MacBook Battery
After some years of using a device, it is very common to notice some subtle to not-so-subtle changes. Your MacBook may not be holding a charge like it used to, or it may have started powering off with some charge remaining, like at 20%. Whatever the problem may be, it seems like your MacBook has some issues it needs to address.
In most situations, it is giving you the gentle “I think I need a new battery” whisper. Let’s explore when it’s appropriate to replace the battery and the reasoning behind it.
Not like in the past, batteries do not last last these days.
Every MacBook battery is designed to endure a certain amount of charge cycles. A charge cycle is one entire charge and discharge of a battery, whether done in one sitting or broken up into parts. Most newer MacBook models have a 1,000 charge cycle limit. That may sound like a lot and it is, but it is not infinite.
After you exceed that limit, the battery begins to age far more prematurely and you may start noticing it not holding charge, or charging more slowly, or dying unexpectedly. That type of behavior is part of battery degeneration, but in the instance when it begins impacting the daily routine it is a very strong indicator that it needs a change.
How to Check Your Battery’s Condition
To check your battery health check-up, Apple has made it easy to verify:
Click on the Apple Menu
Choose “About This Mac”
Click “System Report”
Go to “Power” under “Hardware”
Check the “Cycle Count” and “Condition” fields
If the count is nearing 1,000 and you are seeing “Service Battery” to “Replace Soon” messages, then your battery is almost at the end of its cycle and it is now time to get it changed.
In the recent macOS updates, you are able to check the battery health within System Settings. If the battery requires replacement, the system will alert you.
Reduced Performance and Issues with Charging
macOS will make attempts to notify you to check on the battery health no matter what the cycle count is.
Reflect on the Following:
MacBook spontaneous shut-downs?
Rapid battery drainage?
Do you find yourself dependent on the charging cable just to operate the laptop?
All the aforementioned symptoms are an indicator of your battery failing. The flow of power affects almost everything – the speed of booting, the speed of the apps, and so on. A failing battery forces the operating system to restrict power, and the MacBook speed gets slower and slower.
Swollen MacBook Battery? Troublesome Signs to Notice
A bulged bottom casing along with a raised or tight feeling trackpad could indicate a problem with the device’s battery. Although these issues are rare, they are dangerous, especially in older devices.
Swollen batteries create a multitude of issues, including some that are very dangerous. This is a problem that should never be attempted to be self-diagnosed or remedied. If you notice signs of battery bulging, shutting down the device, bringing it in to an Apple Store or authorized repair center is crucial.
Alerts MacOS Integrated Battery Service
An Apple device’s macOS has the functionality to alert users when the battery is running low, either through a notification or alert. Notifications such as, “Service Recommended” and “Battery Condition: Poor” are not casual phrases, and are meant to be taken seriously. Although a user might be able to get some work done, the battery is no longer working as intended, and could fail without prior warning.
Determining a rough estimate for your Macbook battery’s lifespan can be troubling. Mac users who work on their laptops daily will probably hit the 1000 cycles mark around 3 to 5 years, whilst casual users are able to push 6 or more years.
Using just cycle count is not advisable, especially with Macbooks. If a user’s Macbook is unable to last a normal work day before needing a charge—the battery should be replaced.
What To Expect: Having Your Battery Serviced
If you are considering a MacBook battery replacement, this is what you should expect:
Should your device still fall under the AppleCare+ protection plan, you may qualify for a no cost or low fee battery replacement – especially if the battery capacity is under 80% within the serviced time frame.
For those who are out of warranty, Apple’s pricing for battery replacement is often model dependent. While pricey, the cost is often justifiable if the rest of your device is in good shape.
You have the choice of a third-party repair center. Just confirm they have a good reputation for using quality components and provide a reliable warranty-backed service.
What About Trying To Do It On Your Own?
In theory, a person can opt to do a MacBook battery replacement by themselves. In practice, this is a bad idea for the majority of people.
The batteries of modern MacBook models are held in place with adhesives. Removing them requires a heat gun, a fair amount of time, and other specialized tools. Without prior experience, you stand a good chance of damaging the delicate components.
If you lack confidence in your abilities, it’s a good idea to leave it to the experts. It’s more efficient, and much safer.
Make Sure You Don’t Drag It Too Long
It is unwise to procrastinate on replacing a failing battery. It often exhibits certain warning signs. You could be in the middle of typing an email or working on a project, and then—your MacBook just dies mid-session. It can be quite jarring.
Replacing a failing battery can not only prevent complete data loss, but also the loss and damage of valuable components. Avoid procrastination replacing the battery and deal with the complication head-on.
Last Words
Restoring the battery can help improve and return a macbook’s portability and performance while effectively returning the device’s life span.
Replace your macbook battery when performance issues, a failing battery, or sluggish response prompts action. It could serve the user a lot longer by replacing the battery when it’s failing.