MacBook plugged in or not?

[Achillias]

I'm curious how many of you on this forum keep your MacBook plugged in while using it at home, work, or anywhere else? Personally, I always leave my laptop connected to the charger. My reasoning is that this approach slows down battery degradation, as the battery isn't actively used when charged to 80%. This also results in significantly fewer charge cycles. What's your routine?

 

[UrfinJuice]

Aldente or Battery Toolkit App.

 

[TechRunner]

My 14" M4 MBP is the centerpiece of my desktop system, so it spends 95% of its life plugged in. Ironically, I'm sitting on the couch with it replying to your post, so it does get set free occasionally.

Honestly, I just use it how I need it and don't sweat battery degradation, charge cycles, etc.

 

[ProQuiz]

I got my MacBook Pro 14" in November 2023. Has been used plugged in 100% of the time. I have Optimized Battery Charging enabled which keeps the battery charge between 75% and 80%. Cycle count is 11 and maximum capacity is 100%.

 

[TechRunner]

I thought I'd screenshot this for you, OP. I plugged my MBP in last night and it still hasn't begun charging yet (It was at 92% when I plugged it in). Apple's optimization protocol should help to alleviate some of your concerns about maintaining good battery health.

 

[cjsuk]

Mine was plugged in to studio display all the time so I got rid of it and got an M4 mini.

 

[Mateus1320]

3 years with the Air M1, 3 years with it plugged in.

In 9 months of use, the system showed the battery health at 88% using the system's optimized charging. I bought AlDente and have been using it ever since.

Now, almost 2 and a half years later, the battery health remains at 88% according to the system. Until January/2025, AlDente and CoconutBattery showed that the real health was 93%, now in April/2025 they show the health at 85%.

151 total cycles, using navigation mode and doing weekly battery calibration with AlDente

I still have my old Asus notebook with Windows, which is 10 years old and lasts at least two hours with the original battery. I expect nothing less from Mac LOL

 

[Howard2k]

Yes. I keep it plugged in and have battery optimization turned on. Plugged in at my desk, not plugged in when another room or out of the house. I have Apple Care and so I’ll let the OS manage it, and use it as I like. It’s just not something I need to worry about.