How to reset SMC on M2 MacBook Air

fiziqaiser Said:

“How to reset SMC on M2 MacBook Air: I am using M2 Mac Book Air 15". It hasn't been a year and my battery health has decreased to 88% which is very concerning. My cycle count is not increasing which is also very odd. Another thing I noticed is that the optimized charging button is toggled but the charging doesn't stop at 80%.[…]”

Troubleshooting Mac Battery Draining:

A. Resetting the SMC on an M1 Mac:

You Can’t. What you are looking to perform is not an option for Silicon chip Macs. And the same goes for the NVRAM.

B. Mac Power Issues:

Unfortaurely,

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 for 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 

fiziqaiser wrote:

But, isn't it odd that my cycles are at 48 and the battery health dropped to 88%? Plus the optimized charging is not working. My charging won't stop at 80%.

I don't find it odd, as I stated the decline is nonlinear.

There was at least one other report of charging not stopping at 80% after updating to macOS 15 Sequoia, did you update? I have not, as I typically wait for the x.1 version.

Either way, optimized charing doesn't mean it always stops at 80%. It means the Mac analyzes your usage pattern and strikes a balance between battery health and giving you the power you need when you need it. If you run on battery for a day or two, or even part of a day where you run the battery down to <20%, the Mac will charge to 100% for the next few days. But if you then run on AC for a few days, it will start holding at 80% again.

As long as the battery health is ≥80%, Apple considers the battery to be functioning normally and will not replace it. Honestly, I would not obsess over this, just use your Mac. Plug in when convenient, run on battery when you're not need to. If the health drops below 80%, contact Apple for a replacement.

In my long experience with Mac notebooks, battery health decline is not linear. Battery performance is also stochastic. As a good example I had two identical 2019 16" Intel i9 MBPs purchased at about the same time (one personal, one for work), the personal one had the health drop into the 88-90% range over the first year of use, and it's at 87% today. The work one stayed at 100% for nearly 3 years, and has now dropped to about 90%.

So...my advice is to just relax and use your Mac.

Maybe it is. I suggest that you run an EtreCheck report. Optionally, post it here if you need assistance with interpreting its results. In case you are not familiar with EtreCheck, is is a diagnostics tool, created by a valued forum member, that greatly aides in troubleshooting difficult Mac issues.

Ref: Using EtreCheck to Troubleshoot Potential Mac Issues

fiziqaiser wrote:

But, isn't it odd that my cycles are at 48 and the battery health dropped to 88%? Plus the optimized charging is not working. My charging won't stop at 80%.

I have a 2010 MacBook Air that shows 87% capacity, 350 cycles, and it also showed 87% about 4 years ago, and then dipped to 84% and now is back to 87%. So neuroanatomist is correct about that. Of course that 2010 laptop is too old to benefit from Apple's newer Battery Health Management. However, if you sometimes use the computer without the charger and it periodically discharges some, this may prevent the system from keeping the charge at 80% because the usage pattern is already exercising the battery below 100% and it isn't needed. Also, it can take some weeks or months for the system to "learn" about your usage patterns. If you have it connected to the charger all the time, it will eventually after some time revert to the 80% level. If you use it without the charger, e.g. on battery some, it will take a while for the Battery Health Management to determine if whether it needs to keep it at 80% or not, possibly some weeks or even months.

fiziqaiser Said:

“How to reset SMC on M2 MacBook Air: I am using M2 Mac Book Air 15". It hasn't been a year and my battery health has decreased to 88% which is very concerning. My cycle count is not increasing which is also very odd. Another thing I noticed is that the optimized charging button is toggled but the charging doesn't stop at 80%.[…]”

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Thank you for the screenshot.

Troubleshooting a Draining iPhone Battery:

Unfortunately, there is no way to determine why, nor when, the Battery Health decreased. Apple recommends you get a new battery, when the Battery Health reaches 80% or less.

So, who is the seller? If not Apple, then request a return. If covered, the ask them if they will replace it, free-of-charge.

It's Time for a New Battery:

Your Mac battery has excessively degraded From computers to mobiles devices, Apple recommends you get a new battery when the device’s Battery Health reaches 80% or lower.

Where to get a New Battery:

Getting a New iPhone Battery:

Contact Apple, and set up a Genius Bar Appointment at your local Apple Store, taking it in for service. There, it will be diagnosed, and you'll be provided with your options. or see an AASP (Apple Authorized Service Provider) in your local area. Be wary as to where you get this item, ask you may get an error of an ungenuine battery. So, to avoid this continual message, it is best to have an Apple or an AASP replace the battery. So, where to get a new battery:

A. Apple Contact Info:

• Contact Us - Choose Locations
• Proceed from there, as necessary

B. Contact an AASP: 

1. Go Here: Find Locations - Apple Authorized Reseller
2. Click: Service & Support
3. Enter: your location information
4. See: if there is an AASP nearby
5. Contact: an AASP that shows up, and find out more about the services that they offer to fix the battery