Battery drain on MacBook pro using Zoom
The battery on my MacBook Pro drains quickly during Zoom calls. Is that normal? Two hours and I have to run and plug in!
MacBook Pro 13″, 11.3
Question marked as
Best reply
Zoom is Hard Work for any computer -- it is very CPU and GPU intensive.
That computer is a battery-CAPABLE device. It is not optimized as a battery-operated device.
Your computer performs best when connected to AC power. It can use the full output of the Power Adapter AND when doing especially challenging work will also freely "borrow" power from the battery. In some cases, even with the power adapter connected, the charged state may even decline during stressful work.
When used only on battery, your computer has no extra cushion of power, and will perform more slowly. However, for ordinary non-stressful tasks this may not be objectionable (possibly not even noticeable.)
In general, you should ALWAYS connect AC power when it is possible to do so, and only run on batteries (which will be somewhat slower) when no AC sources are at hand. There are three micro-controllers cooperating on battery and charging issues, and your Mac will NEVER over-charge.
You are unlikely to be walking around while on Zoom. Before you start your meeting, "plug it in!"