There is nothing quite frustrating as dealing with a laptop that dies out on you while you are in the middle of something urgent. But there are some things you can do to Improve MacBook Battery Life and prevent this from happening in the first place. Some are pretty simple, like quitting apps you don’t need to some advanced ones that involve changing your settings.
Let’s get right into it –
Tip 1: Check your WindowServer Mac process
WindowServer is one of the core processes, so for just about everything to run on your Mac – you need WindowServer. In some cases, the WindowServer can use up to 50% of your CPU, which not only slows down your computer but also takes a toll on your battery. One of the things you can do to extend your battery life is to lower WindowServer CPU usage.
Tip 2: Turn off your Bluetooth
If you don’t need to connect a Bluetooth device or your headset, consider turning off your Bluetooth. You can do so by clicking on the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar and using the toggle feature to turn it off. Doing so can save some charge.
Tip 3: Turn off your WiFi
Turn off your WiFi. If you look at what consumes most of your battery, you will see that Google Chrome is the culprit. You can check this in the menu bar if you click on the battery icon.
If you can work on your laptop without needing the internet, consider turning off your WiFi. Even if you need to work on Google Docs or Sheets, you can store it offline so that you can sync your work once you’re back up online.
Tip 4: Lower your brightness
Another thing you can do to extend your battery life is to lower your screen’s brightness. It takes up more power at full brightness, while at 40% brightness, you can still see the screen and save the battery. You will find this option under Displays located in System Preferences.
Tip 5: Check your Energy Saver Preferences
The MacBook has some in-built energy saver settings. You can change the settings for Computer Sleep and Display Sleep and make it as low as possible, and this helps with conserving the battery whenever possible.
So if you are not using your laptop, you can preserve the battery. You can also check and put the hard disk to sleep. These settings overall can contribute to conserving your battery.
Tip 6: Avoid using the backlit keyboard
The backlit keyboard is a nice touch, but you rarely ever need it. Please turn it off so that you can save some power. The F5 key is how you can lower the brightness, and the F6 key can be used to turn it back on.
Tip 7: Use incognito mode
If you use Google Chrome, try opening a tab in incognito mode. Doing so can save your battery, and here’s why – when you open a new account usually, your browser keeps creating cache files so that the same website can load faster for you next time.
When you use private mode in Safari or incognito mode in Chrome, your browser is not going to save your search history or create cache.
Tip 8: Use Automatic Graphics Switching
For MacBook Pro users, there is another great tactic they can use. On a MacBook Pro, there are both discrete and integrated Graphics Processing Units. If you enable Automatic Graphics Switching, you may be able to boost the performance of the MacBook and have extended battery life. You will find this option under Energy Saver.
Tip 9: Only use Time Machine when charging
Backing up your data with Time Machine is essential. But, when you copy the data to an external drive, it takes up a lot of power. You can adjust this setting in your System Preferences. Go to Time Machine and then Options. There is an option that says “Back up while on battery power.” You have to turn it off.
Tip 10: Quit all apps and tabs you don’t need
When trying to extend your battery life, the first thing you should do is to quit all apps and close all tabs you don’t need at that moment. These take up processing power, and completing them will allow you to squeeze some more battery life.
How to check battery health on MacBook
MacBook has a perfect battery life compared to its competitors, and if you are on the go with your Macbook, you can use it for days without needing a port or electrical current! Macs usually come with 5 hours of battery life, which is not so bad, but it could be better.
Is your MacBook battery not lasting as long as it used to. How can you Improve MacBook Battery Life?
Most MacBooks have batteries that are rated for 1000 charge cycles. Some older models (pre-2010) are rated for 500 or 300 cycles.
When a battery reaches its limit, it will not suddenly fail but will hold less charge as it approaches that limit. Eventually, you’ll need to keep your Mac connected to its power cable to use it.
Quick Check
- Hold down the option key and click the battery icon in your status bar (top right corner).
- Your battery health will appear as one of four stats: Normal, Replace Soon, Replace Now, or Service Battery.
To view your battery’s condition, choose the Apple menu 
> System Preferences, click Battery, then click Battery again.
Click Battery Health in the lower right corner. You may see any of the following conditions:
- Normal: The battery is functioning normally.
- Service recommended: The battery is performing normally, but its ability to hold a charge is less than when it was new. You may want to consider replacing the battery.
In addition to finding How to improve MacBook battery life and more, you’ll see its cycle count, which can give you more specifics as to how much more life you may get out of it.
How long does the MacBook battery last
MacBook Pro battery goes by cycle, usually 1000 cycles. With today’s technology, probably close to forever. The battery is the weak part, and it will go in about five years; after that, your Mac works pretty much forever.
Usage time is between 5hrs and 10hrs depending on the year, model, age, etc., for typical usage (not graphic design or gaming).
Battery Life is two year+ depending on charging habits. If you keep it plugged in when not in use and used the battery only when you are home and near a convenient wall outlet, you can get many more years of life from the battery life.
The worst thing for battery longevity is to drain the battery and let it doesn’t die fully.
In summary
If your laptop is very old, it may be time to either replace the battery or want to improve MacBook battery life. You may also want to think about ditching the old laptop completely because Mac’s poor performance can cause a drain on your battery as well.
But, if your laptop is relatively new and you still have battery issues, you should take it to an authorized center to see what the problem is and troubleshoot it.
