Batteries are the lifeblood of our devices - without them they are nothing. However, as much as we take them for granted, batteries are not finite and do begin to degrade over time. Despite this, there are ways to slow down your MacBook battery’s deterioration. 

MacBooks normally use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Although they can be recharged multiple times over their lifetime, every charge degrades the battery by a small amount. After a couple of years of recharging, you will begin to notice that you need to recharge more often. As your device ages, this issue gets worse. 

You cannot stop this process entirely but you can slow it down. Here are some ways.  

1) Don't leave your device plugged in 

If you're only using your MacBook for certain tasks, you might be inclined to leave it on a charge while you're not using it to ensure that it doesn’t go flat. On the other hand, perhaps you're using your MacBook all the time and it's left plugged into its MacBook charger cable on your desk at work. You keep it that way because you don't want your device to go flat on you before your workload's done. 

Either way—whether you're using it or not—leaving it plugged in for hours on end is a bad idea and will eventually weaken your device's battery because the excess heat damages it.  A MacBook's battery does not like prolonged heating or cooling - it kills it. 

2) Don't charge your MacBook to full capacity. 

This tip may seem a little strange; if a device can charge to full capacity, why not charge it all the way up? Also, seeing 100% at the top of your screen feels reassuring, comforting even. However, in reality, a MacBook is not designed to spend too long at full battery capacity. 

In fact, Apple recommends people only charge their device to 50% on a regular basis, as leaving it on 100% for too long can damage its battery life. 

3) Don't let the battery get too flat.

On the flip side, don't let the battery discharge completely either. If you shut your device down at a low percentage, then you run the risk of the battery totally discharging before you use it again. If this happens it can potentially fall into what is known as 'deep discharge' and this renders the device unable to hold a charge anymore. So unless it's over 10%, don't store it for the night - plug it into its MacBook charger cable for a while first. 

4) Use the correct equipment and update its software

It may seem a good investment to buy a cheaper unbranded cable or charger rather than a MacBook charger cable or charger, but in reality, that will be a false economy. MacBook batteries are quite sensitive to heat and if the charger overheats your device, then it could finish your battery. Likewise, generic chargers are prone to providing a fluctuating charge rather than a steady one. This can also damage your battery irreparably. 

If you're running on an older version of MacOS then you may benefit from updating this. Some updates can carry battery optimisation tools or fixes.  

If you want a Macbook charger cable for your device, then we can help. Just get in touch.