For many of us, our Mac’s battery life is a key part of our daily computing experience. Whether you have a 13-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro, knowing how to get the most out of your macâs battery will boost your productivity and overall satisfaction with your Apple laptop.
Mac Battery Basics
Battery Lifespan and Cycle Count
A MacBook batteryâs lifespan is measured in battery cycle count. A cycle count is one full discharge and recharge of your battery. Apple design MacBook batteries to retain up to 80% of their original capacity at 1000 full charge cycles.
To check your batteryâs cycle count:
- Click on the Apple logo in the menu bar
- Select âAbout This Macâ
- Click on âSystem Reportâ
- Go to âPowerâ under the Hardware section
Here youâll find information about your batteryâs cycle count, condition and other relevant info.
Battery Health and Replacement
As your Mac ages, the MacBook battery health will decline. If you notice a big drop in battery performance, itâs probably time for a battery replacement. Apple offers battery replacement for all MacBook models, including older models.
Get the Most out of Your MacBook Proâs Battery Life
Check Battery Status
The battery icon in the menu bar gives you a quick glance at your battery status. For more info:
- Hold down the Option key and click on the battery icon
- This will show you the batteryâs condition and if itâs working properly
Use Energy Saver Settings
In System Preferences youâll find Energy Saver settings to help extend your battery life:
- Open System Preferences
- Click on “Energy Saver”
- Adjust settings like display sleep and computer sleep to save power
Manage Screen Brightness and Background Apps
Screen brightness is a big battery killer. Lowering your screen brightness will extend your battery life a lot. Closing unnecessary apps especially those running in the background will also help save battery.
Use Activity Monitor
The Activity Monitor will help you see which apps are using the most energy:
- Open Activity Monitor
- Click on the “Energy” tab
- See which apps are using the most power and close them if you donât need them
FAQs
How Long Does 20% Battery Last on MacBook Pro?
The time 20% battery will last varies depending on your MacBook model and usage, reflecting how long a MacBook battery lasts in practical scenarios. For regular use it will last around 30 minutes to an hour. But if youâre running power hungry apps like Final Cut Pro it will be much less.
Battery Life for Different MacBook Models
- MacBook Air: Up to 12 hours wireless web
- MacBook Pro 13-inch: Up to 10 hours wireless web
- MacBook Pro 16-inch: Up to 11 hours wireless web
These times may vary depending on screen brightness, apps in use and if youâre connected to Wi-Fi.
Advanced Battery Saving Tips
Enable Low Power Mode
Available in macOS Monterey and later, Low Power Mode reduces power consumption by limiting performance and screen brightness.
Donât Expose to Extreme Temperatures
Leaving your MacBook in direct sunlight or extremely cold environments for long periods can damage the battery permanently.
Update to the Latest macOS
Apple releases updates that can improve battery life. Make sure your MacBook is running the latest macOS.
Final Thoughts
Getting the most out of your MacBook Pro battery is a combination of good habits, regular maintenance and using the built-in power saving features. Follow these tips and be mindful of your batteryâs health and your MacBook Pro will serve you well for its entire life whether youâre on a single charge or plugged in.
Remember if youâre experiencing persistent battery issues or your battery has degraded significantly itâs time to consider replacing the battery. Always consult with Apple or an authorized service provider for professional advice and service.
