How to Check Battery Health on Mac: 5 Essential Tips for Optimal Performance

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

If your Mac is running macOS Ventura or a newer version like Sonoma, checking your battery health is very simple.

1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Go to System Settings.
3. Scroll down and click on Battery in the sidebar.
4. You will see the Battery Health status. It will show either “Normal” or “Service Recommended.”

“Normal” means your battery is working as expected. If you see “Service Recommended,” it means the battery is getting old and can’t hold as much charge as it used to. It’s a good time to think about getting it checked by a professional.

If you are using an older version of macOS like Monterey or Big Sur, the steps are a little different.

1. Click the Apple menu.
2. Go to System Preferences.
3. Click on Battery.
4. Select the Battery tab again in the new window.
5. Click the Battery Health button.

This will show you the same “Normal” or “Service Recommended” status, giving you a clear idea of its condition.

The System Information app on your Mac gives you a complete overview of your hardware, including the battery.

1. Hold down the Option (⌥) key on your keyboard.
2. While holding the key, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner.
3. Click on System Information.
4. In the new window, find the Hardware section on the left and click on Power.

Here, you’ll find the Health Information section, which includes:

• Cycle Count: This number shows how many full charge and discharge cycles your battery has gone through. We’ll explain more about this below.
• Condition: This gives a more detailed status, like “Normal,” “Replace Soon,” “Replace Now,” or “Service Battery.”
• Full Charge Capacity (mAh): This shows how much power your battery can currently hold. A new battery will have a higher number, which goes down as the battery ages.

This is the most accurate built-in method how to check mac battery cycles and get a clear picture of your battery’s long-term health.

So, what exactly is a mac battery cycle count? One cycle is counted when you use up 100% of your battery’s power, but not necessarily all at once. For example, if you use your Mac until the battery drops by 50%, charge it back to 100%, and then use another 50%, that adds up to one full cycle.

Knowing how to know how many power cycles mac has been through is useful because every Mac battery is designed to last for a certain number of cycles. Most modern MacBooks (from 2010 and later) are designed for up to 1,000 cycles. An older model might have a limit of 300 or 500 cycles. Once you reach that limit, the battery is considered “consumed” and its performance will be noticeably lower. Knowing your mbp battery cycle count can help you estimate how long do macs last battery cycle count wise.

Apps like coconutBattery are popular for giving you a live look at your battery stats. They show your current charge, full charge capacity, design capacity, and mac battery cycles in a simple interface. It’s a great tool if you want to mac test battery health regularly.

If you want to actively protect your battery instead of just watching its health decline, a tool like AlDente Pro is the perfect solution. Lithium-ion batteries wear out faster when they are kept at 100% charge all the time, especially when plugged in.

AlDente Pro helps solve this problem with features like:

• Charge Limiter: You can set a limit to stop your Mac from charging past a certain point (like 80%), which is much healthier for the battery in the long run.
• Heat Protection: The app can stop charging if the battery gets too hot, preventing damage.
• Sailing Mode: This feature lets your battery discharge a little even when plugged in, mimicking natural use and reducing stress.
• Calibration Mode: Helps you keep the battery’s sensor accurate, ensuring the readings you see are correct.

Using a tool like AlDente Pro is a smart way to manage your battery’s health proactively, helping it last much longer.

Knowing how to check battery health on mac is the first step. The next is knowing what to do with that information. The main sign that you need a new battery is when it no longer holds enough charge to get you through your day.

Apple recommends getting your battery serviced when it can only hold less than 80% of its original capacity. You can figure this out by comparing the “Full Charge Capacity” to the “Design Capacity” (which you can find online for your specific Mac model).

If your Mac’s battery condition says “Service Recommended,” “Replace Soon,” or “Replace Now,” it’s time to take it to an Apple Store or an authorized service provider. Continuing to use a very old battery can be risky, as it could swell and damage other parts of your computer.

Batteries hate extreme temperatures. Try to use your Mac in places where the temperature is between 50°F and 95°F (10°C and 35°C). Never leave it in a hot car, as high heat can permanently damage the battery’s capacity.

Always keep your macOS updated. Apple’s updates often include new energy-saving technologies that can help improve battery life.

macOS has features designed to help your battery.

• Optimized Battery Charging: Found under System Settings > Battery > Battery Health, this feature learns your daily routine and waits to finish charging past 80% until you need it.
• Low Power Mode: Also in the Battery settings, this reduces energy usage to make your charge last longer when you’re running low.

If you plan to store your Mac for a long time without using it, don’t leave it fully charged or completely empty. Charge it to about 50% and then shut it down. This helps preserve its health while it’s stored.

The easiest way is to use the System Information app. Hold the Option (⌥) key, click the Apple menu, choose System Information, and go to the Power section. The “Cycle Count” will be listed there.

This depends on the age of your Mac. A new Mac will have a very low count. For a Mac that’s a few years old, a count in the 200-500 range is normal. The key is how much capacity is left, not just the cycle count.

You’ll know it’s time for a new battery when you see the “Service Recommended” warning, or when it just doesn’t last long enough for your needs anymore. If you have to keep it plugged in all the time, that’s a good sign.

Leaving it plugged in at 100% charge for long periods can speed up battery aging. This is where the Optimized Battery Charging feature or an app like AlDente Pro is very helpful, as they prevent the battery from staying at that stressful high-charge level.

Being proactive about your Mac’s battery is the best way to ensure it serves you well for years. By regularly using the methods above to how to check battery health on Mac, you can stay informed about its condition. Understanding the mac battery cycle count and other metrics from the system report gives you the power to make smart decisions.

For everyday checks, the Battery settings are perfect. For a deep dive, the System Information app is your best friend. And for those who want to take control and extend their battery’s lifespan, tools like AlDente Pro offer an excellent solution. By following these tips, you can keep your Mac running strong and avoid being tied to a power outlet.