External monitor is charging MacBook M1

Hey friends. I have recently purchased 2021 MacBook M1 16”. I use it with a LG external monitor, which is connected through thunderbolt. The Mac is being charged by the thunderbolt and is at %100 all the time.

Is this going to affect the battery health on the long run?

I have a friend who suggested to use third app like Aldente to save the battery health and keep it between %20-%80.

Other friend suggested to use USB-c to HDMI cable instead of the thunderbolt, this way I can prevent the Mac from being charged by the monitor and charge it by its adapter.

I need your honest advice, I like my Mac and need to take care of it.

Posted on Aug 10, 2023 8:04 PM

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2 replies
Question marked as Helpful

Aug 11, 2023 5:08 AM in response to mamersoudan

My advice, charge the Mac with the included charger and don't add any 3rd part apps or hardware.


The Mac's battery circuitry is designed to take care of the battery and the charger is a part of the whole. Human micromanagement of battery charging is a waste of time and effort and will never replace how well the Mac takes care of itself.


Charge it when needed, use on battery when portable and let the Mac and its charger take care of the details.


Turn battery optimization on and leave it that way. It doesn't not harm the battery to be "on charge" 24/7.



Question marked as Helpful

Aug 11, 2023 7:30 PM in response to mamersoudan

Is this going to affect the battery health on the long run?


No.


I have a friend who suggested to use third app like Aldente to save the battery health and keep it between %20-%80.


Don't use such things. They are not necessary and cannot possibly help.


Other friend suggested to use USB-c to HDMI cable instead of the thunderbolt, this way I can prevent the Mac from being charged by the monitor and charge it by its adapter.


There is no need to do that, and it's perfectly ok to charge your Mac from an external display. Excerpted from Identify your Mac power adapter - Apple Support:


"If your Mac uses USB-C to charge, you can charge your Mac laptop with any USB-C power adapter or display."


I need your honest advice, I like my Mac and need to take care of it.


Don't take my advice. Don't take your friend's advice. Take Apple's advice: Batteries - Maximizing Performance - Apple

2 replies
Question marked as Helpful

Aug 11, 2023 5:08 AM in response to mamersoudan

My advice, charge the Mac with the included charger and don't add any 3rd part apps or hardware.


The Mac's battery circuitry is designed to take care of the battery and the charger is a part of the whole. Human micromanagement of battery charging is a waste of time and effort and will never replace how well the Mac takes care of itself.


Charge it when needed, use on battery when portable and let the Mac and its charger take care of the details.


Turn battery optimization on and leave it that way. It doesn't not harm the battery to be "on charge" 24/7.



Question marked as Helpful

Aug 11, 2023 7:30 PM in response to mamersoudan

Is this going to affect the battery health on the long run?


No.


I have a friend who suggested to use third app like Aldente to save the battery health and keep it between %20-%80.


Don't use such things. They are not necessary and cannot possibly help.


Other friend suggested to use USB-c to HDMI cable instead of the thunderbolt, this way I can prevent the Mac from being charged by the monitor and charge it by its adapter.


There is no need to do that, and it's perfectly ok to charge your Mac from an external display. Excerpted from Identify your Mac power adapter - Apple Support:


"If your Mac uses USB-C to charge, you can charge your Mac laptop with any USB-C power adapter or display."


I need your honest advice, I like my Mac and need to take care of it.


Don't take my advice. Don't take your friend's advice. Take Apple's advice: Batteries - Maximizing Performance - Apple

External monitor is charging MacBook M1

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