Maintaining Your MacBook Battery: How to Extend Its Lifespan

The battery in your MacBook, also known as the power cell, is one of the most important components of your laptop. But what should you do if your MacBook battery suddenly starts to swell? And even better: how can you prevent it from happening in the first place? In this blog, you’ll discover practical tips to keep your MacBook battery safe and healthy, so you can enjoy optimal performance and a reliable laptop for as long as possible.

Table of contents

• What is a battery?
• How to maintain your MacBook?
• What to do if your battery swells?
• Tips to prevent a swollen battery

What is a battery?

A MacBook battery is the rechargeable power source that keeps your laptop running when it’s not connected to mains power. The battery powers all parts of the MacBook, including the screen, processor, and storage. It’s therefore important to take good care of the battery so you can use your laptop for as long as possible and at its best performance.

How to maintain your MacBook?

Proper maintenance is essential to enjoy your MacBook for as long as possible. These tips will help keep your laptop in top condition:

• Use it regularly
  Use the battery by occasionally disconnecting your MacBook from the power supply and running it on battery.
• Update software and firmware
  Always ensure your MacBook has the latest macOS updates to optimise power management performance.
• Replace the battery in time
  If you notice your battery is draining quickly or its health is deteriorating, have it replaced by a professional.
• Check battery status
  Monitor your battery's health by going to Settings > General > System Report > Power.

For more maintenance tips, read our blog: How to Clean Apple Products

What to do if your battery swells?

Sometimes your battery may swell. If this happens, follow these steps to reduce damage and risk:

• Stop charging
  Unplug your MacBook from the charger immediately.
• Do not use the MacBook
  Avoid using your MacBook while the battery is swollen. This can be dangerous and may damage the casing.
• Replace the battery
  Turn off the device and have the battery replaced by a professional as soon as possible.

Tips to prevent a swollen battery

To prevent your battery from swelling, we’ve compiled some practical tips:

• Avoid heat
  Do not leave your MacBook in direct sunlight or a hot car. Keep ventilation openings clear and avoid charging it in direct sunlight or near a heater.
• Store in a cool, dry place
  If you won’t be using your MacBook for a long time, store it somewhere cool and dry.
• Use the original charger
  Always use the charger that came with your MacBook, or an identical model from the same brand.
• Prevent overcharging
  Do not leave your MacBook constantly connected to the charger. Unplug it occasionally and use the battery to keep the electrons moving, which helps extend its lifespan.
• Avoid 100% and 0% charge
  Ideally, charge your battery when it’s between 20% and 80%. Avoid leaving the MacBook fully charged or completely empty for long periods.