Hey everyone! Let’s talk about MacBook batteries. We all want them to last, right? A dead battery can really throw a wrench in your day, especially if you’re working on the go.
So, what can you do to keep your MacBook’s battery healthy for longer? It’s simpler than you think!
**1. Temperature Matters:**
Think of your battery like you – it doesn’t like extreme temperatures. Leaving your MacBook in direct sunlight or a super cold car will shorten its lifespan. Aim for room temperature whenever possible. Keeping it between 62° to 72° F (16° to 22° C) is ideal.
**2. Avoid Constant Full Charges (and Discharges):**
Modern MacBooks have smart charging features, but generally, leaving your MacBook plugged in 24/7 isn’t the best idea. While newer models manage charging cycles intelligently, it’s better to let the battery discharge somewhat regularly (but don’t let it die completely). Apple recommends avoiding keeping it constantly at 100% or constantly at 0%.
**3. Optimised Battery Charging (Check Your Settings!):**
Make sure ‘Optimised Battery Charging’ is turned on in your System Preferences. Go to System Preferences > Battery > Battery (in the left sidebar) and make sure the box next to “Optimised battery charging” is checked. This clever feature learns your charging habits and delays charging past 80% until just before you need to use your MacBook. This reduces the time your battery spends fully charged, which helps prolong its life.
**4. Monitor Battery Health:**
You can easily check your battery’s health. Click the Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report > Power. Look for the ‘Health Information’ section. ‘Condition’ will tell you if your battery is ‘Normal,’ ‘Replace Soon,’ ‘Replace Now,’ or ‘Service Battery.’ Keep an eye on this! If you’re in the “Replace Soon” or worse category, it’s time to start thinking about options.
**5. Manage Power-Hungry Apps:**
Some apps drain your battery faster than others. Activity Monitor (search for it using Spotlight) will show you which apps are using the most energy. Close apps you’re not using, especially resource-intensive ones like video editors or games.
**6. Software Updates are Your Friend:**
Apple regularly releases software updates that include battery optimization features. Make sure you’re running the latest version of macOS.
**7. Screen Brightness:**
A dimmer screen means less battery drain. Adjust your screen brightness to a comfortable level that’s not too bright. Auto-brightness is another good option.
**What if your battery *does* need replacing?**
If you’re seeing a persistent ‘Service Battery’ message or your battery life is drastically shorter than it used to be, it’s probably time for a replacement. Replacing a MacBook battery isn’t something you should DIY unless you’re very experienced. You could damage your MacBook.
If you’re near Wollongong and need your MacBook battery replaced, or any other mobile phone or computer repair give **Mobile Hero Phone Repair Wollongong** a shout! We’re local, reliable, and can get your MacBook back up and running quickly. Find us easily by searching “mobile hero phone repair wollongong”. They are the expert for your mobile repair needs!
By following these simple tips, you can extend the life of your MacBook’s battery and keep it powering your productivity for years to come!