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How do I discharge (calibrate?) my Macbook Air (Mid 2013) without harming the battery?

I just got the latest MacBook Air this week. And after reading the discussion here https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5117523 I chose not to calibrate it the first time since it shouldn`t be necessary with lithium-based batteries.


The thing that still confuses me about the calibration issue with the Macbook Air (Mid 2013) is the text I`ve underlined below from Apples page and where they are talking about lithium-based batteries:

http://www.apple.com/batteries/notebooks.html

"Standard Maintenance

For proper maintenance of a lithium-based battery, it’s important to keep the electrons in it moving occasionally. Apple does not recommend leaving your portable plugged in all the time. An ideal use would be a commuter who uses her notebook on the train, then plugs it in at the office to charge. This keeps the battery juices flowing. If on the other hand, you use a desktop computer at work, and save a notebook for infrequent travel, Apple recommends charging and discharging its battery at least once per month. Need a reminder? Add an event to your desktop’s iCal. When your battery no longer holds sufficient charge to meet your needs, you may choose to replace it. If your notebook came with a built-in battery, you should have the battery replaced only by an Apple Authorized Service Provider."

So when Apple is talking about discharging, how should I actually discharge it? If discharging a lithium-based battery completely is harmful for the battery life, then what is the ideal way to do this without harming the battery? How should I discharge my battery when the calender says it`s time?

MacBook Air

Posted on Jul 28, 2013 4:02 AM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Jul 28, 2013 4:36 AM

Note that your MBA does not require calibration:


http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1490


I use my MBP attached to the power adapter as much as possible. Monthly I will run it only with the battery to about the 40% level. You discharge the battery by using it under only battery power.


Ciao.

6 replies

Jul 28, 2013 4:45 AM in response to rockstar1987

Calibration is not needed for "built-in" -non-removable- battery.



"Portables with built-in batteries

Current Apple portable computer batteries are pre-calibrated and do not require the calibration procedure outlined in this article. These computers use batteries that should be replaced only by an Apple Authorized Service Provider."

MacBook Air

MacBook Air (all models)


http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1490




"If your portable Mac has a built-in battery, you don’t need to calibrate the battery."

http://support.apple.com/kb/PH11078?viewlocale=en_US


Best.

Oct 14, 2013 10:53 AM in response to rockstar1987

folks, im having a similar problem with the battery! earlier it used to work great but since a few days what has happened is that the remaining battery keeps fluctuating it says 20:00hours on full charge and by 98%it goes to 15hours and 90% sometimes 11:30 houurs or 12:00 hours sometimes it also increases. i tried reinstalling the OS. do you think my battery is faulty

How do I discharge (calibrate?) my Macbook Air (Mid 2013) without harming the battery?

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