How to check the condition of your Macbook Battery
If you’re wondering why your laptop keeps dying, hopefully,the following information will help you decide to finally get that MacBook battery replaced. You’ve had your MacBook for years, so you should not be surprised that it’s now hardly keeping a charge like it used to do. It’s kind of frustrating trying to see how long your charge will last before your MacBook goes completely dead. After all, no one wants to find a dead laptop when they are expecting to do some work on it. Knowing what to expect from your current battery’s performance can make life a lot easier when trying to determine how much time you have before the battery goes dead. Checking Your MacBook's Battery Condition To find out about your battery’s performance, you can go to the menu bar and select the battery icon. One of four battery states will be displayed:
Service Battery:The battery isn't performing properly, and your MacBook needs to be taken to an authorized Apple store or computer repair store to be serviced. However, you can still work on your MacBook until you go get it serviced because the problem should not affect other parts of your computer.
Replace Soon:The battery is performing at its best, but the battery is not holding a charge likeit used to when you first got it. You can still use your computer until you get ready to get the battery replaced.
Replace Now:The battery is performing at its best, but the battery has a highly noticeable decrease in performance when it comes to holding a charge. However, you can still use your computer until you get ready to get the battery replaced.
Normal:The battery is performing at its best.
Regardless of the condition, you still have some time to use the battery before deciding on getting a new one or a new MacBook.
Determining Your Battery Cycle Count
Although battery cycles may vary for various types of MacBooks, most are able to endure at least 1,000 cycles. A cycle count is made when you fully recharge a battery after the battery has run down completely. That means, you can drain your battery over halfway (about 60%) one day and recharge it, and it won’t count as a full cycle until the battery has done a complete depletion before recharging it. When your battery has done 1000 cycles, your battery can function at a capacity as high as 80%. Your battery can endure more than 1000 cycles but expect your battery to work at a much-diminished capacity. If you want to check your present cycle count, you can always go to the System Report tool to find out how many cycles your battery has completed. When you press the Alt key and select the Apple icon (in the upper-left corner), you will see the System Report option. Click on System Report and click the Power option from the left panel. You should then see the term “Cycle Count” in the Battery Information Section under the “Health Information” section.
Replacing Your MacBook's Battery
Those needing to have their battery replaced need to take their MacBook to an authorized Apple Store or computer store with authorized personnel to have their battery replaced. If you go to an authorised Apple Store, you can expect to pay between $189 and $500 to have your battery replaced. Alternatively, you can do it yourself with a new battery from NewerTech for as low as $124.99 – as well as being cheaper, this option also allows you to replace old batteries in machines for which Apple will no longer provide service. If you chose to purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan, then the process of replacing your battery becomes a whole lot easier if your MacBook’s warranty has not expired. If you’re still covered under warranty, you can get the whole MacBook replaced instead of buying a battery.