7 Ways to save Macbook battery [2024 Tips]

Having your MacBook unexpectedly run out of juice when you're on the go can be a major hassle. But there are several handy tweaks you can make to squeeze more life out of your battery between charges. In this article, we'll cover 7 quick tips to preserve and extend your MacBook's battery power when unplugged. Implementing just a few of these battery-saving suggestions can make a significant difference in how long you can use your MacBook while mobile before you need to plug it in again. These tips work for the latest Macbook M1, Macbook M2, and Macbook M3 as well as some older models too.

1. Adjust Screen Brightness

One of the easiest ways to conserve battery is to lower your screen brightness. Reduce brightness to around 75% or even 50% when you don't need full brightness. Also, enable the auto-brightness setting so your screen adjusts based on current lighting conditions:

1. Go to System Settings> Displays.

2. Drag the brightness slider to 75% or 50%.

3. Check the "Automatically adjust brightness" box.

Using lower brightness and auto-adjust will optimize the screen for battery efficiency.

2. Disable Bluetooth

Bluetooth can drain battery when not in use. Go to System Settings > Bluetooth and slide the switch to Off when you don't need Bluetooth enabled. This prevents battery drain from your Mac constantly searching for Bluetooth connections.

3. Close Unused Apps

Apps running in the background use CPU cycles and consume extra battery power. Be diligent about quitting apps you aren't actively using to preserve battery life:

• Click the Apple menu and select Force Quit to view running apps.

• Select any unused apps and click Force Quit to close them.

• Or use a shortcut like Command + Q to quit unused apps as you work.

Closing inactive apps saves battery because they won't be running and using resources.

4. Turn Off Keyboard Backlighting

The handy keyboard backlight on MacBooks uses a fair amount of juice. Slide the control next to the brightness keys to disable keyboard backlighting when not needed to avoid excess battery drain:

• Locate the keyboard backlight icon near the brightness keys.

• Press and hold the icon then slide to adjust brightness.

• Drag the slider all the way to the left to turn off the backlight.

With the backlight off, the battery will be conserved instead of powering the lighting.

5. Turn on Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode reduces energy usage by lowering screen brightness, performance, and effects. Enable Low Power Mode in Settings when you need to squeeze extra battery life:

1. Open System Settings and click Battery.

2. Check the Low Power Mode option at the top & here choose Always.

With Low Power Mode active, non-essential features are reduced to preserve the battery.

6. Update Software

Apple provides battery optimizations in software updates. Install the latest macOS and app updates for potential battery life improvements. Updates may add battery-saving features:

• Open System Settings and click General.

• Here click on the Software update

• Install any macOS updates that are available.

• Also update apps like Safari, Mail, etc.

Updating ensures you have the latest battery-related improvements.

7. Replace an Old Battery

Batteries lose capacity as they chemically age. If your MacBook battery is several years old, replacing it can restore lost battery life. Check your cycle count in System Information:

1. Go to Apple menu > About This Mac > More info > System Report.

2. Click Power in the sidebar to see the cycle count.

3. Consider replacing if over 1000 cycles.

A new battery can rejuvenate the battery life of an aging MacBook.

Conclusion

By making a few simple adjustments like reducing screen brightness, closing unused apps, and enabling Low Power Mode, you can conserve your MacBook's battery charge throughout the day. Employing these battery-extending techniques will allow you to work unplugged for longer stretches before needing to recharge. So next time you're heading out and about with your MacBook, use these 7 tips to save power and stay productive longer, even without an outlet in sight. Your battery will last appreciably longer.