how do i charge my mac properly?

[flashjackson]

hi. i've had my macbook pro for about two weeks. i calibrated it already.

i didn't buy it from the apple store, i bought it from another retailer (i got a good deal with a printer and the like), so i wasn't able to ask how to charge it correctly. the first day i got it i used it until the battery drained completely and it went into sleep mode. i then charged it up to 100%, unplugged it, and ran it off the battery. i did the same the next day. from then on though, i've been running it to a low percentage and then charging up to 100%. i tend to run it off the battery as i move around the house, however, i tend to use it in my bedroom mostly.

i've already read the battery faq on the forum, but i don't know whether the way i charge my macbook (13") is right. i mean, should i have it plugged in more often when am at home, or should i use it on the battery more so? when is a good percentage to charge my macbook? on a higher percentage or what?

if somebody could give me step by step instructions exactly what to do, i would be very grateful. i want to make sure i get the most out of the battery before having to replace it.

thank you.

 

[Macman45]

Step By Step

hi. i've had my macbook pro for about two weeks. i calibrated it already.

i didn't buy it from the apple store, i bought it from another retailer (i got a good deal with a printer and the like), so i wasn't able to ask how to charge it correctly. the first day i got it i used it until the battery drained completely and it went into sleep mode. i then charged it up to 100%, unplugged it, and ran it off the battery. i did the same the next day. from then on though, i've been running it to a low percentage and then charging up to 100%. i tend to run it off the battery as i move around the house, however, i tend to use it in my bedroom mostly.

i've already read the battery faq on the forum, but i don't know whether the way i charge my macbook (13") is right. i mean, should i have it plugged in more often when am at home, or should i use it on the battery more so? when is a good percentage to charge my macbook? on a higher percentage or what?

if somebody could give me step by step instructions exactly what to do, i would be very grateful. i want to make sure i get the most out of the battery before having to replace it.

thank you.

Once a month, allow your mac's battery to go completely dead ( it will shut down) leave it an hour and then recharge to 100%

Apples Battery advice here:


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

 

[flashjackson]

how about charging normally and leaving it plugged in?

 

[GGJstudios]

Once a month, allow your mac's battery to go completely dead ( it will shut down) leave it an hour and then recharge to 100%

That is not necessary.

hi. i've had my macbook pro for about two weeks. i calibrated it already.

New MacBook Pros with built-in batteries come pre-calibrated and do not require regular calibration.

i don't know whether the way i charge my macbook (13") is right. i mean, should i have it plugged in more often when am at home, or should i use it on the battery more so? when is a good percentage to charge my macbook? on a higher percentage or what?

Use it on battery when you need to and plug it in when you can. Just be sure not to run on AC power all the time, as the battery needs to be exercised to stay healthy. All of this is clearly stated in the following link. This should answer most, if not all, of your battery questions:

Apple Notebook Battery FAQ​

 

[flashjackson]

That is not necessary.
New MacBook Pros with built-in batteries come pre-calibrated and do not require regular calibration.
p=9875442&postcount=23"]Apple Notebook Battery FAQ[/url][/indent]

would my calibration have done anything to the battery then, if it was already pre-calibrated?

thanks for the link. i've already been through it though, was kinda looking for a step-by-step guide on how i should be charging my mac, to be honest! was wondering if that could be done? don't worry if not... just that i'd prefer to know how to charge properly from a more knowlegeable mac user. i just don't trust my own knowledge of batteries to keep my mac's battery as healthy as possible for the longest time possible.

 

[iphone1105]

would my calibration have done anything to the battery then, if it was already pre-calibrated?

thanks for the link. i've already been through it though, was kinda looking for a step-by-step guide on how i should be charging my mac, to be honest! was wondering if that could be done? don't worry if not... just that i'd prefer to know how to charge properly from a more knowlegeable mac user. i just don't trust my own knowledge of batteries to keep my mac's battery as healthy as possible for the longest time possible.

Here's how you handle charging a Mac. 1) Use it 2) Charge when needed. You'll be good to go. Seriously theres no mystery answer, just use it and enjoy it. Really the battery will last you years(althought not as strong) so just have fun. By the time the battery on your Mac dies totally, as in 0% charge/recharge, you'll be buying a new Mac anyway. So chill, enjoy it, and just use it. And thats how to handle battery charging

 

[GGJstudios]

would my calibration have done anything to the battery then, if it was already pre-calibrated?

No, calibration doesn't do anything to the battery. It simply makes the battery indicators more accurate, as stated in the FAQ.

thanks for the link. i've already been through it though, was kinda looking for a step-by-step guide on how i should be charging my mac, to be honest!

There are no step-by-step guides on charging your Mac, because there's nothing to it. Just plug it in whenever you want. That's it. You can find more detailed information in the CHARGING section of the FAQ.

