I. Introduction
Mac users often face difficulties when it comes to checking their battery health. Knowing how to keep their battery in good condition is essential for their device’s optimal performance. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to check battery health on Mac, as well as tips, recommendations, and additional alternatives.
II. Step-by-Step Guide
To check the battery health on Mac, click on the Battery icon on the top menu bar. Select ‘View all’ from the dropdown menu to open the Battery section in System Preferences. Here, click on the ‘Battery Health’ button to view your battery’s maximum capacity and current charge through the battery health feature.
Another way to check your battery’s health is using a third-party app such as Coconut Battery or Battery Health. These apps display more detailed information about your battery’s status, lifespan, and charging cycles.
III. Third-Party Apps
Coconut Battery is an excellent option for users looking for an intuitive and easy-to-use app. It displays your battery’s current charge, cycles, and original capacity, along with information on the charger type and temperature.
Another great application is Battery Health. This app shows the battery’s health percentage, total capacity, and designed capacity. It also provides the option to set reminders to improve your battery’s life based on your usage.
While third-party apps offer more advanced features compared to the built-in options, they may require payment for full functionality or be limited to certain versions of macOS.
IV. Command-Line Method
If you prefer a technical solution, the command-line method is another option. By typing specific commands on your device’s Terminal app, you can check information about your system’s battery. Type ‘pmset -g batt’ to display your battery’s charge, cycle count, and condition.
It’s essential to note for beginners that using the Terminal app can be challenging, and inputting incorrect commands can cause system damage or data loss. Therefore, only try this method if you have adequate knowledge in Terminal app usage.
V. Built-In System Utility
Another way to access your battery health status is through the System Information utility. Click on the Apple logo on the top left corner of the main menu bar and select ‘About This Mac.’ Go to the ‘System Report’ option and find the Power section. Here you will find the current health status of your battery with detailed technical specifications.
This option is more suited for users who prefer detailed technical information and can understand the terminology present in the utility app.
VI. Battery-Saving Tips
The following tips can help conserve your battery’s life and extend its lifespan:
- Reduce screen brightness or put your device on sleep mode when not in use
- Close any unused applications that run in the background
- Unplug any devices that aren’t charging, such as external hard drives or printers
- Update to the latest version of macOS to take advantage of any battery optimizations
VII. Battery Replacement
If your battery health status shows a high number of cycles and a lower maximum capacity, it might be time to replace your battery. Apple’s customer support or their authorized service provider can assist you in replacing your device’s battery to ensure optimal performance and avoid any potential damage.
VIII. Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to check your Mac’s battery health and take care of your device is essential to ensure a longer lifespan and optimal performance. You can use the built-in Apple menu, third-party apps, command-line method, or system utility feature to check your battery’s status. Adopting battery-saving tips and replacing your battery when necessary will help prolong your device’s life and save you from unexpected downtime.
