A MacBook battery is a consumable part, but how you use and charge it makes a real difference. With a few settings changes and better habits, you can get more hours out of each charge and slow down long-term wear. Here's how to extend MacBook battery life without giving up the features you rely on.
Turn on Optimized Battery Charging
Lithium-ion batteries age faster when they sit at 100% for long periods. Optimized Battery Charging learns your routine and may pause charging around 80% until you're likely to unplug.
- On macOS Ventura or later, open System Settings and click Battery.
- Click the info button next to Battery Health.
- Make sure Optimized Battery Charging is turned on.
On macOS Big Sur or Monterey, go to System Preferences > Battery > Battery and tick Optimized battery charging. If you see "Charging On Hold" in the battery menu, that's this feature working, not a fault.
Use Low Power Mode when you need more time
On supported MacBooks running macOS Monterey or later, Low Power Mode reduces energy use by lowering system clock speed and screen brightness.
- Open System Settings > Battery.
- Next to Low Power Mode, choose Only on Battery, Always or another option that suits you.
"Only on Battery" is a great choice for students and commuters: full performance at your desk, longer runtime on the go.
Tune the settings that use the most power
- Screen brightness: the display is one of the biggest power users. Lower it a few steps and keep Automatically adjust brightness on in Displays settings.
- Keyboard backlight: in System Settings > Keyboard, set the backlight to turn off after a short period of inactivity.
- Login items: go to System Settings > General > Login Items and remove apps you don't need running all the time.
- Bluetooth and accessories: unplug USB devices you aren't using; many draw power even when idle.
- Software updates: keep macOS and your apps current, since updates often include efficiency improvements.
Find apps that drain your battery
Sometimes one app is the culprit. Open Activity Monitor (in Applications > Utilities) and click the Energy tab. Sort by Energy Impact to see what's working hardest. Browser tabs with video or heavy web apps are common offenders. Quit what you don't need, and check the Preventing Sleep column for apps that keep your Mac awake. Our guide to using Activity Monitor explains the other tabs.
Habits that protect battery health long term
- Avoid heat. Don't leave your MacBook in a hot car or charge it under a pillow or blanket. Heat is one of the worst things for a battery.
- Be careful with cold, too. In an Ottawa winter, let a cold MacBook warm up to room temperature before using or charging it.
- Use it unplugged sometimes. Keeping the battery moving is better than leaving it fully charged on the desk for months.
- Store it half charged. If you won't use the Mac for weeks, leave it around 50% and power it off.
- Use a proper charger. A good-quality USB-C or MagSafe charger with enough wattage for your model charges safely and efficiently.
Want to know where your battery stands today? Learn how to check MacBook battery health and cycle count.
When the battery is simply worn out
No setting can bring back capacity a battery has already lost. If your Mac shows "Service Recommended" or barely lasts an hour, it's time for a new battery. Fix Revolution offers MacBook battery replacement in Ottawa and Gatineau, with pickup and drop-off at your home or office. Most repairs are completed in 1 to 2 business days and include a 90-day warranty on parts and labour. Get a free quote or call 613-265-4349.
Quick answers
Should I keep my MacBook plugged in all the time?
It's fine with Optimized Battery Charging turned on, but using it on battery now and then is good for long-term health.
Does Low Power Mode hurt my MacBook?
No. It only reduces performance and brightness to save energy, and you can turn it off at any time.
Why does my MacBook stop charging at 80%?
That's usually Optimized Battery Charging holding the charge to reduce battery wear. It finishes charging before you typically unplug.