Are you wondering if your battery needs replacing? If your laptop is starting to run slow or it’s getting hotter while driving the fan spins faster and you’re not sure why, the battery may be one of the culprits.
According to Apple, the MacBook battery will have degradation in performance when it reaches the maximum cycle count which is up to 1000 cycles. With normal daily work usage, it usually took around 5 years to reach. After that, the battery can hold only up to 80% of its original charge capacity.
There are several other factors to determine whether or not you need to replace your MacBook battery. In this blog post, we will go over all of them so that you can make an informed decision on the best course of action for your beloved MacBook.
How To Know If It’s Time To Replace Your MacBook Battery
MacBook batteries have a life span and will eventually need to be replaced. In this section, we will discuss several points to be indicators to tell if it is time to replace your MacBook battery.
Check Your Battery Health Status
The first way to know if it is time to replace your MacBook battery is to check its health status. To do this on macOS Big Sur or newer, follow these steps:
1. Open System Preferences by Click Apple menu on the top-left of the screen
2. Choose Battery menu
3. Select the Battery tab on the left sidebar, and then click the Battery Health button at the bottom.
This will show either Normal or Service Recommended for the Battery Condition field. If you see Service Recommended it means that your battery holds significantly less charge than its original capacity, but it doesn’t mean that your battery should be replaced as soon as possible. You also need to consider other factors or signs to decide.
In addition, you’ll also see the Maximum Capacity of your battery. 100% means it’s performing at its maximum capacity as it did when brand-new while a lower percentage, like 80%, reflects how much of the original charge your battery can hold. A lower capacity usually results in shorter run times and slower performance.
So, battery health status helps you to know quickly the state of your battery. Besides looking at those two data points (Battery Condition & Maximum Capacity) you also need to consider if you experience any of these indicators such as longer charging times or decreased performance it may be time to replace your MacBook battery. You should check the Battery Health Status for supporting information and take appropriate action accordingly. Keeping an eye on your laptop’s battery health is important in making sure that your device runs smoothly while making sure that you don’t have any potential issues down the road.
Check Your Battery Cycle Count
The second factor to consider is the Battery Cycle Count. This is an important metric as it indicates how many times your MacBook battery has been charged and discharged. Apple states that Mac laptops should be able to hold up to 1000 charge cycles before they need replacing.
Follow these steps to check information about your battery state including cycle count:
1. Click the Apple icon on the top-left, then choose About This Mac
2. On the About This Mac window, click on System Report
3. At the System Report window, choose Power on the left sidebar, and look at Cycle Count on the sub-line Health Information
This number reflects the total times your battery has been charged and discharged. Apple states that a MacBook’s battery should reach about 1000 charge cycles before it needs replacing. If you see this number going up quickly, then it might be a sign to replace your Macbook battery soon.
You can refer to a detailed table of data below regarding the cycle count per type of MacBook for more accurate measurement.
Check the Maximum Cycle Count Number For Your MacBook
The data below is updated until 2022 M2 Versions.
| MacBook Type | Maximum Cycle Count |
|---|---|
| MacBook | |
| MacBook (Late 2009) and Newer | 1000 |
| MacBook 13-in. (Late 2008) | 500 |
| MacBook (Prior to Late 2009) except above | 300 |
| MacBook Pro | |
| MacBook Pro (Early 2009) and Newer | 1000 |
| MacBook Pro (Late 2008) | 500 |
| MacBook Pro (Prior to Late 2008) | 300 |
| MacBook Air | |
| MacBook Air (Late 2010) and Newer | 1000 |
| MacBook Air (Mid 2009) | 500 |
| MacBook Air (Prior to Mid 2009) | 300 |
Source: Apple Support.
Signs to Indicate Your MacBook Battery Have a Problem
In addition, there are other signs that might indicate it is time to replace your MacBook battery. Take into consideration all of these factors mentioned below so that you can make an informed decision on the best course of action.
- Low battery running time
- Overheating or the fan spinning at full speed all the time
- Trackpad not working well
- Freezes during usage
- Experience random shutdowns
How Much Will It Cost To Replace My MacBook Battery
The good news is that you can replace your MacBook battery for free if it’s still under warranty or AppleCare+. However, if the warranty has expired and you don’t have AppleCare+ coverage then the estimated cost to replace a Macbook battery is around $129 to $199.
It’s important to note that the cost of replacing the MacBook battery may vary depending on where you go and what type of laptop model you currently own.
Estimated Cost of Replacing MacBook Battery from Apple
The data below is updated until 2022 M2 Versions.
| MacBook Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| MacBook | $199 |
| MacBook Pro | $199 |
| MacBook Air | $129 |
Source: Mac Repair & Support.
Generally speaking, most Macbook batteries are interchangeable so any repair shop should be able to help you out. It’s always a good idea to research different repair shops before deciding on who will do the work, reviews from other customers can be helpful in finding reliable service personnel.
But when it comes to fixing your Apple devices, the safest option is to take them to an authorized service center. That way, you can be sure that trained professionals are handling your device with care. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your device is in good hands.
Is It Worth It To Replace Your MacBook Battery
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to replace your MacBook battery will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you want a seamless user experience without worrying about shorter battery life or performance issues, then replacing your laptop battery may be worth it for you.
On the other hand, if you’re content with how your Macbook is running now and don’t want to incur additional costs mentioned above associated with replacing your battery, then it’s best to just keep an eye on its health status and ensure that the Battery Cycle Count number isn’t going up too quickly.
Will Replacing The Macbook Battery Have An Impact On Performance
Yes, replacing a Macbook battery can potentially have an impact on its performance. A new battery will ensure that your laptop won’t overheat or experience other problems associated with aging batteries. It also improves overall efficiency by providing more power and better-charging capabilities for your MacBook. So if you’re looking to extend the life of your Macbook, replacing the battery is definitely worth considering!
That being said, don’t forget that having regular maintenance done on your MacBook can help you prolong the life of its components and save money in the long run. It’s always a good idea to take preventive measures such as applying good habits on charging to extend your MacBook battery lifespan.