9 Signs Your MacBook Needs a New Battery

Products in the MacBook family, such as the MacBook Pro, are known for having a higher average battery life than PC laptops. This is partly due to Apple optimizing the operating system, the hardware, and the battery to minimize power consumption.

However, even with high battery capacity and optimization, MacBook batteries can wear out and eventually fail if not replaced. Continuing to use a failing battery can reduce the lifespan of your MacBook’s components. Knowing the signs your Apple laptop needs a new battery will help you detect the issue early and allow you to replace the battery when needed.

1. Short Battery Life

Most MacBook laptop batteries are rated to hold enough charge to last between 18 and 20 hours, depending on the model. The latest MacBook Pro models with a 16-inch screen and M2 chip can even reach up to 22 hours.

While battery life varies depending on usage, check how long it lasts when you use it normally. If you get fewer hours before needing a full charge than you used to, it may be a sign your MacBook battery is worn out and needs an Apple laptop battery replacement.

2. Slow Charging

A MacBook battery should take no more than two hours to recharge from about 20 percent to 80 percent if the laptop is off. Battery charging rates can vary due to several factors, including intensive use, quality, and condition of the charger, or whether you’re using the Optimized Battery Charging feature.

If your MacBook needs several hours to recharge even when idling or turned off, try these possible solutions in order:

• Ensure your MacBook is up-to-date.
• Limit the use of power-intensive applications while charging.
• Plug your charger into a different USB-C port or a different outlet.
• Try a different charger, ensuring you are using an official Apple cable and power adapter.

If these solutions don’t work, consider replacing your battery, as it may be too worn out to charge at normal speeds.

3. Battery Drains Quickly Even When Not in Use

All laptop batteries slowly lose charge over time. This is a phenomenon known as self-discharge. However, the rate at which a battery loses that charge is an indicator of its health. A healthy, properly made lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery like those in the MacBook should lose about one to two percent charge per month below 95 percent charge.

If your MacBook’s battery drains too quickly even when you’re not using it, it is experiencing an elevated self-discharge rate, indicating it may be worn out, and you should replace it as soon as possible.

4. Overheating During Normal Use

The temperature of a laptop battery varies depending on how quickly it is being charged or discharged. Fast charging or using intensive applications can make your battery run hotter due to the higher rate of energy being transferred in or out.

However, if your MacBook feels hot to the touch even while not plugged in or under heavy use, your battery may be worn out or faulty. Overheating batteries can accelerate wear and tear to other components, such as the central processor unit (CPU) or memory (RAM). Replace the battery as soon as possible to prolong your MacBook’s lifespan.

5. Swollen Battery Case

A swollen battery case on a MacBook is a critical warning sign and requires immediate attention. Battery swelling is caused by hydrogen gas buildup within the battery cell, often due to overcharging or heat damage. This physical bulge reduces your laptop’s functionality and poses a safety risk due to chemical leaks or electrical fires.

If you notice any distortion in your MacBook’s case or have trouble closing it, turn off the device, do not charge it, and call a professional battery replacement service promptly.

6. Unexpected Shutdowns

A MacBook shutting down unexpectedly is often a telltale sign of battery issues. As the battery ages, it may not hold a charge well, leading to sudden power-offs even when the battery indicator doesn’t suggest a low charge. This erratic behavior can be due to the battery’s inability to deliver the required power consistently.

It signals that the battery may be nearing the end of its lifespan, and it’s worth checking the battery’s condition in the system settings or considering a professional diagnostic to see if a replacement is necessary.

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7. Battery Not Holding a Full Charge

A healthy battery should charge up to 100 percent and then use power from the adapter to preserve the battery’s lifespan. If the maximum charge becomes progressively lower despite charging it for an extended period, it indicates one of two possible problems: falling out of calibration or worn out battery cells.

Falling out of calibration means your battery indicator is no longer accurately tracking your charge level. Worn out battery cells mean your battery can no longer physically charge to 100 percent.

Battery recalibration can help you determine which problem your battery is suffering from. Follow these steps to recalibrate your battery:

• Charge the battery as fully as possible and then leave it on the charger for two hours.
• Unplug the power adapter and continue using the Mac until the battery discharges fully.
• When your MacBook runs out of power, it will go to sleep without warning. Leave it alone for at least five hours.
• Plug the charger in and charge it fully again.

If your MacBook battery charge is 100 percent, it means the recalibration process was successful, and you can continue using your laptop normally. Otherwise, it may indicate your battery cells are worn out, so you should replace the battery as soon as possible.

8. Age of Your MacBook

The age of a MacBook can significantly impact its battery life, as batteries degrade over time and with use. A MacBook battery is typically rated for 1,000 full charge cycles, which means it can be charged from 0 percent to 100 percent a thousand times before capacity loss becomes noticeable.

This means a MacBook battery can generally last around three to five years before you experience a drop in battery performance. If your MacBook battery is over five years old, consider replacing it to restore your laptop’s performance.

9. macOS Battery Status Menu Indicates Replacement

The macOS battery status menu is an intuitive tool that allows you to monitor the health and status of your MacBook’s battery. It is accessible from the menu bar. When you click the battery icon, it shows the current charge level and indicates if the battery needs servicing.

If the battery status indicator says Service Recommended, it means macOS has detected it is no longer able to hold as much charge as it did out of the factory. While Apple states you can continue using your Mac even with this battery status, you should consider servicing or replacing it as soon as possible.

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Recognize the Telltale Signs to Prolong the Life of Your MacBook

A healthy, properly functioning battery is crucial to your MacBook’s performance and overall lifespan. If your battery is wearing out or failing, recognizing the signs can help you address the issue as early as possible and protect your laptop from accelerated wear or damage. It can also help you save money on a costlier MacBook repair or servicing, making it an essential troubleshooting solution.