Battery Stops Charging

I first noticed this about six weeks ago. From time to time I'll look up and notice that the battery icon doesn't show that the battery is charging and that the charge is less than full. This puzzles me because the power adapter is plugged in. I then click at and see that it has stopped charging. Then I select charge to full now.

Okay, that's all well and good and it doesn't seem to be a big issue but it makes me wonder if something is going on that I should be concerned about.


Any ideas?

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 12.0

Posted on Nov 10, 2021 10:23 PM

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3 replies

Nov 11, 2021 1:04 PM in response to Owl-53

That was useful information. I wasn't aware of the optimized battery charging feature. Since I've been working remotely, I've taken to unplugging the power adapter from time to time because I always thought that having the power adapter on constantly shortened the life of the battery. If I understand correctly, that's not as much a concern with this battery optimization.


Thanks for pointing me toward the information.

Nov 11, 2021 3:26 AM in response to Victor Foster

Batteries are considered Consumable Products. Over time it will degrade to a point where it needs to be replaced. The usage is normal as the capacity will go up and down all the time and never stay always at 100%. Apple Batteries are rated for 1000 Full Battery Cycles and / or 80% Capacity before needing Evaluation or replacement.


For additional reading on Battery and Apple Computers this link may help. About battery health management in Mac notebooks and especially for the M1 and Big Sur If battery charging is paused or on hold on your Mac


Depending on the Age of the computer, some aspects from the above links, may or may not apply to your computer.


A feature introduced into Monterey and Big Sur was to preserve the number of Full Battery Cycles - there was an Algorithm coded into the macOS. It is perfectly Normal for Big Sur to Pause / Suspend charging the battery beyond 80% and hold it at that level. One can nudge / over-ride this by clicking the Battery Icon on Desktop Top Bar and allow charging beyond 80%. From observations, it will Pause / Suspend again once reading 90%. Same procedure to over-ride and will charge to 100%

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Battery Stops Charging

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