What Is the Cycle Count (Battery) on Mac and How to Check It

What Is the Cycle Count on My MacBook

A Cycle Count on your Mac is when you use 100% of its battery’s power, regardless of the number of times you charge your MacBook. Essentially, each time you deplete your battery from 100% to 0%, your Mac logs it as one cycle.

But, most of us don’t fully charge and then fully discharge our MacBooks, do we? So, how do we understand and track Cycle Count?

Let’s say your MacBook battery starts at 70% and has a Cycle Count of 33.

• On the first day, you use 20% of the battery, bringing it down to 50%. (Day 1: Battery used – 20%)
• The next day, after charging it to 80%, you again use 30%, leaving the battery at 50%. (Day 2: Battery used – 30%)
• On the third day, you charge it to 90% and then use 50%, bringing the battery down to 40%. (Day 3: Battery used – 50%)

In this scenario, using 100% of the MacBook’s battery within three days adds one cycle, increasing the Cycle Count from 33 to 34.

How to Check the Battery Cycles Count on MacBook

Apple provides consumers with an official method to check the battery cycle count, freely available for all users. Here’s how to check the battery cycles on MacBook Pro and Air:

Step 1: Click on the Apple logo from the menu bar.

Step 2: Keep the Apple menu open and hold down the Option key to reveal more options.

Step 3: Now, click on System Information.

Step 4: Tap on Power, and then look for your Cycle Count under Health Information.

Bonus Tip: In case you are wondering how to check your Mac battery health, head to System Information > Power > Health Information to view the Cycle Count, Battery Condition, and Maximum Capacity. Or, you can also go to System Settings > Battery > Battery Health.

Also Read: How to read and share System Report on MacBook

What Is a Good Battery Cycle for MacBook

There’s no definitive good or bad battery cycle count. Most modern MacBook batteries are designed to retain 80% of their original capacity when they reach 1000 cycles. If you find the battery isn’t meeting your needs, it’s best to replace it with a new unit.

Note: If you have an older MacBook, you can visit Apple’s support website to learn its maximum battery cycle count.

How to Keep Your MacBook’s Battery Healthy

1. Use Low Power Mode

Switch to your MacBook’s built-in Low Power mode when not performing tasks like video editing or graphics work can extend your battery life and consequently slow down the cycle count progression.

2. Enable Optimized Battery Charging

Enable Optimized Battery Charging on your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro to slow battery aging by delaying charging beyond 80% based on your usage patterns.

3. Avoid Extreme Temperature Conditions

To avoid battery damage, keep your MacBook away from extreme temperatures. Apple suggests operating it within the temperature range of 50° to 95° F (10° to 35° C).

4. Dim the Screen Brightness

Lowering the screen brightness might help you save some battery power and slow down battery ageing.

5. Use Authorized Charging Accessories

Using genuine Apple chargers and cables ensures the safety and longevity of your MacBook’s battery. On the contrary, using a generic charger or cable might harm the battery.

6. Avoid Letting Your MacBook Drop to Single-Digit Battery Levels

Allowing your Mac battery to fully discharge to zero or even single digits can detrimentally affect its lifespan over time. Aim to plug it in for charging once it reaches the 20% mark.

FAQs Related to Battery Cycle on Mac

1. I’ve Reached the Maximum Cycle Count On My Mac; What Should I Do?

If you’re satisfied with the performance, you can keep using your MacBook as is. However, if you desire improved battery performance, we recommend visiting a certified Apple repair shop to have it replaced.

2. Can You Reduce Your Mac’s Battery Cycle Count?

Technically you can’t reduce the Cycle Count of your MacBook because you can reverse the battery aging. If you want your Cycle Count back to zero, you will need to replace your battery with a new one.

3. Why Am I Unable to View Cycle Count on My MacBook?

If you replaced your battery at an unauthorized service center, they might have installed a generic battery, which could be the cause. If this isn’t the issue, we recommend having it inspected by an authorized Apple professional.

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