Your MacBook battery drains too fast

Why it happens

Battery life drops when apps keep the processor busy, the screen is very bright, or your Mac is doing background work. After a macOS update, your Mac re-indexes files and photos for a day or two, which uses extra power. An older battery also holds less charge than it did when new.

How to fix it

1. Open System Settings, click Battery, and set Low Power Mode to Only on Battery. Some Macs show Energy Mode instead, where you choose Low Power for battery.

   Battery›Low Power Mode

2. Press Command-Space, type Activity Monitor and open it. Click the Energy tab and look at Energy Impact.

   Activity Monitor›Energy

3. Quit apps near the top of the list that you aren't using. Browser tabs with video and games are common culprits.

4. If you've just updated macOS, keep the Mac plugged in and awake for a day or two so it can finish its background work.

Still not fixed?

1. Turn the screen brightness down a few steps. The display is one of the biggest users of battery.

   Displays

2. Click the battery icon in the menu bar. It lists apps using significant energy, so you can quit them.

3. Check the battery's condition in Battery > Battery Health. A low Maximum Capacity means the battery itself has worn.

   Battery›Battery Health

4. If Battery Health says Service Recommended, or the battery dies quickly even with nothing open, it's worn hardware. Have it replaced by Apple Support or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.