Guides
Short answers about your MacBook’s battery and charger. Each one starts with what macOS can already do.
- How to get a notification when your MacBook battery reaches 80%Three ways to know when your MacBook reaches 80%: a Shortcuts automation on macOS Tahoe, Charge Limit on Apple silicon, or a reminder app for older macOS and Intel Macs.
- How to get a low battery notification at 20% on a MacmacOS warns you only when the battery is nearly empty. Here is how to get a reminder at 20%, or any level you choose, on a MacBook.
- How to get a notification when your MacBook is fully chargedHow to be told when your MacBook reaches 100%, or the charge limit you set, with Shortcuts on macOS Tahoe or with BatteryGuard.
- How to check your charger’s wattage on a MacSee how many watts your power adapter is rated for in System Information or Terminal, which adapter Apple recommends for each MacBook, and how to see the power going in right now.
- How to see your MacBook’s battery cycle countFind your MacBook’s battery cycle count in System Information or Terminal, what a cycle is, and the cycle count Apple designs MacBook batteries for.
- Why your MacBook isn’t charging past 80%Optimized Battery Charging and Charge Limit can stop a MacBook at 80%. How to tell which one it is, and how to charge to 100% when you need it.
- Why your MacBook charges slowly or drains while plugged inA charger or cable that gives less power than your MacBook uses makes it charge slowly or even drain while plugged in. How to check, and what Apple recommends.
- How to check your MacBook’s battery healthWhere to see your MacBook’s battery condition and maximum capacity, what Normal and Service Recommended mean, and when Apple replaces a battery.