Is it time for a new MacBook battery? Here are the signs to look for

💡 Need to know

• Battery dying young? If your MacBook can't make it through the day anymore, the battery may be waving the white flag.
• 80% is a milestone. When battery capacity drops below about 80%, it's often time to start thinking about a replacement.
• Hot and bothered? Excessive heat, swelling, or random shutdowns are signs you shouldn't ignore.
• Don't panic-buy a new Mac. A battery replacement is often much cheaper than replacing the entire laptop.

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If your Mac® starts overheating for no reason or it's dying faster than usual—you may think you need a new computer. But don't worry—you probably just need to replace the battery. We'll walk you through how to find out for sure.

At Asurion, we help you take care of or fix your favorite tech. Here's how to check the battery health of your MacBook®.

Signs your MacBook may need a new battery

Laptop batteries last a long time, but they won't last forever. The good news: When a battery starts to fail, it'll let you know. Here are some clues to look for:

• Your MacBook shuts down abruptly.
• Your MacBook battery doesn't last as long as it used to.
• Your MacBook charges slowly or not at all.
• Your MacBook only works when you plug it in.
• Your MacBook is hot to the touch.
• Your MacBook battery is swollen.
• Your MacBook displays a battery replacement alert

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How to test your MacBook battery health

Your computer monitors the condition of its battery, so checking your MacBook battery health is easy. Here's how:

1. Go to Apple menu > System Settings > Battery.
2. Click Battery Health to view your battery condition and maximum capacity.

If your battery status is Normal, you're good to go. If it says Replace Soon, that's a warning, but not urgent. If you see Replace Now or Service Battery, it's time to have an expert check your battery or install a new one right away.

It's also worth checking your battery's maximum capacity. If it has dropped below about 80%, you may notice significantly shorter battery life and reduced performance away from a charger.

Check your battery cycle count

Battery health isn't just about age—it's also about usage. To view your battery cycle count:

1. Hold the Option key and click the Apple menu.
2. Select System Information.
3. Click Power in the sidebar.
4. Look for Cycle Count under Battery Information.

Most modern MacBook batteries are designed to retain much of their original capacity for around 1,000 charge cycles. A high cycle count doesn't automatically mean you need a new battery, but it's another useful indicator of overall battery health.

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Is it OK to replace your MacBook battery yourself?

Removing and installing a MacBook battery can be tricky. Not only can it void your warranty, but if your battery is built in—as it is on most MacBook models—you'll need special tools to open the back of your machine. If you're not an experienced repair technician, you could easily damage it.

If you're not comfortable swapping out your battery yourself, contact a MacBook repair expert. Getting help is the smart thing to do to make sure your new battery is installed correctly and keeps your MacBook running for a long time.

Whether you decide to swap out the battery yourself or tap in an expert for help, be sure to back up the data on your MacBook first, just in case.

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How to make your MacBook battery last longer

Once you replace the battery on your Mac, you'll want to make sure it lasts as long as possible. Here's how to extend the life of your MacBook battery:

Use the charger that came with your MacBook

When you plug in your computer, make sure to use the charger that came with it. Cheap, third-party chargers don't always work as well and can even damage your battery.

Adjust your screen brightness

Lower your screen's brightness—and help save your battery—by pressing the key with the sun logo (or something similar), then using the slider to turn brightness down.

Keep your MacBook cool

Charge your MacBook in a cool (but not too cold), well-ventilated place, and keep it out of direct sunlight to keep your battery healthy.

Unplug any accessories you're not using

When you connect a mouse, headphones, or an external drive to your MacBook, they draw power from the battery. Unplug these accessories when you're not using them so they don't drain your battery life.

Close unnecessary apps and programs

If too many apps or programs are running at once, your MacBook battery will be working overtime. If you're not using an app or program, close it.

Let Optimized Battery Charging do the work

Modern MacBooks include Optimized Battery Charging, which helps reduce battery aging by learning your charging habits and adjusting charging behavior automatically.

To get the most from your battery, leave this feature enabled. You don't need to obsess over keeping your battery between specific charge percentages—macOS handles much of that work for you.

Update your operating system

Regular software updates are a must-do to keep your battery in good shape. Here's how to check for updates:

1. Click the Apple® icon in the top left corner of your screen.
2. Click System Settings > General > Software Update.
3. Click Update Now or Upgrade Now if an update is available.

To make sure your MacBook stays updated, turn on automatic updates in the Software Update menu.

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FAQ

How long does a MacBook battery last?

Most MacBook batteries are designed to retain much of their original capacity for around 1,000 charge cycles. Depending on how often you use your laptop, that can translate to several years of regular use before you notice significant battery wear.

At what battery health percentage should I replace my MacBook battery?

There's no hard rule, but many users start considering a replacement when maximum capacity falls below 80%. At that point, you may notice shorter battery life and more frequent charging.

Can I use my MacBook with a bad battery?

Usually, yes—but it isn't ideal. A worn battery can cause shorter runtimes, unexpected shutdowns, performance issues, or charging problems. If the battery is swollen, stop using the device and have it inspected as soon as possible.

Will replacing my MacBook battery make it faster?

A new battery won't upgrade your processor or memory, but it can improve stability and eliminate performance limitations caused by battery-related power management issues.

Is it worth replacing a MacBook battery instead of buying a new laptop?

In many cases, yes. If your MacBook still meets your needs and the battery is the primary problem, replacing it is often much more affordable than purchasing a new device. Read more on the pros and cons of repairing vs replacing your laptop.