macOS Big Sur battery drain issue

pvmikev1:

I’m simply a fellow user, like yourself. I have no special connection to Apple.

You are the best person to report your issues with Apple’s products.

Simply choose the macOS Feedback, and provide your Feedback: Product Feedback - Apple.

Be aware, I can speak from my own knowledge, including my knowledge of the Alpha and Beta test processes.

The Alpha testing already proves that pristine hardware with a clean install is completely free of issues.

It has to be, or it is not released to Beta!

Beta testing permits more general users, running less than pristine devices, including diverse workflows, and third-party software mixes (though seldom as “willy-nilly” as the general public, because most understand the sorts of issues that can be caused by third-party software—including being aware of what the third-party software developers are already saying about their own product development for the new Operating System [OS]: in fact, the third-party software developers are the first Beta testers!)

(The public Beta, is actually a later Beta, a while after the real Beta has been successful. So the public Betas do see a more diverse set of systems and software mixes.)

So. Well before a new OS gets into the hands of the general public, the “kinks” with hardware and OS targeted software (first- and third-party) have already been worked out.

That leaves only two remaining, possible issues:

1. Even more marginal hardware. (We seem to have seen some of that with certain 2013–2014 MacBooks [just Pros?].)
2. Diverse, non-OS targeted software (almost exclusively third-party, but second-party, for those that develop their own software [usually, these people know what they are doing]).

Note: on the third-party “front”, even today, there are major software developers that are working upon creating compatible versions of their software, that don’t have their software quite ready for the new OS, yet. Just because the OS is available, doesn’t, necessarily, mean that your particular third-party software is ready, yet.

SMFowlkes wrote:

It’s been more than a few days and battery drain still remains ridiculously fast. This makes me very disappointed in Apple.

Welcome to Apple Support Communities!

If it has been more than a few days, you likely have the same problem as so many others (here and in other, similar Discussions): third-party software that simply wasn’t ready for such a major Operating System (OS) upgrade (not just an update).

It has, typically, been a problem with background processes that most users never even know are there, unless they look for them (using Activity Monitor).

A reasonably good place to start is the article linked to by drji41, above, at https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252033589?answerId=254255583022#254255583022.

However, I’m disappointed that the article didn’t point out the need to change Activity Monitor’s Views to “All Processes”, rather than the default of “My Processes”, since, many times, the errant processes will not show under the default.

Note: that article is not exhaustive, since the issue is as varied as the software (and peripherals) users have on their Macs.

The problem is not Apple’s, except, perhaps, in their assumption that users would be wise, and check their software and peripheral device compatibility with any OS upgrade.

After all, the distinction between an update vs. an upgrade is important:

• Updates cannot have incompatible OS changes: only compatible OS changes are allowed.
• Upgrades can, and usually do, have incompatible OS changes: in fact, this is the only time there should ever be incompatible OS changes.

Welcome, Pishi from NYC, to Apple Support Communities!

Unfortunately, Apple is not here (generally speaking).

It’s just us, your fellow users!

Please read the comment marked “Solved” at https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252045241?answerId=254006415022#254006415022. (That’s on another Discussion of this same issue.)

Furthermore, since clean (“virgin”) installs of Big Sur—before installing or restoring third-party software (Apps, system or kernel extensions, boot-scripts, user extensions, etc.)—have never exhibited this issue (except, perhaps, in rare cases of hardware failures); it is already proven that Big Sur, itself, is not the cause.

Note: The distinction between upgrades vs. updates is important:

• Updates cannot introduce incompatible Operating System (OS) changes.
• Upgrades can, and usually do, introduce incompatible OS changes. In fact, this is the principle reason for creating upgrades!

Big Sur is a major OS upgrade.

As such, it is to be expected that, at least some, old software will not be compatible, and may “act up”.

Welcome, Lyderbug123, to Apple Support Communities!

Please read the comment marked “Solved” at https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252045241?answerId=254006415022#254006415022. (That’s on another Discussion of this same issue.)

Furthermore, since clean (“virgin”) installs of Big Sur—before installing or restoring third-party software (Apps, system or kernel extensions, boot-scripts, user extensions, etc.)—have never exhibited this issue (except, perhaps, in rare cases of hardware failures); it is already proven that Big Sur, itself, is not the cause.

