Does a MacBook HAVE to use it's battery?

Question

Does a MacBook HAVE to use it's battery?

Still having some sporadic battery issues, even after replacing the battery today, sometimes it shows, sometimes it doesn't.

For me, I don't need my laptop to be "portable" I have no problem connecting it to an electrical outlet for power, I am pretty much home 99%+ of the time anyway and when I do go out, I WILL NEVER take it with me.

Could be because the battery is new, etc, don't know, new Mac owner and first battery replacement.

Does it hurt anything to just use it as a plugged in computer, if need be?

Thanks

MacBook

Posted on Feb 5, 2014 7:42 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Feb 5, 2014 7:45 PM in response to lovemyusedipad

No, it doesn't do any harm. You must leave the battery installed, however, and at least once every couple of months use it on battery power until the battery drops down to about 20% before you recharge it. This will help prolong the battery's life.

About Batteries in Modern Apple Laptops

Battery University

Apple - Batteries - Notebooks

Apple - Batteries

Extending the Life of Your Laptop Battery

MacBook and MacBook Pro- Mac reduces processor speed when battery is removed while operating from an A-C adaptor

Apple Portables- Calibrating your computer's battery for best performance

Mac notebooks- Determining battery cycle count

Reply

Answer 2

Feb 5, 2014 7:50 PM in response to Kappy

OK, my issue is that even after replacing the battery, off and on an X appears in the battery symbol at the top of the home page and when I click on it, no battery, etc. Shut down, turn back on, the battery shows with a percentage, confusing.

Reply

Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Feb 5, 2014 7:55 PM in response to lovemyusedipad

You have some other issue with the computer for which I'd take it in for service.

Reply

Answer 4

Feb 5, 2014 7:57 PM in response to Kappy

I think you are right, I will do that. 🙂

Reply