MacBook Pro turns off when using battery power, even when battery is fully charged!

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Level 1

13 points

MacBook Pro turns off when using battery power, even when battery is fully charged!

My MacBook Pro turns off when using battery power, even when the battery is fully charged! If I try to use it on battery power for even a minute or two, it completely shuts down even though the battery icon is full, and it is still full when I turn the laptop back on (on AC power, because otherwise it won't start). It's completely fine when using AC power, which is 99% of the time. Is this some weird feature of the battery health management settings, or is it something that needs to be repaired?

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 13.3

Posted on May 15, 2023 10:55 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

TheLittles

Level 10

196,111 points

May 15, 2023 11:27 PM in response to GabyBio

GabyBio Said:

"MacBook Pro turns off when using battery power, even when battery is fully charged!"

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Troubleshooting Mac Charge:

Some Links that may Help...

A. Black Mac Screen:

Go Here: If your Mac doesn't Turn On or Start Up - Apple Support

Using External Devices: Try Resetting the SMC and NVRAM, but this time, using an external keyboard. Connect an external monitor and see if you get an output.

B. Mac Power Issues:

Try a New Charger:

If it is currently charging from a charger, then use a new charger:

Power & Cables - Mac Accessories - Apple - Select "Mac Compatibility" on the left
Find the right power adapter and cable for your Mac notebook - Apple Support

C. A Few Links to Refer to Power:

If your Mac doesn't Turn On - Apple Support

How to Turn your Mac On or Off - Apple Support

About Mac Notebook Batteries - Apple Support

Charge the MacBook Pro Battery - Apple Support

If your Mac Battery won't Charge - Apple Support

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Answer 2

TheLittles

Level 10

196,111 points

May 16, 2023 8:23 PM in response to GabyBio

GabyBio Said:

"MacBook Pro turns off when using battery power, even when battery is fully charged!: [...]they said they didn't recommend replacing the battery because it would be a waste of money since the battery still works fine, it's just aging. It still holds a charge, so it's not turning off because the battery is dying.[...]"

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Battery Cycle Count:

The battery may have gone through so many change cycles, that it has come time for a new battery. That's what they (Apple) are getting at. So, go for a new battery, if the SMC does not fix this. Go Here: Determine Battery Cycle Count for Mac Laptops - Apple Support

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Answer 3

GabyBio Author

Level 1

13 points

May 16, 2023 7:54 PM in response to TheLittles

The problem does not appear to be with battery charging. The battery charges fine, and when this happens, the battery is either fully charged or at least at 80% or more. The computer completely shuts down (not just a black screen) within a couple of minutes of being off AC power.

When the battery icon first indicated "Service Recommended," I took my MacBook to the Genius Bar and they said it was fine, and that it just shows that message as the battery ages. They said they didn't recommend replacing the battery because it would be a waste of money since the battery still works fine, it's just aging. It still holds a charge, so it's not turning off because the battery is dying. The battery is full when I unplug it, and it's still full when I turn the computer back on while on AC power.

I'll try resetting the SMC, since that seems to be about the only option available other than expensive repairs or replacement. The computer still works like the day I got it, so other than this one issue, it definitely doesn't warrant replacing.

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MacBook Pro turns off when using battery power, even when battery is fully charged!

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