Security of my device Macbookpro 2013/ Mojave 10.14.6

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Level 1

9 points

Security of my device Macbookpro 2013/ Mojave 10.14.6

Today my mac book pro switched off by itself despite having over 25% power left. Until I connected it to a power source it didn't switch back on again. Then after I connected it it shut down by itself. The battery drained logo appeared very briefly when I switched it back on. Infact battery was at 23%.

Can anyone explain why my lap top shuts down by itself?

Mojave 10.14.6 works fine in every other respect so I don't think its software related.

What would prompt an auto shut down not initiated by me?

This happened once before and both times was when I had just signed out of all devices / and gmail sessions that were signed into at that time. That small fact seems almost too random to mention except for the fact that it happened twice now.

Any help would be appreciated.

Posted on Oct 11, 2022 6:35 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

John Galt

Level 10

155,228 points

Oct 11, 2022 8:55 AM in response to louschweiz

Reset that Mac's SMC in accordance with How to reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support.

Grant Bennet-Alder asked "Is this the original battery?" An answer would be helpful, since an aged battery will behave in an unpredictable manner. Spontaneous shutdowns are a typical symptom.

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Answer 2

John Galt

Level 10

155,228 points

Oct 11, 2022 11:00 AM in response to louschweiz

However I don't wish to take on the rare (but real) associated risks involved with resetting SMC such as frying the logic board.

?

It appears that you have been led astray.

A spontaneous shutdown with no prior indication of a low battery is an indication of a worn out battery — not necessarily an older Mac. Mac batteries last a long time, but seven years is about when they tend to need replacement. That one doesn't owe you anything.

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Answer 3

Oct 11, 2022 11:12 AM in response to louschweiz

One reason low-end estimates for worn batteries are so bad...

... is that the charge remaining in a nearly-depleted lithium battery tends to 'fall off a cliff" as they approach completely discharged state.

Estimating the remaining capacity by sampling a signal that is headed sharply down will provide far less accurate estimates. It may estimate 25 percent now, but one minute later, sampling that steep curve will yield only 10 percent, and minute after that, it may shut down.

--------

You can reset the System Management Controller (SMC) in your Mac all day every day with impunity. It is not at all "risky". It simply sets that micro-controller back onto its track at the beginning, removing any wrong assumptions that may have accumulated.

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Answer 4

Oct 11, 2022 8:24 AM in response to louschweiz

<< Im hoping someone might be more knowledgeable about whats likely going on here. >>

...and I am hoping you will set aside your 'Magical Thinking' and take the good advice you have already received.

Is this the original battery? if so, you have already gotten far more life out of it than anyone would have predicted. Maybe in its old age, it is failing to provide better estimates.

Batteries are a wear item, like the soles fo your shoes or tires or brakes on a car. They may need to be replaced simply based on the amount of time they have been in service.

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Answer 5

Oct 11, 2022 7:29 AM in response to louschweiz

The numbers you cited, 23 percent, 25 percent, are ESTIMATES. if there is not enough power remaining, your MacBook Pro will still power off, whatever the numbers appear to show.

Connect your power adapter when AC power is available. MacBook Pro is a battery-capable device, and is not intended to be a solely battery-operated device. It is not an iPhone.

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Answer 6

louschweiz Author

Level 1

9 points

Oct 11, 2022 8:12 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thanks for your response Grant but it doesn't sound like the likely explanation.

It may be true that 23% and 25% are estimates hence a few % off the actual power left- in general I can only share what I have actually experienced. My experience is that the power remaining on my lap top has always been accurately represented by that figure on the top right of the screen.

So I don't agree that in this case the estimate was not accurate.

And what you are suggesting is an error margin of 25% which is unheard of with Apple products.

Im hoping someone might be more knowledgeable about whats likely going on here.

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Answer 7

louschweiz Author

Level 1

9 points

Oct 11, 2022 8:46 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

I can see how you got to Level 10 - by talking rather than listening.

I have already outlined the very clear data point which contradicts your answer.

My displayed percentage is and always has been very accurate.

For EG: With 3% left just now it it was able to give me an advance warning to plug-in to a power source.

This suggests it is working fine generally. Right?

What happened earlier was not usual which is why I believe there is some other answer/ solution.

Hopefully someone else who has experienced this can explain why this might happen.

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Answer 8

louschweiz Author

Level 1

9 points

Oct 11, 2022 9:59 AM in response to John Galt

I was unaware that spontaneous shutdowns are a normal occurrence in older macs where the battery has not been replaced, thanks- that is useful to know.

However I don't wish to take on the rare (but real) associated risks involved with resetting SMC such as frying the logic board.

Would prefer to put up with the shutdowns (last one in 2017) or reconsider SMC reset if they become unmanageable in time.

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Security of my device Macbookpro 2013/ Mojave 10.14.6

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