Should You Keep Your MacBook Connected to the Charger if the Battery is Failing?

Dealing with a MacBook that needs a new battery can be frustrating, especially when it might still function for a while. However, the question arises: is it smarter to keep your MacBook connected to the charger every time you use it, or is it unnecessary?

The State of Your MacBook Battery Matters

If your MacBook battery is starting to fade, it won't make much difference how you use it in terms of battery life. A good example is a 2012 13-inch MacBook Air I gave to my dad, which has been giving low battery warnings for at least three years. Despite the battery issues, it still works fine, though it doesn't last long without being plugged in.

Best Practices: Leave It on the Charger?

In cases where your battery is already showing signs of decline, keeping the MacBook connected to the charger is a feasible option. As long as the battery is not swollen, you can continue to use it while it's plugged in. In fact, many tech experts have used this method successfully for years. I have personally kept my laptops on the charger and continued to use them efficiently, even when the battery was on its last legs.

Is It Really Bad for the Battery?

Traditionally, we’ve been warned against leaving laptops plugged in all the time. It was believed that keeping a laptop on the charger constantly could be detrimental to the battery's health, shortening its lifespan. This advice was particularly relevant when batteries relied on Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) or Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) technology. However, the majority of current MacBook batteries use Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) technology, which doesn't suffer the same issues. Modern batteries are designed to handle constant charging without significant negative effects.

When to Consider Replacing the Battery

While you can keep your MacBook charged and continue using it, the real question is, when should you replace the battery? If the battery is already nearing the end of its life and you find yourself frequently needing to plug in your MacBook, it might be time to consider a battery replacement. Swollen batteries or those that don't hold a charge well should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid further issues.

When deciding whether to keep your MacBook plugged in, compare the benefits of continuous use against the risks. If keeping it charged allows you to use it for longer until a new battery is installed, then it might be a smarter option. However, if you want to ensure the battery's longevity and reliability for future use, you might want to plan for a battery replacement sooner rather than later.

Conclusion

In summary, if your MacBook battery is failing, it may be smarter to keep it connected to the charger for continued use, as long as the battery isn't swollen. This approach maximizes the usability of your device until you can replace the battery. Always check with a professional to ensure that the battery is safely and effectively managed.