The ONLY Way To Maintain 100% MacBook Battery Health

Summary

In this video, the creator discusses how to maintain your MacBook's battery health over time. They cover topics like understanding charge cycles, the impact of battery capacity on health, and the effects of using various charging methods (USB-C vs. MagSafe). The video also provides practical advice, such as recalibrating the battery occasionally, optimizing power settings, and avoiding extreme temperatures. The creator also addresses long-term storage guidelines and shares tips on maximizing battery longevity. Overall, viewers learn effective methods to prolong their MacBook's battery life while debunking common myths and providing actionable advice.

Takeaways

• 😀 One charge cycle is counted when you use 100% of your MacBook's battery capacity, even if it's in smaller increments (e.g., 50% one day, 50% the next).
• 😀 Battery health is calculated by tracking the battery's capacity and the number of charge cycles it goes through, not by just the number of charges.
• 😀 A 93% battery health does not mean your battery retains 93% of its original capacity; actual capacity might be lower (e.g., 89% in the example).
• 😀 It's common for MacBook batteries to have varying capacities from the factory, meaning a slight drop in health is normal.
• 😀 Charging your MacBook using a transparent power bank like the Charge Shar Geek 170 is a convenient solution for charging on the go, offering up to 140W of power delivery.
• 😀 Apple recommends updating macOS for optimization but cautions that new updates may drain more battery, especially on older MacBooks.
• 😀 Once your MacBook or iPhone reaches three years of use, it's advisable not to install major updates unless absolutely necessary.
• 😀 To optimize battery health, use your MacBook's low power mode, adjust brightness, and turn off Wi-Fi when not needed.
• 😀 It’s safe to leave your MacBook plugged in all the time; however, micro-cycles still occur, which might contribute to some battery wear over time.
• 😀 Apple's optimized battery charging feature prevents overcharging, which can prolong battery health. Trust the system's management of charging.
• 😀 Fully discharging and then recharging your MacBook every few months can help recalibrate the battery management system, making it more accurate.
• 😀 While charging, use apps that can limit the charge to around 80% to preserve battery health, though newer MacBooks already have this feature built-in.
• 😀 Whether you use MagSafe or USB-C to charge your MacBook, both are safe and won’t impact battery health, with the choice being one of convenience.
• 😀 When charging your MacBook slowly (e.g., using a smaller adapter), it’s best to do so at night to prevent overheating and potential damage to both the battery and adapter.
• 😀 Avoid exposing your MacBook to extreme temperatures. The optimal storage temperature for your MacBook is between 62°F and 72°F (16°C to 22°C).
• 😀 For long-term storage, keep your MacBook at 50% charge and store it in a cool, dry place. Recharge it to 50% every 6 months if stored for longer than that.

Q & A

What is battery health and how is it calculated in a MacBook?

Battery health refers to the capacity of the battery to hold a charge over time. It is calculated based on two main factors: the battery's current maximum capacity and the number of charge cycles the battery has gone through. The MacBook compares the current battery capacity to its original capacity to estimate its health.

What is a charge cycle, and how is it measured?

A charge cycle is one full discharge and recharge of the battery. For example, if you use 50% of your MacBook's battery and recharge it to 100%, that counts as half of a cycle. A full cycle is counted when you use 100% of the battery, even if it happens over multiple partial discharges.

Can my MacBook battery health ever remain at 100%?

It is unlikely for the battery health to remain at 100% for a long time as batteries naturally degrade over time with use. However, following proper battery maintenance techniques can help slow down the degradation process.

Why does my MacBook show 93% battery health instead of 100% after a year?

Battery degradation is common over time, even with minimal cycles. A drop to 93% after a year is normal and doesn't necessarily mean the battery is failing. Factors like usage, charging habits, and environmental conditions can all affect the battery health.

Is it okay to keep my MacBook plugged in all the time?

Yes, it is okay to keep your MacBook plugged in. Modern MacBooks have battery management systems that prevent overcharging, so leaving it plugged in will not damage the battery. However, frequent micro-cycles may occur when it's constantly plugged in.

What is micro-cycling, and does it affect my MacBook's battery health?

Micro-cycling occurs when the MacBook's battery is fully charged but still plugged in, and it goes through small charge and discharge cycles to maintain the battery's charge level. While this has a minor impact on battery health, it's not as significant as full charge and discharge cycles.

Should I fully discharge and recharge my MacBook's battery occasionally?

Yes, it is recommended to fully discharge and recharge your MacBook's battery every few months. This helps recalibrate the battery's internal management system, ensuring more accurate readings of remaining battery life and health.

How does Apple's Battery Health Management feature help my MacBook?

The Battery Health Management feature automatically manages charging and discharging to reduce stress on the battery. It adjusts the maximum charge level to prolong the battery's lifespan, preventing the battery from charging to 100% all the time.

Can I manually limit the charging to 80% to extend the battery lifespan?

While you can manually limit the battery charge to 80%, modern MacBooks already have a built-in Battery Health Management feature that optimizes the charging process to improve battery lifespan. So manually limiting the charge may not have as significant an effect as the built-in feature.

What is the best way to charge my MacBook without damaging the battery?

To avoid damaging the battery, use the original power adapter and avoid charging your MacBook with a low-powered adapter while using it for intensive tasks. It's also better to charge it slowly overnight when you're not using it, especially if you're using a power bank.