Had to replace the battery in my 2018 MacBook Pro due to swelling. How can I cycle the battery more often?

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Level 1

62 points

Had to replace the battery in my 2018 MacBook Pro due to swelling. How can I cycle the battery more often?

MacBook

I use my MacBook Pro with an external monitor and keyboard and keep the MBP closed in a vertical stand on the floor. I don't have room on my desk or the floor to keep the lid open and don't travel with it.

It was suggested to do more frequent/deeper power cycling of the battery versus always keeping it charged which my current setup/usage doesn't really do.

The issue is that it won't drive an external monitor unless the power adapter is connected and if I simply remove the power supply with the case closed, the power drain is very low. I checked it after 8 hours or so with the supply disconnected and the battery had barely discharged at all, because with the cover closed, it's basically asleep.

Any suggestions on how I can cycle the battery more, or configure the computer to use my HDMI display with the supply disconnected so that I could use it as it is currently configured but on battery power.

Posted on Sep 10, 2020 12:19 PM

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Answer 1

Sep 10, 2020 12:33 PM in response to CPW

It was suggested to do more frequent/deeper power cycling of the battery versus always keeping it charged which my current setup/usage doesn't really do.

That is a poor suggestion. Running on AC power as much as possible is preferable. The battery that swelled was a bad battery, not a result of your usage pattern.

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Answer 2

CPW Author

Level 1

62 points

Sep 12, 2020 6:53 AM in response to neuroanatomist

Looks like you're spot on. I'd be adding to the number of cycles which is the limiting factor for battery life per https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201585.

And thanks for your links. Not a lot of discussion on swelling on lithium-polymer "pouch" batteries on the Battery University site but no indication that charge cycles are a contributing factor.

"Ballooning indicates that the manufacturing process may not be fully understood. Manual labor may also contribute the cause."

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Answer 3

Allan Jones

Level 9

78,224 points

Sep 12, 2020 8:18 AM in response to CPW

Note the the Battery University article has one thing not applicable to Apple batteries: it recommends "calibration." Apple ceased to recommend calibration when they switched to built-in batteries sometime in 2009.

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Answer 4

CPW Author

Level 1

62 points

Sep 12, 2020 6:36 AM in response to neuroanatomist

This instruction is from Apple techs but thanks for your input. I will be doing more research online too. I'd prefer not to have to cycle it obviously.

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Answer 5

Sep 12, 2020 6:39 AM in response to CPW

https://batteryuniversity.com/

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204054

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Had to replace the battery in my 2018 MacBook Pro due to swelling. How can I cycle the battery more often?

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