 

[flashjackson]

alright sweet. so top up charging is okay? like, say each time i run off the battery it gets to 20%, and each time I need to charge it, i charge it from there, it won't retain a memory and think 20% is when it needs charging? and i'm okay to run off the mains; not permanently, just occasionally? that's not gonna affect the battery? and i can occasionally let it die completely? aaaaaand, i can charge it to full from as little as 3% instead of letting the battery go completely?

i'm concerned cuz, using coconut battery, the design capacity is 5770mah, and the full capacity mah is 5640. it say's my mac is 8weeks old, with 8 battery load cycles.

sorry if i'm asking questions that are posted in that thread. i feel that these are specific to my mac. thanks.

 

[GGJstudios]

alright sweet. so top up charging is okay? like, say each time i run off the battery it gets to 20%, and each time I need to charge it, i charge it from there, it won't retain a memory and think 20% is when it needs charging? and i'm okay to run off the mains; not permanently, just occasionally? that's not gonna affect the battery? and i can occasionally let it die completely? aaaaaand, i can charge it to full from as little as 3% instead of letting the battery go completely?

i'm concerned cuz, using coconut battery, the design capacity is 5770mah, and the full capacity mah is 5640. it say's my mac is 8weeks old, with 8 battery load cycles.

sorry if i'm asking questions that are posted in that thread. i feel that these are specific to my mac. thanks.

I encourage you to re-read the Battery FAQ, as all your questions are answered there. They are not specific to your Mac, as all new Mac models are the same when it comes to battery care.

No, there is no memory effect, so you can recharge at 90% or 9% or 0%.
Yes, you can run it off AC power whenever you need to.
Yes, you can run on battery until it dies, if you need to.
It's normal that your battery capacity varies up and down over time.

Please take the time to read the FAQ. Every question you've asked is answered there, as these questions have been asked hundreds of times in this forum, hence the FAQ: "Frequently Asked Questions".

 

[thundersteele]

i didn't buy it from the apple store, i bought it from another retailer (i got a good deal with a printer and the like), so i wasn't able to ask how to charge it correctly.

Yeah, you get what you pay for. Although at least some of the specialists in the apple stores don't have a clue either.

Apple has a website somewhere that explains how to properly use the battery. Of course you can also rely on what people on some random internet forum tell you.

 

[GGJstudios]

Apple has a website somewhere that explains how to properly use the battery. Of course you can also rely on what people on some random internet forum tell you.

... or they can simply read the Battery FAQ, as recommended, since all the information in it came directly from Apple.

 

[iphone1105]

sorry if i'm asking questions that are posted in that thread. i feel that these are specific to my mac. thanks.

You mac is different then no one elses, so theres no special formula...to be honest you're way over thinking the battery, just enjoy the computer bro. dont worry 'bout the battery.

 

[warvanov]

How to care for your battery properly in ten easy steps.

1) Once a month use your MacBook Pro on battery power for as long as it takes to drain the entire battery to 0%.

2) Then plug it back in and recharge it to 100% before using it again.

3) Next, use the notebook on battery power for precisely 1 hour, then unplug it and use it until the battery is at 75%.

4) Once it reaches 75%, shut it down and leave it unplugged overnight. First thing in the morning plug it back in and let it charge for at least 8 hours before using it, even it the battery claims to be at 100%.

5) Repeat these four steps every month, except for months that begin with M (March and May). During those months you should repeat these steps twice (during the first and third week of the month).

6) Never allow your battery drain below 33% on Tuesdays and Thursdays or when there is a full moon as this will cause unnecessary stress on the battery.

7) When charging the battery from 0% to 50% make sure that the screen is no brighter than 50% brightness and make sure the keyboard illumination is turned OFF. Once the battery charge reaches 51% you can turn up the brightness on the display if you desire. Once the charge reaches 75% you can turn on keyboard illumination.

8) Remember unplug your laptop for at least 1 hour a day when not in use.

9) It's a very good idea to buy a second power adapter and alternate between the two between charge cycles.

10) Ok seriously, just use the battery when you're away from your desk or at least once in a while, and plug it in when it's convenient or the battery is low. It's not rocket science, and it's not worth worrying about.

 

[pat park]

Seems to be a lot of threads about "How to charge your MacBook" these days.

The vibe I'm getting is, plug it in. Use it. Just don't leave it plugged in 24/7. Try to use the batter here and there. Sounds simple enough for me!

 

[thundersteele]

9) It's a very good idea to buy a second power adapter and alternate between the two between charge cycles.

This. Also, they can get quite hot. So, while charging the battery, if one is very hot, it's a good idea to swap chargers and let it cool down.

You forgot to mention that one should remove the battery once a month and shake it, so the battery juices keep flowing. See http://www.apple.com/batteries/notebooks.html for more details.

Warning: Sarcasm. Ignore the above.


@GGJstudios:
Yes, the FAQ is very good. But it contains a lot of information for people that are having battery problems, while the apple website actually focusses on information for users that don't have problems and just feel unsure on how to use their battery. The first thing that the FAQ addresses is what to do when the battery is swelling and under which conditions apple will replace it.

Then, there is the horribly outdated battery guide that's available here: http://guides.macrumors.com/Laptop_Battery_Guide
I'm really not surprised that people get confused.

 

[GGJstudios]

How to care for your battery properly in ten easy steps.

Because people don't read these threads carefully, DO NOT follow the steps in this post! (except the last one)

This. Also, they can get quite hot. So, while charging the battery, if one is very hot, it's a good idea to swap chargers and let it cool down.

