At what percentage do I charge my Mac?

Answered by Edward Huber

When it comes to charging my Mac, I have found that charging it to 85% to 90% instead of 100% can make a significant difference in the battery life. I came across this information from Battery University, which is a reliable source for battery-related information.

According to Battery University, charging a battery to only 85% to 90% can increase its discharge cycle limit by an extra 1000 recharges. This means that by not fully charging my Mac’s battery, I can potentially extend its overall lifespan and make it last longer.

To put it simply, discharge cycles refer to the number of times a battery can be fully discharged and then recharged to 100%. By charging the battery to only 85% to 90%, I am reducing the number of discharge cycles and effectively prolonging the battery’s life.

I have personally tried this method, and I have noticed a difference in my Mac’s battery performance. Previously, when I used to charge it to 100%, I would notice a gradual decline in the battery life over time. However, after switching to charging it to only 85% to 90%, I have seen an improvement in the overall battery performance.

It is important to note that this method may not be suitable for everyone, as it may require more frequent charging throughout the day. However, if you have access to a power source throughout the day or if you are using your Mac in a stationary position, it can be a beneficial practice.

To implement this charging strategy, you can manually stop the charging process once your battery reaches the desired percentage. Most Macs have battery management settings that allow you to set a maximum charge limit. By setting it to 85% to 90%, you can ensure that your Mac does not charge beyond that point.

Charging your Mac’s battery to only 85% to 90% can significantly improve its overall lifespan. By reducing the number of discharge cycles, you can extend the battery’s longevity and enjoy a longer-lasting battery. However, it is important to consider your personal usage and charging habits before implementing this practice.