HT202451: Using and maintaining your Apple MagSafe Adapter

Learn about Using and maintaining your Apple MagSafe Adapter
bstaab

Q: what is the orange and green light on the l style mag safe adapter

How can I tell if my mac is charging? Most of the time th elightis orange on my adapter.  Also, do I have to turn off the computer to charge my battery? What is the best way to get the most out of my battery, keep it plugged in? use with out the electric being plugged in?

Mac OS X (10.7.3)

Posted on Sep 26, 2012 6:33 AM

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Q: what is the orange and green light on the l style mag safe adapter

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  • by Jon P D,Helpful

    Jon P D Jon P D Sep 26, 2012 7:38 AM in response to bstaab
    Level 4 (1,515 points)
    Sep 26, 2012 7:38 AM in response to bstaab

    How can I tell if my mac is charging?

    The light on the MagSafe adapter will be orange. You can also check in the menu bar if you enable "Show battery status in menu bar" in system preferences > energy saver

     

     

    Also, do I have to turn off the computer to charge my battery?

    No

     

     

    What is the best way to get the most out of my battery, keep it plugged in? use with out the electric being plugged in?

     

    If it is convenient then keep it plugged in, but for extended time like weeks, let it run down about 15% every few days.

     

    Also don't let it run out completely, again only if it is convenient.

     

    To be honest just use it when and where you need it. Not doing the above is not going to do massive damage to your MacBook, they are just tips which you should bear in mind and follow them if doing so is not detrimental to your work.

  • by Jon P D,Solvedanswer

    Jon P D Jon P D Sep 26, 2012 7:40 AM in response to Jon P D
    Level 4 (1,515 points)
    Sep 26, 2012 7:40 AM in response to Jon P D

    also to answer your title question...

     

    orange light = charging

     

    green light = laptop is using power from the wall and not from the battery, but the battery is not charging (usually because it is full)