Ignore this comment as well. There are many who have concerns about the heat of the MagSafe adapter who would be misled by this post.

@GGJstudios:
Yes, the FAQ is very good. But it contains a lot of information for people that are having battery problems, while the apple website actually focusses on information for users that don't have problems and just feel unsure on how to use their battery. The first thing that the FAQ addresses is what to do when the battery is swelling and under which conditions apple will replace it.

You haven't read the FAQ carefully. Everything in the FAQ comes directly from the Apple website. If it's on Apple's site, it's in the FAQ, whether it be normal use, troubleshooting or how to deal with defective batteries.

 

[thundersteele]

Because people don't read these threads carefully, DO NOT follow the steps in this post! (except the last one)

Ignore this comment as well. There are many who have concerns about the heat of the MagSafe adapter who would be misled by this post.

I've added a warning.

You haven't read the FAQ carefully. Everything in the FAQ comes directly from the Apple website. If it's on Apple's site, it's in the FAQ, whether it be normal use, troubleshooting or how to deal with defective batteries.

I understand. However the normal use is covered only at the end of the FAQ, after going through all the problems and concerns that people might have. I find http://www.apple.com/batteries/notebooks.html more useful for the type of question the OP had.

 

[GGJstudios]

I understand. However the normal use is covered only at the end of the FAQ,

That is false.

I find http://www.apple.com/batteries/notebooks.html more useful for the type of question the OP had.

Look at the very first link in the FAQ:

​

 

[theSeb]

Use the darn computer as you need . When it's comfortable to plug it in, then plug it in. When it's not, then don't. When you need the laptop the next day and need full charge, then charge it overnight. For goodness sake people. This isn't a child or a priceless and fragile item that needs to be fussed over. It's a computer.

 

[miniConvert]

Use the darn computer as you need . When it's comfortable to plug it in, then plug it in. When it's not, then don't. When you need the laptop the next day and need full charge, then charge it overnight. For goodness sake people. This isn't a child or a priceless and fragile item that needs to be fussed over. It's a computer.

True to an extent, but batteries aren't as durable as we'd all like to think they are so there are a couple of important rules to abide by to maximise the life of a battery:

• Don't keep the battery at maximum charge for long periods of time.
• Don't keep the battery at empty charge for long periods of time.
• Don't run the battery to empty every time before charging it - lithium based batteries last longer with shallower discharges. You need only do a full discharge if you're trying to caliberate the battery meter.
• If you're not using the battery (well, laptop) for an extended period, store it at about 40% charge.

 

[theSeb]

True to an extent, but batteries aren't as durable as we'd all like to think they are so there are a couple of important rules to abide by to maximise the life of a battery:

• Don't keep the battery at maximum charge for long periods of time.
• Don't keep the battery at empty charge for long periods of time.
• Don't run the battery to empty every time before charging it - lithium based batteries last longer with shallower discharges. You need only do a full discharge if you're trying to caliberate the battery meter.
• If you're not using the battery (well, laptop) for an extended period, store it at about 40% charge.

Or you could just use it and take it to Apple to replace for around $100 after a couple of years. I have more important things to worry about than the health of my battery and whether I've kept it at a maximum or minimum charge for too long.

 

[Adamantoise]

Use the darn computer as you need . When it's comfortable to plug it in, then plug it in. When it's not, then don't. When you need the laptop the next day and need full charge, then charge it overnight. For goodness sake people. This isn't a child or a priceless and fragile item that needs to be fussed over. It's a computer.

I don't get it either.

I buy a computer to make certain tasks easier, not to have one more thing to worry about.

The battery in Apple computers are no different from the battery found in any other computer, why would Macs be charged any different.

 

[miniConvert]

Or you could just use it and take it to Apple to replace for around $100 after a couple of years. I have more important things to worry about than the health of my battery and whether I've kept it at a maximum or minimum charge for too long.

They're fairly simple rules, and most people can abide by them by simply using their computer normally. I suppose the easiest one to fall foul of is leaving the laptop plugged in 24x7 if not taking it out and about - knowing that you need to unplug it every now and then to get the electrons flowing through the battery is important.

I don't get it either.

I buy a computer to make certain tasks easier, not to have one more thing to worry about.

The battery in Apple computers are no different from the battery found in any other computer, why would Macs be charged any different.

Macs aren't any different. The same rules apply for your PC laptop, your mobile phone, and a plethora of other devices containing lithium-based batteries.

Taking a laptop in for repair due to a failing battery that could have easily been looked after better and lasted a lot longer is an unnecessary rolling of the dice of scratches, rattles, and other repair-related issues - not to mention the inconvenience of unnecessary servicing.

 

[Queen6]

I am sorely tempted to say "just plug it into the nearest power point" enjoy your Mac and for get such trivia, charge it when you need to, and if you using the notebook predominantly on the mains supply exercise the battery every 4-6 weeks, by turning off the afore mentioned mains supply

 

[aCondor]

Use it however it suits you. Charge when needed. Its pretty hard to screw up a MBP battery. Don't worry about it.