MacBook Battery Saying 'Service Recommended' or Draining Fast: What It Means
macOS tells you when your MacBook's battery is worn. Here's where to look, what the cycle count means, and the warning signs that mean the battery should come out soon.
Starts at $149Mac Repair
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90 dayswarranty
Try this first
Open System Settings › Battery and click the info button next to Battery Health to see whether it says Normal or Service Recommended
Check the cycle count: Apple menu › System Settings › General › About › System Report › Power
Compare it with Apple's rating: most MacBooks are rated for 1,000 charge cycles
If the trackpad feels stiff, the case bulges or the bottom no longer sits flat, stop charging it: the battery may be swelling
Back up with Time Machine before any repair
What it usually means
Battery Health: Service RecommendedHigh cycle countShuts down with charge leftWon't charge past a certain levelSwollen battery pushing up the trackpad
If it needs a repair
Questions
Is a swollen MacBook battery dangerous?
It can be. It pushes on the trackpad and case, and a damaged lithium battery can catch fire. Stop charging it and bring it in.
How long should a MacBook battery last?
Apple rates most MacBooks for 1,000 charge cycles before the battery is considered consumed.
Will I lose my files?
A battery replacement doesn't involve the storage. Back up with Time Machine anyway before any repair.
What does it cost?
It depends on the model. MacBook repairs start at the price shown on this page, and you get the exact figure after the free diagnostic.
Nationwide
Mail-in repair from anywhere in the U.S.
Free diagnostic when it arrives. Free insured shipping back.
- 1Tell us your model and the problem
- 2Ship it insured. We diagnose it within a day
- 3Approve the price. Fixed and back in 7–10 days
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