Battery cycle count on MacBooks: All you need to know

Are you in the market for a MacBook? Chances are, one of the principal concerns you have is its battery capacity, and just how long it should last you, with daily usage. However, an equally important, albeit frequently overlooked battery-related question we often miss out on asking, is what the device’s battery cycle count is, and just how much it is. So we thought, we’d put together this little MacBook battery-cycle 101 for you. Read on.

Battery cycle count on MacBooks: What it is and why it’s important

The battery cycle, or the battery charge cycle on a MacBook, refers to the number of times the battery is charged to 100 per cent and then fully used, till it drains out. However, if you use only say, 75 per cent of the battery, and then recharge it, and do the same thing the next day, that will also count as one battery cycle.

However, it is important to remember that every MacBook has a finite number of charging cycles. Once exceeded, you will notice a visible decrease in battery health and performance in general.

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Now, most MacBook models these days according to Apple, come with a capacity of up to 1,000 battery charging cycles. Once it hits this number, the batteries on MacBooks are designed to retain up to 80 per cent of their original charge capacity. Following this, however, your MacBook’s battery may need a replacement.

Which brings us to the next bit. How do you track the number of battery charge cycles left on your MacBook?

How to check the battery cycle count on your MacBook

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to track the battery cycle count on a MacBook.

1. Head to the System Settings app on your MacBook

2. Tap “General”

3. From there, find and tap on the option that says “About”

4. Scroll to the very bottom and click on “System Report”

5. On the left sidebar, find a drop-down menu on the left side panel that says “Power”. Tap on it

Your current battery cycle count should be listed under the “Battery Information” menu, under “Health Information”

Best practices to maximise your MacBook’s battery life

Now, knowing your MacBook’s battery cycle count isn’t enough. It is also important to understand how to best maximise its battery life as well. One of the best ways to do this is using the optimised battery charging feature. What it does, is essentially improve your MacBook’s battery life by delaying the battery from charging past 80 per cent. your MacBook. To turn it on:

1. Head to the System Settings app on your MacBook.

2. Scroll down and tap on “Battery.”

3. Click on the circled “i” next to it.

And that’s it, you’re all set!

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A few other tips and tricks you can use to maximise your device’s battery life include identifying and closing apps consuming lots of power in the background, using the activity monitor, using the device’s power saving feature, turning the screen timeout setting to its lowest, keeping your device’s software up to date, and also by ensuring you don’t store in environments too hot or too cold.