How to take care of Macbook Pro battery?

Here's another view tips:

Update Your OS:

Always make sure your MacBook is using the latest version of OS X. If you’re connected to the Internet, OS X automatically checks for software updates every week, but you still control when the updates are installed. To confirm that you’re using the latest software, go to the Apple menu and choose Software Update. Apple software updates often include advanced energy-saving technologies, so always make sure your device is using the latest version of iOS or OS X.

Settings (Prefrences):

• Energy. The Energy Saver preference pane includes several settings that determine power levels for your MacBook. Your MacBook knows when it’s plugged in and runs accordingly. When using battery power, it dims the screen and uses other components sparingly. If you change this setting to maximize performance, your battery will drain more quickly.
• Brightness. Dim the screen to the lowest comfortable level to achieve maximum battery life. For instance, when watching a video on an airplane, you may not need full brightness if the cabin lights are off.
• Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi consumes power, even if you are not using it to connect to a network. You can turn it off in the Wi-Fi status menu in the menu bar or in Network preferences.
• Applications and peripherals. Disconnect peripherals and quit applications not in use. Eject an SD card if you’re not currently accessing it.

just want to ask, is it recomended to plug in power all the time when im using my macbook?

Apple's modern battery will stop charging when its full and you don't need to unplug the power cable. It depends on your MacBook pro though. Apple recommends to at least use your battery until it reaches below 15% once a month.

I just came back from the Apple store. I need a new battery for my 2009 MacBook Pro. The battery had only 400+ cycles, a far cry from the expected 1000+. Specifically, the woman asked me if I had been using it while plugged in. Naturally, I use it when I am charging it.

She explained that when it is fully charged, I am supposed to unplug it and use the battery until it is down to 0 or until the warning comes on.

She advised my to calibrate every month. She added that this is the advice of Apple.

I mention it here because it seems to be contrary to your advice.

I have bought Macbook Pro 13" and some expert says that " as far possible recharge macbook after battery level 5 % or 10 % for good battery's Life". So i am confused after reading this above suggestion. SO please suggest me at what battery % do I prefer to charge for better performance?

Dear maryorange, same question i have too, even to me i was suggested to charge only after 5% battery level., but here i all see that to work under plunged in . so am too confuse , which advice should we accept,.

maryorange wrote:

I just came back from the Apple store. I need a new battery for my 2009 MacBook Pro. The battery had only 400+ cycles, a far cry from the expected 1000+. Specifically, the woman asked me if I had been using it while plugged in. Naturally, I use it when I am charging it.

She explained that when it is fully charged, I am supposed to unplug it and use the battery until it is down to 0 or until the warning comes on.

She advised my to calibrate every month. She added that this is the advice of Apple.

I mention it here because it seems to be contrary to your advice.

1000 cycles? not on a 2009, the limit then was 300 cycles and you did better than that. Current Macs get 1000 cycles, but that reflects that technology did not stand still for 6 years.

Current batteries SHOULD NOT be calibrated, stop with the bad advice please, someone may actually believe you.

Bibek Rajbhandari wrote:

Dear maryorange, same question i have too, even to me i was suggested to charge only after 5% battery level., but here i all see that to work under plunged in . so am too confuse , which advice should we accept,.

maryorange has no clue regarding batteries.

Do not discharge to below 40% unless it is unavoidable, total discharge is bad for the battery, overcharging is not possible. Just use your Mac and plug it in whenever you can. Stop worrying.

MacMan240 wrote:

It is not at all harmful to discharge it to 0%. In fact I have been told by apple that to let it shut itself off, and then charge it all the way to 100% helps keep the battery at its maximum capacity. I have known may people that leave thier laptops plugged in all day and now if they disconnect it from the power cord it shuts off.

Yes it is harmful, and I do not believe that "I have been told by apple that to let it shut itself off" please do some actual research prior to posting nonsense.

KurobaTakeuchi wrote:

hi! i'm kinda new here, and have some questions :3

so, the condition is, i always have my macbook plugged to the charger almost 24 hours everyday but it's connected to wi-fi all the time and sometimes i leave it downloading/ torrenting stuffs, i only unplug it if i need to bring her out like 2/3 times a week, is that okay? any suggestion for my routine? thank you before! _(-_-)_

That is a near perfect condition of use, when unplugged try to avoid total discharges, but a few won't do much harm. Make sure that at least once a month you use it on battery.

Jasamsu is correct, once or twice a month use it on battery but try not to completely discharge it.

i'm really confused about what i should do to maintain my battery's maximum capacity. Should I wait til it hits 40% before i charge it every time or keep my charger plugged every time? i really need help because i think whatever i did the past months, wasn't a correct way since my battery capacity is already 88.7% after only buying my macbook for 8 months. Does load cycles really matter? because my cycles are only 56, yet my battery's health is already 88% :/

Don't let the battery discharge below 20% if possible. Do charge it whenever you can, at least once a month use it on battery, down to 20% or so.

Thanks Bimmer

There is also this great post on how to take care of your battery and other stuff:

Considerations for the long life of your MacBook. Handling and environmental care tips

I always revisit the post.