The Apple macOS Blog

If you're looking to get more out of your Mac's battery you're in the right place. Today I'm sharing seven simple tips to help you preserve battery power and keep your Mac running longer.

1. Adjust your power settings

One of the easiest ways to improve your Mac's battery life is by tweaking a few settings. Here's how:

• Click on the Apple menu > System Preferences > Battery
• Select "Battery" from the sidebar
• Adjust the "Turn display off after" slider
• Enable options like "Slightly dim the display while on battery power" and "Optimize video streaming while on battery"

These small changes can make a big difference in conserving your battery power.

2. Manage battery-draining apps

Some apps can be real power hogs. To identify and quit these energy-hungry applications:

• Open Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor
• Click on the CPU tab and sort by "%CPU"
• Select any high-consuming apps and click the "X" to close them

By closing unnecessary apps, you can significantly reduce your Mac's power consumption.

3. Reduce screen brightness

Your Mac's display is one of the biggest battery drainers. Lowering your screen brightness can help extend battery life:

• Use the brightness keys on your keyboard to adjust
• Or go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Displays
• Enable "Automatically adjust brightness" for smart management

Finding a comfortable, lower brightness level can really help save power.

4. Turn Off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi When Not in Use

When you're not using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, turning them off can save battery power:

• Click on the Notification Center icon in the top menu bar
• Toggle off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not needed
• Remember to turn them back on when you need them

This simple step can help preserve your battery for when you really need it.

5. Keep your Mac updated

Staying up-to-date with the latest macOS version can improve your Mac's efficiency and battery life:

1. Go to Apple Menu > About This Mac > Software Update
2. Install any available updates

Regular updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes that can positively impact battery life.

6. Unplug unused accessories

External devices like hard drives, mice, and keyboards can drain your battery. Disconnect any accessories you're not actively using to conserve power.

7. Manage startup items

Programs that automatically open when your Mac starts up can slow it down and drain the battery. Here's how to manage them:

• Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Users & Groups
• Select your user account and click on "Login Items"
• Remove any unnecessary startup items

By reducing the number of programs that launch at startup, you can help your Mac conserve energy from the get-go.

Bonus Tip: Monitor your battery percentage

While this won't directly save battery life, keeping an eye on your battery percentage can help you manage your power use better:

1. Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Dock & Menu Bar
2. Select "Battery" from the sidebar
3. Enable "Show in Menu Bar" and "Show Percentage"

Now you'll always know how much battery life you have left!

By doing these simple things, you can significantly improve your Mac's battery life. Not only will this let you work longer without needing to recharge, but it can also help maintain your battery's overall health in the long run.

Give these a try and see the difference for yourself!

❤️ Maria