Is your MacBook battery draining faster than it used to? Or perhaps your device shuts down even though it hasn't been used heavily? These symptoms indicate that your MacBook's battery might be degrading, which is normal after some use. But don't worry! This article will guide you through the causes, symptoms, and ways to deal with MacBook battery degradation, along with tips to extend battery life.
Signs That Your MacBook Battery is Degrading
Signs That Your MacBook Battery is Degrading
- Battery drains unusually fast: Fully charged but runs out of power quickly.
- Battery percentage drops rapidly: During normal use, the battery percentage decreases drastically.
- Device shuts down unexpectedly: Sometimes the device shuts down even when the battery still has some charge left.
- Battery swelling: Noticeable from the device appearing bloated or the Trackpad not clicking properly.
- MacBook runs slower: The system might become sluggish or perform slower when the battery is low.
- Battery status shows "Service Recommended": You can check your battery health by going to System Settings > Battery and looking at Battery Health. If it shows this status, it means your battery is starting to degrade and should be checked.
Main Causes of MacBook Battery Degradation
- Lifespan: Lithium-ion batteries have a limited lifespan, typically around 300-500 charge cycles. Once this number of cycles is reached, the battery's performance will start to decline.
- Heat: Using your MacBook in very hot environments or using it heavily for extended periods until it gets very hot will negatively affect the battery in the long run.
- Improper charging habits: Regularly letting the battery drain completely or overcharging it can affect the battery's lifespan.
- Usage settings: Running many applications and features simultaneously will cause the battery to work harder and degrade faster.
How to Check Your MacBook's Battery Health
- Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
- Select System Settings.
- Click on Battery in the sidebar (you might need to scroll down).
- Click the i icon next to Battery Health.
- You will see the battery's condition and the Cycle Count.
How to Fix a Degraded MacBook Battery
Once your MacBook battery has degraded to a certain level, the best solution is to replace it with a new one. This can be done by
- Contacting an Apple Store or an authorized service provider: This is the most reliable way, but the cost might be higher.
- Local MacBook repair shops: There are many MacBook repair shops that offer battery replacement services, which may be cheaper, but you should choose a reputable and experienced shop.
- Replacing the battery yourself: For those with technical knowledge, you can purchase a battery and replace it yourself, but you should be careful and study the information thoroughly before proceeding.
Additional Tips
- Always back up your data: Before taking your device for repair, always back up your important data.
- Inquire about prices and turnaround time: Compare prices and repair times from different shops before making a decision.
- Check the warranty: Ask about the battery warranty after replacement.
How to Maintain Your MacBook Battery for Longer Life
- Avoid heat: Do not use your MacBook in high-temperature environments.
- Update macOS to the latest version: Apple often includes power management performance improvements in newer macOS versions.
- Manage open applications: Close applications you are not using to reduce background battery usage.
- Adjust screen brightness: Reduce screen brightness when not needed.
- Enable Low Power Mode: In System Settings > Battery, you can enable Low Power Mode.
- Manage charging cycles: Try not to let the battery drain completely too often, and it's not necessary to charge it to 100% every time.
Conclusion
MacBook battery degradation is inevitable, but understanding the causes and how to deal with it will help you use your MacBook more smoothly. If you encounter battery degradation issues, don't hesitate to have your device checked and repaired by a qualified technician. Especially for those in Chiang Mai, there are repair shop options readily available. We hope this article is helpful and allows you to take better care of your MacBook!
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