Should I keep my macbook pro m3 pro plugged in all the time, even at breaks, when I use it in several sessions a day?

Sorry about this long description, but I just want to make sure my concerns are clear so that you can easily provide me with the tips I need:


So I'm new to Macbook and just recently got the MBP M3 Pro. After researching about proper ways to maintain its battery life, I downloaded Al Dente and set it to 60%, and keep my Macbook plugged in all day every day, and only unplug it when I go to bed (I also occasionally unplug and use my Macbook on battery power for it to discharge a bit). But is keeping it unplugged still the best thing to do, when I use my Macbook in several sessions a day? For example, when I wake up, I plug my MacBook in, use it for about 2 hrs, close the lid (still plugged), then use it for 1 hr in the noon, then close the lid, then use it for 1hr in the afternoon, close the lid, then use it 3-4hrs at night. During my breaks, I close the lid to put it to sleep, while still keeping it plugged in. Is it the right thing to do, or should I unplug my Macbook when not using it, and plug it in again the next session I use it?


Thank you!

Posted on Jan 27, 2024 3:50 AM

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Posted on Jan 27, 2024 6:03 AM

You can leave your computer plugged in when convenient to do so or when necessary. Leaving the computer plugged in will not damage the computer or the battery. Leaving the computer plugged in will reduce the rate of accumulation of battery cycles. There is no need to use a third party app/tool to manage the battery. The MacOS does a good job of managing the computer's charging/power system.

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Jan 27, 2024 6:03 AM in response to Justaguycometosayhi

You can leave your computer plugged in when convenient to do so or when necessary. Leaving the computer plugged in will not damage the computer or the battery. Leaving the computer plugged in will reduce the rate of accumulation of battery cycles. There is no need to use a third party app/tool to manage the battery. The MacOS does a good job of managing the computer's charging/power system.

Jan 27, 2024 8:44 AM in response to Justaguycometosayhi

+1 on Bob's excellent advice.


You paid Apple to include built-in battery/power management hardware and software that are quite sophisticated and may work poorly or not all all in the presence of useless third-party utilities.


What Apple provides prevents over-charging and abnormal degradation of the battery's chemistry, and can learn and implement intelligent charging routines based on your use patterns.


Were it my Macbook Pro, and based on my using Macbook Pros since 2008, I would:

  • remove the add-on
  • give the Mac a couple of days to learn your usage patterns
  • not obsess over the battery.

Jul 8, 2024 6:27 AM in response to Justaguycometosayhi

<< and only unplug it when I go to bed. >>


When you go to bed ai the absolute BEST time to plug it in! Your Mac will look at you recent history, notice it is your slack time of the 24 hour day, and slowly and gently, over most of the time you are expected to be asleep, adjust the battery level to perfection.


Your Mac is NOT a $10 toy that will self destruct if left on the power adapter. Charging is under computer control. The power adapter can not 'force itself' on your Mac. Your Mac decides when to change and how.

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Should I keep my macbook pro m3 pro plugged in all the time, even at breaks, when I use it in several sessions a day?

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