If you’re worried about your MacBook’s battery degradation, you’re not alone! Many users want to prolong battery life and keep it in good condition for as long as possible. In this article, we’ll go over some of the best practices for taking care of your MacBook battery and slowing down its degradation, especially if you’re storing it for long periods of time.
1. Understanding MacBook Battery Health
MacBook batteries are lithium-ion, and like all lithium-ion batteries, they degrade over time. The health of your MacBook’s battery is measured by its cycle count and maximum capacity. A cycle count refers to how many times the battery has gone through a full charge cycle (100% charge). The maximum capacity refers to the percentage of the original battery capacity remaining.
For example, a battery with 96% maximum capacity means it can hold 96% of the original charge. It’s normal for the battery’s capacity to decrease slightly over time, especially as the number of charge cycles increases.
2. Best Practices to Prolong Battery Life
Here are some tips to help slow down the degradation of your MacBook’s battery:
- Keep Your Battery Charged Between 20%-80%: Keeping your battery between 20% and 80% is generally considered the sweet spot for maintaining battery health. You’re already doing this with the aidente tool, which is great!
- Avoid Overcharging: Once your MacBook reaches 100%, unplug it to avoid overcharging. Modern MacBooks are designed to handle overcharging, but it’s still a good practice to avoid keeping them plugged in all the time.
- Turn Off Power When Not in Use: If you’re not using your MacBook for a long period, turn it off completely. This prevents the battery from constantly being in a charging state.
- Enable Battery Health Management: macOS includes a feature called “Battery Health Management,” which helps to reduce wear on the battery by adjusting charging behavior based on your usage patterns. Make sure this feature is enabled in the System Preferences.
3. Storage Tips for Prolonged Battery Life
If you’re not using your MacBook regularly and want to store it for an extended period, take extra precautions:
- Charge to Around 50%: If you’re storing your MacBook for more than a few weeks, it’s recommended to leave the battery at around 50% charge. Storing it fully charged or fully drained can lead to permanent damage to the battery.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Avoid storing your MacBook in places that are too hot or too cold. Ideal storage temperatures are between 50° and 95°F (10° and 35°C).
4. What About the Drop in Maximum Capacity?
It’s normal for the maximum capacity to drop slightly over time, especially if the laptop has been used for several months. A 1% decrease in capacity, like going from 97% to 96%, is not something to worry about. However, if you notice a rapid decline, or if the battery is not holding charge properly, you may need to look into getting the battery replaced or contact Apple Support for assistance.
Conclusion
Maintaining your MacBook’s battery health involves good charging habits, proper storage, and monitoring the battery’s performance. By following the tips outlined above, you can slow down the degradation of your battery and extend its lifespan for a longer time. Don’t forget to use macOS’s built-in battery management tools, and always be mindful of your charging habits!
コメント