I have a 2024, 14" MacBook Pro with an M4 Apple Silicone chip. When I'm at my desk, should I keep it plugged in all the time, or unplug, let it run down to around 20% and then plug back in?
I've been unplugging it and running it down, but I just read that you can just keep it plugged in as long as you have optimized battery charging on, which I do.
Thoughts?
MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 15.3
the long version saying the same thing:
That computer is a battery-CAPABLE device. It is not optimized as a battery-operated device. (It is NOT an iPhone.)
Your computer performs best when connected to AC power, such as the power adapter. It can use the full output of the Power Adapter AND when doing especially challenging work will also freely "borrow" power from the battery. In some cases, even with the power adapter connected, the charged state may decline during very stressful work.
When used only on battery, your computer has no extra cushion of power, and may perform more slowly. However, for ordinary non-stressful tasks this may not be objectionable (possibly not even noticeable.)
In general, you should ALWAYS connect a power source when it is possible to do so, and only run on batteries (which could be somewhat slower) when no power sources are at hand. Your Mac maintains its battery charge levels under program control, and will NEVER over-charge.
That blocky device that plugs into the wall is the POWER ADAPTER. I am not trying to be a jerk about terminology, what these boxes do and how they do it is essential for understanding how they all work together. The LEDs in the MagSafe end are controlled by commands from the computer.
The CHARGER is inside the MacBook Pro, and is completely under program control. Your Mac accepts some power when needs to run, and accepts more power when intends to charge its internal battery. A power source like the Power Adapter can not 'force itself' on your MacBook Pro. Only the algorithms inside your Mac can decide when is a good time to charge the battery.
Contrary to popular opinion, the goal of Battery Health Management does NOT to 'hold the battery at 80 percent levels".
The goal is to allow the battery to NOT stay slammed up against 100 percent, and to give it a little exercise from time to time. To provide some changes in fullness levels, which helps stretch out battery lifetimes.
If used on power adapter always, the charge level MAY be allowed to decline to around 80 percent. This is a side effect, NOT the goal. This is calculated based on your observed usage patterns.
if you occasionally use the computer on battery power, your Mac will charge it more fully more often. It may also allow the power level to decline from time-to-time to avoid the 100 percent charged levels over long periods. It may occasionally allow the charge level to decline more strongly to 'give it some exercise'.
Use Optimized Charging and keep it plugged in.
Thank you, very helpful. I was reading about the cycles of charging and apparently mine will sustain 1000 cycles before the battery starts to degrade, one cycle being when it has been depleted ≥ 80% and recharged again. And apparently it's true across multiple charges, so if I deplete only 50% today and recharge to full, that's considered a half cycle, and if I do it again tomorrow that's another half cycle so now I've used one full cycle. If that's true that adds credence to the idea of keeping it plugged in as much as possible and only use on battery when necessary.
Good thing my blocky device is easy to get too. 🤣
Thanks again. Peace.
Battery - keep it plugged in always, or no