Note: The distinction between upgrades vs. updates is important:

• Updates cannot introduce incompatible Operating System (OS) changes.
• Upgrades can, and usually do, introduce incompatible OS changes. In fact, this is the principle reason for creating upgrades!

Big Sur is a major OS upgrade.

As such, it is to be expected that, at least some, old software will not be compatible, and may “act up”.

SAIDRASUL wrote:

my new macbook pro battery drain from 100-10% it takes 20 minutes.

That’s impossible.

It was perfect before Big Sur.

Hardware is new.

Please Apple do something.

Unfortunately, SAIDRASUL, there is simply nothing that Apple can do about the power drain caused by the incompatible software running on your machine, short of preventing mall third-part software from running on Big Sur—a “solution” I’m sure no one wants.

Please see the comment marked “Solved” at https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252045241?answerId=254006415022#254006415022

No one should ever upgrade their Operating System (OS) without checking all their software and add-on hardware for compatibility, first.

Upgrade vs. update is an important distinction:

• Updates can only involve compatible changes.
• Upgrades can, and usually do, involve incompatible changes. This is where all incompatible OS changes occur!

You, like so many others, appear to be in the unenviable position of having to sort out incompatibilities in software (including add-on hardware drivers) after having performed the upgrade!

We, your fellow users, can provide some help in hunting down and solving the issues with incompatible software, which are using up your computer’s resources, for no beneficial purpose.

Welcome, Melissapickering1107, to Apple Support Communities!

Please read the comment marked “Solved” at https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252045241?answerId=254006415022#254006415022. (That’s on another Discussion of this same issue.)

Furthermore, since clean (“virgin”) installs of Big Sur—before installing or restoring third-party software (Apps, system or kernel extensions, boot-scripts, user extensions, etc.)—have never exhibited this issue (except, perhaps, in rare cases of hardware failures); it is already proven that Big Sur, itself, is not the cause.

(This is actually the most tested configuration of Big Sur [like all macOS’ before].)

Hence, there is little, if anything, Apple can do about this issue.

Note: The distinction between upgrades vs. updates is important:

• Updates cannot introduce incompatible Operating System (OS) changes.
• Upgrades can, and usually do, introduce incompatible OS changes. In fact, this is the principle reason for creating upgrades!

Big Sur is a major OS upgrade.

As such, it is to be expected that, at least some, old software will not be compatible, and may “act up”.

We, your fellow users, can help you track down the errant, old software, if you desire.

Welcome, trevorblowy, to Apple Support Communities!

Please read the comment marked “Solved” at https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252045241?answerId=254006415022#254006415022. (That’s on another Discussion of this same issue.)

Furthermore, since clean (“virgin”) installs of Big Sur—before installing or restoring third-party software (Apps, system or kernel extensions, boot-scripts, user extensions, etc.)—have never exhibited this issue (except, perhaps, in rare cases of hardware failures); it is already proven that Big Sur, itself, is not the cause.

(This is actually the most tested configuration of Big Sur [like all macOS’ before].)

Hence, there is little, if anything, Apple can do about this issue.

Note: The distinction between upgrades vs. updates is important:

• Updates cannot introduce incompatible Operating System (OS) changes.
• Upgrades can, and usually do, introduce incompatible OS changes. In fact, this is the principle reason for creating upgrades!

Big Sur is a major OS upgrade.

As such, it is to be expected that, at least some, old software will not be compatible, and may “act up”.

We, your fellow users, can help you track down the errant, old software, if you desire.

pvmikev1 wrote:

I still think Apple was negligent in not at least warning users that this was coming and

putting out guidelines of how to take care of it. …

Well. Part of the “problem” with that assessment is that the need to double check software and hardware compatibility has been “well known” (by those “in the know”, unfortunately) for as long as we have had electronic computers that run Operating Systems (OSs).

However. As I’ve stated, Apple’s deviating from their own prior practice of not providing OS upgrades through the update mechanisms (Update Panel, or Mac App Store Updates area), was, in my opinion, a “tactical” error.

