Significant battery drain after update 10.9.4

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Significant battery drain after update 10.9.4

Hi, I have a retina MacBook Pro late 2013. After I update my OSX Mavericks to version 10.9.4 I noticed a significant low in battery performance: it drains much faster now (I used to stay unpluged for 10h before recharging again, but now I can only stay for something around 6h). I also noticed that it is taking long to fully recharge the battery. What happened to my computer? I already did the procedures for resetting the battery (fully charged, then let go down to almost 0%, then fully charged again) and it didnt change the situation. How can i solve this? My battery counts now 140 cycles.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Mavericks (10.9.4)

Posted on Jul 17, 2014 8:51 AM

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Answer 1

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,541 points

Jul 17, 2014 10:31 AM in response to Bpam

1. Check the cycle count of the battery against the limit for your model. The battery may be due for replacement. If the power adapter is connected almost all the time, the battery may need replacing even though the cycle count is not too high.

2. Follow these instructions, or these for OS X 10.9 or later.

3. In the Energy Saver preference pane, uncheck the box marked

Enable Power Nap while on battery power

4. You can also try resetting the SMC.

5. Make sure your system is up to date in Software Update.

6. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store, or go to another authorized service center.

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Answer 2

Jul 17, 2014 11:25 AM in response to Bpam

I have exactly the same problem with my new MacBook Pro Retina (just 2 months old), and the battery have 53 cycles.

I notice that change in the battery performance next day to the 10.9.4 update, so... I hope that Apple make something about it.

MacBook Pro with Retina 15'' display, OS X Mavericks (10.9.4)

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Answer 3

Eric Root

Level 10

684,027 points

Jul 17, 2014 2:07 PM in response to FcoMartinezC

Send Apple feedback. They won't answer, but at least will know there is a problem. If enough people send feedback, it may get the problem solved sooner.

Feedback

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Answer 4

Jul 19, 2014 12:37 PM in response to Eric Root

I'll do it, but I think this really bad thing... I'm having just 4 hours of electricity independence.. and the (supposed) 8 hours was one of the reasons of my MacBook upgrade from my older one.

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Answer 5

Esquared

Level 6

12,385 points

Jul 19, 2014 12:44 PM in response to Bpam

Don't notice much difference on the two rMBP's in this household... Does Activity Monitor -> Energy -> Avg Energy Impact show anything peculiar?

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Answer 6

Bpam Author

Level 1

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Jul 22, 2014 6:36 AM in response to Linc Davis

Linc, I've tried everything but my rMBP is still draining battery too fast. I can't make a Genius appointment since I don't live in the USA. What are my options?

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Answer 7

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,541 points

Jul 22, 2014 8:10 AM in response to Bpam

If there are no Apple Stores where you live, go to an independent authorized service center.

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Answer 8

Bpam Author

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Jul 22, 2014 4:19 PM in response to Linc Davis

Linc, I'm pretty sure this happened because something is wrong with this update. Nobody likes to waste time taking their macs to an authorized service center and then wait some days to hear that "we can't find anything wrong with your hardware". Isn't there a more practical and effective way to fix this? I don't know, is it possible to "uninstall" this update? (No, I don't have a Time Machine). I have already filled a feedback report, but as expected no word from Apple.

Esquared, no, nothing weird in the Activity Monitor...

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Answer 9

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,541 points

Jul 22, 2014 5:13 PM in response to Bpam

I'm pretty sure this happened because something is wrong with this update.

I happen to have the same model as you, and I've installed the same update, and I'm having no trouble with battery life. You haven't said what happened when you took the steps I suggested, particularly Step 2.

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Answer 10

blink921

Level 1

0 points

Jul 23, 2014 5:41 AM in response to Bpam

My observation is that Mail and Safari are the primary culprits and consume considerably more energy after the upgrade.

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Answer 11

Bpam Author

Level 1

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Jul 24, 2014 11:03 AM in response to Linc Davis

Hi Linc, below I describe what happened to each point you've put:

1. Check the cycle count of the battery against the limit for your model. The battery may be due for replacement. If the power adapter is connected almost all the time, the battery may need replacing even though the cycle count is not too high.

My battery counts 147 cycles, not even close to the limit for my model (1000 cycles).

2. Follow these instructions, or these for OS X 10.9 or later.

Nothing out of ordinary here. Safari was using too much energy, but I've spent some days using Chrome and battery isn't any better.

3. In the Energy Saver preference pane, uncheck the box marked

Enable Power Nap while on battery power

This option wasn't enabled in my mac, so nothing to do here.

4. You can also try resetting the SMC.

I've done it, but as nothing is supposed to appear on screen and there is no sign of "Resetting SMC", I just hope it worked well, I have no way to check if al the process worked fine.

5. Make sure your system is up to date in Software Update.

Yes, it is up to date, since my problem is EXACTLY with the last update.

6. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store, or go to another authorized service center.

No way to make a Genius appointment, I don't live in the USA.

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