A Step-By-Step Guide to Determining the Battery Condition on your MacBook

One of the most important components of any MacBook is the battery so it is not surprise that knowing its condition is crucial. Keeping track of your MacBooks battery will not only ensure that is performing optimally, but it will help you get a more accurate insight into what it is worth if you are planning to sell it. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the simple process of checking the battery condition on your MacBook. We will break down each step based on what OS your device is running.

Step 1: Accessing the Apple Menu

To begin, make sure your MacBook is powered on and logged in. Locate the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and click it to show the Apple menu. This will be in the same place no matter what OS your MacBook is running.

Step 2: Click on "About this Mac"

Once the Apple menu is shown, click on "About This Mac". This will open a new window showing important information about your MacBook. This step will also be the same regardless of the OS.

Step 3: Opening "System Report"

This step will vary depending on what OS you are running. For devices running macOS Monterey or earlier there will be a button that says “System Report”. Select that button so the new system report window appears. For devices running macOS Ventura there will be a button that says “More Info”. Click that button to show a new window and then scroll the the bottom to find the “System Report” button. Click that to show the system report window.

Step 4: Finding "Power" Information

In the "System Report" window, look for "Hardware" on the left-hand sidebar. Under “Hardware” find and click “Power”. This will be the same on every OS.

Step 5: Reading the Battery Information

Once you have clicked on "Power," The right-hand side of the window will display various details about your MacBooks battery. The things you will need to look at are:

1. Cycle Count: The number next to it will let you know how many times your battery has been fully drained and then recharged. According to our site, the battery cycle would have to be under 800 cycles to be considered a good battery.
2. Condition: This area will read "Normal", "Service Recommended", or "Replace Soon". If it is reading anything other than "Normal" it would be considered a bad battery and it would benefit you to replace it.

Knowing this information can not only help you optimize your MacBooks performance, but it will ensure you are getting an accurate quote when it comes time to sell your MacBook. While it may seem like something you would need Apple to help you with, these steps will walk you through the simple way to check your battery health yourself.