MacBook date resets to 1970

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Level 1

4 points

MacBook date resets to 1970

Several times over the past few months my MacBook Pro has reset its date, and also used top its battery overnight. At first is was just a few days off, then years, and then all the way back to noon, January 1 1970. After several resets last year, it stopped happening. Then again this morning, same date and time. and a flat battery. Of course, it won't connect to the internet when the time is off, which is how I notice it.

I can reset the time and date and reconnect, get mail, and get functioning again. But why?

Is there a bigger, perhaps sinister problem I need to attend to?

And is there a permanent fix?

Thank you

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 14.2

Posted on Mar 26, 2024 1:37 PM

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Answer 1

Mar 26, 2024 3:22 PM in response to Karena345

the paramters and the clock chip all require power. on a desktop Mac, there is a separate coin cell battery that does this job. on a MacBook Pro, it is the main battery. Dropping the power is the CAUSE of your Mac losing the date.

You should never allow your MacBook Pro run that low. it is a battery-capable device, not a battery Operated device. it is not an iPhone, plug it in when A power is available. Your Mac will NEVER overcharge.

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Answer 2

Karena345 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 28, 2024 2:16 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

OK, thank you. I emptied out some files, old iPhone backups, etc. and that seemed to help too. I thought the battery was on full the night before the date failure, but maybe not. I'll keep an eye on the battery charge. Cheers.

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Answer 3

Mar 28, 2024 10:04 AM in response to Karena345

Software and hardware cooperate at charging only when needed. There is no penalty whatsoever for connecting the power adapter when you stop using it for the day.

Having it tethered in this way can also keep it from wandering about the house at night, getting into trouble, without being tied down by a power cord. ;-)

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Answer 4

Karena345 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 26, 2024 1:59 PM in response to Karena345

p.s. when I say reset - I mean resetting the clock in time and date in system

settings

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MacBook date resets to 1970

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