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I have a 13-inch MacBook Pro. Should I be using it plugged in all the time to reduce the number of battery cycles that I go through? I have read that leaving a MacBook plugged in when fully charged ages the battery. What are the current best practices regarding this?
MacBook Pro (2020 and later)
Hmmm, but doesn’t the existence of the Optimizes Battery Chargin feature imply that it’s bad the device plugged in when fully charged?
Hmmm, but doesn’t the existence of the Optimizes Battery Chargin feature imply that it’s bad the device plugged in when fully charged?
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.
And when I'm not using it and it's fully charged, should I be leaving it plugged in?
The computer will not overcharge and the battery will not be damaged. If you are storing the computer for an extended period of time don't leave it plugged in during storage.
Yes. Your Mac will never over-charge. DO NOT attempt to micro manage this. It is a job for computers, which do it far better than you can. Three micro-controllers are controlling charging and discharging.
Concentrate instead on your important work, not on mundane details of charging your computer.
Should I use my MacBook Pro plugged in all the time?
