Arandel

Level 1 (19 points)

Mac OS X

Q: Is it better to leave my Macbook plugged in most of the time or not?

I've read different answers on the internet. Some people say that keeping your macbook plugged in is like not using the battery at all. Others say that keeping it plugged in most of the time is bad for the battery, for various reasons, either it makes the battery too hot or the constant charging and discharging during use is somehow detrimental. Everybody agrees that you should use it purely on battery at least once in a while, and many say that one should do a full discharge and charge once a month or so, to "exercise" the battery.

My question can be restated as: What is the optimal charging schedule for battery life, assuming that I have constant access to an electric outlet?

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Yosemite (10.10.2), 16GB Ram

Posted on Apr 9, 2015 3:02 PM

I have this question too

Q: Is it better to leave my Macbook plugged in most of the time or not?

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Helpful answers

by K Shaffer,

K Shaffer Apr 9, 2015 3:20 PM in response to Arandel
Level 6 (14,429 points)

Desktops

Apr 9, 2015 3:20 PM in response to Arandel

Do not let the MacBook or other battery powered Apple products run their battery flat.
To do so will damage the longer-term life and deep-cycle charge capabilities of them...

There is information about general battery and product health in the Apple support articles.

•Mac notebooks: All about batteries - Apple Support
•Apple Portables: Troubleshooting MagSafe adapters - Apple Support
•Find the right power adapter and cord for your Mac notebook - Apple Support

General:
http://www.apple.com/batteries/maximizing-performance/

You can check the System information section for battery and charging status, also note
the charge cycles and life or health of the battery there.

Good luck & happy computing!
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by OGELTHORPE,

OGELTHORPE Apr 9, 2015 3:39 PM in response to Arandel
Level 9 (52,521 points)

Mac OS X

Apr 9, 2015 3:39 PM in response to Arandel

I keep my MBP connected to AC as much as possible. At least once per month I will use with just the battery to about the 40%± charge level. That way I keep the battery happy and maximize the battery life.

In portable mode you will be forced into situations where you approach exhausting the batteries electrical reserves. When you see the low battery warning, terminate your session and look for a place to recharge the battery. Avoid a shutdown due to battery exhaustion. That will shorten the useful life of the battery.

Ciao.
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by iPad3986,

iPad3986 Apr 9, 2015 7:12 PM in response to OGELTHORPE
Level 1 (0 points)

Apr 9, 2015 7:12 PM in response to OGELTHORPE

this is good to know
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