Battery Service Recommended

[m11rphy]

Hi Guys

I have a 2016 MacBook Pro 13, which has a battery cycle count of 219 which I thought was pretty low, however Im now getting a warning in MacOs that Battery Service Recommended. Does this mean I need to get apple to fit a new battery or is this something I can fix myself?

 

[haruhiko]

I don’t think you can do anything to the battery yourself.

 

[SpotOnT]

Take it in to Apple. Apple glued the battery in on those 2016 MBP, so replacing it yourself is a real pain. On top of that, you can't obtain an OEM battery, and the third party batteries don't last anywhere near as long.

 

[smirking]

Cycle count is only part of the story. People assume batteries always last X number of cycle counts. Nada. It's a sure bet that something at 1000 cycles is probably on its last legs, but beyond that there can be very little difference in the health of one that's at 100, 200, 400 cycles.

My 2018 is around 85% at 100 cycles. My 2016 was 90%+ at 200 cycles.

The way that laptop is stored, how you use the battery, how much (or how little) you use it, and a lot of random luck all factor into it.

The battery service warning comes on automatically at 80% regardless of how you got there. If it took you many years to get to 80%, your battery is healthy for its age. Unless you see signs of it swelling or you really need that extra 20% back, you're fine to continue as you please.

It's $200 to get a new battery for a 2016. Considering that an OEM battery is usually around $100 anyway, that's expensive, but not a terrible price.

 

[MBAir2010]

Mine always states that except for now,
if your battery runs low after unplugging, then replace.
if your track pad is bulging then replace immediately, that is a stolen battery.

if you get ample time (like my 2 hours plus yesterday ) then replace when you feel comfortable.
seems to me that is just lame fake software  decided to install with Mojave on older MacBooks.
-anything for that buck!

hope this helps

 

[Raebo]

Cycle count is only part of the story. People assume batteries always last X number of cycle counts. Nada. It's a sure bet that something at 1000 cycles is probably on its last legs, but beyond that there can be very little difference in the health of one that's at 100, 200, 400 cycles.

My 2018 is around 85% at 100 cycles. My 2016 was 90%+ at 200 cycles.

The way that laptop is stored, how you use the battery, how much (or how little) you use it, and a lot of random luck all factor into it.

The battery service warning comes on automatically at 80% regardless of how you got there. If it took you many years to get to 80%, your battery is healthy for its age. Unless you see signs of it swelling or you really need that extra 20% back, you're fine to continue as you please.

It's $200 to get a new battery for a 2016. Considering that an OEM battery is usually around $100 anyway, that's expensive, but not a terrible price.

Excellent post! It seems like many just concentrate on the cycle count but ignore or are not aware other factors can play just as big or bigger factor.

 

[Fishrrman]

Take it to a brick-n-mortar Apple Store.

They charge $199 for a battery replacement.
For that money, you get:
- a new APPLE-factory-original battery
- installation
- a short warranty.

All-in-all, that's a bargain...

 

[m11rphy]

Thanks all, I guess I'll have to take it to apple for a new battery

 

[bhodinut]

My 2015 MacBook Pro has has over 1200 cycles and the Battery Service Notification has been up for two years. Every time I take it to Apple they tell me their test indicates the battery is fine. It's not. It doesn't last long off the charger. I'm then told my only option is a ~$700 repair.

 

[smirking]

My 2015 MacBook Pro has has over 1200 cycles and the Battery Service Notification has been up for two years. Every time I take it to Apple they tell me their test indicates the battery is fine. It's not. It doesn't last long off the charger. I'm then told my only option is a ~$700 repair.

A $700 repair? What do they want to repair? A replacement is only supposed to be $199. A 1200 cycle battery is unlikely to be "just fine." Usable, sure, but not just fine.

 

[JPIndustrie]

A $700 repair? What do they want to repair? A replacement is only supposed to be $199. A 1200 cycle battery is unlikely to be "just fine." Usable, sure, but not just fine.

Sounds like a flat rate logic board replacement

 

[BigMcGuire]

My 2015 MacBook Pro has has over 1200 cycles and the Battery Service Notification has been up for two years. Every time I take it to Apple they tell me their test indicates the battery is fine. It's not. It doesn't last long off the charger. I'm then told my only option is a ~$700 repair.

My wife’s 2017 MBP flashed a battery service notification during covid (2020) - when Apple was closed, so we ignored it, and it eventually went away. When Apple opened up in 2021 again, we made an appointment and had the laptop checked. The tech told us they could see the battery service notification in the past and since the battery was <80% (with only months left on AppleCare+) they gave us a free battery replacement. (Only posting this because it seems like they should be able to see the battery service notification, even if it goes away).

 

[BorderingOn]

I got the notice on my late 2015 but I had already noticed that it wasn’t sitting perfectly flat on my desk. There was a slight bulge on the bottom cover. Battery life still seemed acceptable but I generally would leave it plugged in. I know this isn’t great for the battery. Strangely, the battery in my 2011 is still okay.

I now have a new 14” and find the run time on battery is pretty amazing. I can use it for hours unplugged, which has never been the case previously. Hopefully not needing to be tethered so much will mean excellent battery longevity.

 

[Miltz]

Hi Guys

I have a 2016 MacBook Pro 13, which has a battery cycle count of 219 which I thought was pretty low, however Im now getting a warning in MacOs that Battery Service Recommended. Does this mean I need to get apple to fit a new battery or is this something I can fix myself?

My 2016 MBP 15" had like 175 cycles and it was at 73% health. Unfortunately the laptop would just go from 60% to dead randomly. It's my fault as I kept it charge at 100% mostly all the time. Low Cycles have zero to do with battery health. I decided to get a New M1 Pro instead on spending $200 on it. So far I love it. Go to the apple store if you wanna replace it.