1 2020. Also, is it ok to buy the off (Anker) brands usc/b adapters, cords & chargers? I just bought a new MacBook Air & really appreciate this posting!

    3 years ago

    Patty: I don't have any specific recommendations. Just get one that fits your style and has decent real reviews. Hard to say whether all adapters, cords and chargers are OK. You just have to research it a bit for the particular one you are interested in. I don't do hardware testing or anything like that so I don't have any information that you couldn't find online elsewhere.

    Ramon
    3 years ago

    Excellent video, as always. I recently bought a MacBook Pro and notice it has no slot for a chain/cable lock. What solution is there for this?

    3 years ago

    Ramon: I've never looked for something like that. Searching Amazon there are a bunch of solutions, like something that glues on, or latches on some other way. I think setting up Find My Mac and FileVault is probably better protection as then if it is stolen they can't get to your data and you can disable the Mac forever remotely making it worthless except for parts.

    Laraine
    3 years ago

    I have a MacBook Pro from 2008, but only because there are applications I can no longer use. I still prefer my 2017 27" iMac. Mostly the 2008 MacBook sits on my desk, permanently plugged in, but I sometimes take it to the living room for short times. I use the battery then. It has a case but that's falling apart now. Maybe a new one is worth getting?

    Kenneth Vignona
    3 years ago

    Gary, I always use power cord when using my MacBook. I also very rarely shut it down. Is it ok that when I finish using my book, I close the cover (sleep), leave it on and plugged in? Ken

    3 years ago

    Kenneth: Yes. That is what most people do.

    Robert Hutchison
    3 years ago

    Hi Garry,
    Thank you for the tips, my question is related to keeping my MacBook Air plugged in all the time, I have an intel 2020 Mac,
    I want to keep the battery in good condition and have two questions.
    1. If not plugged what percentage would you let it run down to without damaging the battery? I usual let it go to 60% then charge to full
    2. You said about keeping plugged in on power all the time. Will this not overcharge the battery?

    Thank you.

    Robert

    3 years ago

    Robert: I wouldn't pay any attention at all to the percent except to check to see if I was almost out of power and couldn't work anymore. If I needed to use it until it is almost out of power I would. If I was at 90% and it was convenient to put it in at that moment I would. Use your MacBook, don't let it use you. The battery will not "overcharge." It is way smarter than that. The hardware and macOS will manage things like that. Focus on your work (or whatever you are doing) and let the software worry about the details of battery management.

    Lali Raj
    3 years ago

    Gary putting a plastic cover won't heat up the MacBook when it is on?

    3 years ago

    Lali: No. The vents are out the back edge and the cover is open there. The cover doesn't block the vents at all.

    Patricia Stirling
    3 years ago

    Hi Gary
    I kept my MacBook Pro plugged in all the time and the battery swelled up. I had to get a new battery. But you say it's safe to leave it pugged in all the time? I'm being told otherwise by the shop. Now I put it through cycles thinking that's the best thing to do. But it's not? A swollen battery is horrible and I'm confused! Can you advise me please?

    Jack McNeil
    3 years ago

    Hi Gary, thanks for the video. When you recommend leaving the laptop plugged into the wall for power so as to not use the battery (to prolong its life), I think of the articles I have read that say leaving your Apple device plugged in after you reach 100% charge is not good for the battery. What am I misunderstanding?

    3 years ago

    Patricia: Yes, keeping it plugged in all the time is how many people do it. That isn't the reason it swelled (random chance, age). Adding cycles needlessly will only wear it out.

    3 years ago

    Jack: You are probably reading old articles or bad ones based on old info. MacBooks manage the battery and won't overcharge the battery or anything like that.

    Mick
    3 years ago

    I have a 2015 MacBook and think it's the best bit of tech I ever purchased. The battery was replaced a couple of years ago under a recall (wonder if that's what happened to Patricia S?) Thanks for taking time to make the tutorial. Very helpful. Regards Mick

    Christine
    3 years ago

    My MacBook Pro battery was replaced last year because it was swelling and stopped charging. I always had it plugged in. The Apple genius tech told me to charge and let it run down. Glad to read what you recommend.

    3 years ago

    Christine: Using your battery a lot is only one factor with that problem. Temperature changes are another. Then there is just luck as the battery is just a bunch of chemicals and sometimes it happens.

    John Hill
    3 years ago

    I have the Touch Bar late 2019 16 MBP that I leave plugged in 24/7. I noticed a battery related message to the effect that the OS recognized the continuous 24/7 power source and it said the battery would be autonatically maintained at 80%. Note: I disable the Touch Bar after trying it for several months.

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