… Instead we see the months long threads of users being "Surprised" and in severe frustration

with Apple's silence deafening. …

As for these fora, we are but fellow users. Apple does not frequent these fora.

Anyone that wishes to provide Apple direct Feedback is encouraged to do so, such as via Product Feedback - Apple.

… I think this would have been better tolerated if Apple would have

fessed up that this was most likely to happen even though they are obviously not responsible for

third party software and drivers. But that's just my opinion. I was able to eliminate battery drain without

a clean install, but maybe I was just lucky.

Part of the problem is that there is no way to foretell what problems incompatible software may cause, beforehand.

The best that anyone could have done is to reiterate the “long known” wisdom: do not upgrade before

1. Checking all your software and add-on hardware for compatibility, first, and
2. Making sure you have at least one good backup before upgrading!

Had Apple not deviated from their own prior practice of not providing OS upgrades through the update mechanisms (Update Panel, or Mac App Store Updates area), the above “long known” wisdom could have been easily included, prominently, with the upgrade.

Alas … “Coulda”, “woulda”, “shoulda”, does none of us any good, at this point.

I have the same issue i have mac pro 2020 and within 1 hour my battery drain from 100% to 20% and getting very heat and the fan getting very fast hopefully, apple realize that and release update to fix that

Battery on my MBA 13" last nearly 5 hours with 75% battery capacity. Drainage was about 9-11W. I bought a new battery and at the same time updated to Big Sur. Man, I can say Big Sur SAX!! it drains the MBA 3x faster, drainage is 29W after already second day, so it didn't get better. I wanted to revert to Catalina, but can't find anywhere a the download file. I can't stand the ne Big Sur, it's as all new Apple released products, sax.....

So what I did is, formatted SSD, installed Big Sur from USB and measured battery drain on newly installed OS. It is better than before (29W batt. drain) with now 13W drain, but still worse than Catalina batt. drain which was about 6-8W compare 13W drain on new Big Sur with no any apps installed on it. Conclusion: Apple wants to push you to buy new HW with M1 chip. This is shady business and I no longer willing to support this huge rolling Apple corporation. Iphone 12 is also bad, worse batt. live than iPhone 11... no comment, I’m very very disappointed. Not mentioning that Apple blocks 3rd servicing, so if by chance there is HW problem on your new Mac, you will loose your data if not backed up. Bad, bad, bad and again all bad...

I too have exactly the same issue with my MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, 2.8GHz i7, 16GB memory). Battery was superb before, lasting 8+ hours. Updated and now won't even even two hours.

Please, please Apple can this be resolved asap as I use my MacBook on the move a lot and this is incredibly frustrating. Especially with how hot it is getting!

If anyone can find how to fix this, it would be really, really gratefully received. I've tried all the usual ways too.

James

I spoke with Apple customer care and they said that it is normal after the upgrade to Big Sur because Spotlight.app start to make a new indexing of the system (disk). It could take one or two days. After that the battery drain should return to normal.

In my macbook pro under battery icon sometimes I see Spotlight.app under high energy app consumption, so I think it should be reasonable.

I have had very similar issues with 2019 16" Macbook Pro i9. 100%=>15% in just over an hour while plugged into official 96W charger. Then saying 25 mins to full charge but actually taking 6 hours.

Catalina was fine. I suspect it is an application I use frequently struggling with Big Sur - it is showing huge CPU and GPU usage. However, crazy that battery can drain so fast while plugged into 96W charger, so clearly charging current not getting into battery.

So going to roll back to Catalina.

Apple support trying to help but TBH haven't got a clue what to suggest (based on a long call, clean re-imstall and a week later a long chat session which ended with them saying they need to get a specialist to call me back). Also seem to be unaware of this issue so I've sent them this thread.

For those that are unaware, this type of issue was picked up and widely reported in the developer forums with the beta version

https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/655506

Back again... Had a respite for a couple weeks after my battery drain/overheating issue appear resolved once MalwareBytes was uninstalled.

Last few days or so the issues are back. CPU usage is sawtooth and laptop/keyboard runs hot with fans occasionally cycling. Frustrating. Here is a snapshot of the Activity Monitor when things were "calm". I also am attaching an EtreCheck report.

Any insight would be appreciated.