How to Check MacBook Battery Health and Cycle Count

Lithium-ion batteries chemically age over time, gradually losing their ability to hold a maximum charge. If your MacBook is draining faster than it used to, or shutting down unexpectedly when the percentage is low, you should check its internal battery health metrics.

macOS tracks two crucial statistics to help you understand your battery’s lifespan: its overall “Maximum Capacity” and its total “Cycle Count”.

How to Check Maximum Capacity in System Settings

Maximum Capacity represents the battery’s current charge capacity relative to when it was brand new. A brand-new MacBook will show 100%. Over several years, this number will slowly decline.

1. Click the Apple Logo in the top-left corner of the menu bar.
2. Select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
3. Scroll down the left sidebar and click on Battery.
4. On the right pane, look for the Battery Health section.
5. Click the “i” (Information) icon next to Battery Health.

A popup window will display the Maximum Capacity percentage. It will also show a general condition status (either “Normal” or “Service Recommended”). Apple generally considers a battery healthy if it retains at least 80% of its original capacity.

How to Check Your Battery Cycle Count

A “charge cycle” occurs when you use 100% of your battery’s capacity, but not necessarily all at once. For example, if you use half your battery one day, recharge it, and use half again the next day, that counts as one single cycle. Modern MacBooks are designed to retain up to 80% of their original capacity for 1,000 complete charge cycles.

To find your exact cycle count, you need to dig slightly deeper into the System Information utility.

1. Hold down the Option (⌥) key on your keyboard.
2. While holding the key, click the Apple Logo in the top-left corner.
3. The first menu option will change from “About This Mac” to System Information. Click it.
4. In the System Information window, look at the sidebar under the “Hardware” section and click on Power.
5. In the main pane, scroll down to the “Health Information” section.
6. Here you will see your exact Cycle Count listed.

If your cycle count is approaching or has surpassed 1,000, and your maximum capacity is below 80%, you should strongly consider getting the battery replaced by an Apple Authorized Service Provider.