Tired of your computer dying all the time? Or having to sit next to an outlet when you work? Check out this guide on how to improve MacBook Pro battery life!
We love our MacBook Pro’s don’t we?
They make our life easier and provide an avenue for productivity and enjoyment. But one thing we hate about our MacBook Pro’s is their battery life.
It is frustrating to have to continuously charge your laptop. And if you are at a coffee shop and can’t find a seat near an outlet you go insane!
Have you ever wondered how to improve MacBook Pro battery life? Luckily, there is a solution. In this guide, we will show you how to do it.
A Guide on How to Improve MacBook Pro Battery Life
We don’t want you to give up on your MacBook Pro. Follow these steps below and you will immediately see the battery life lasting longer.
- Turn the Lights Down!
We usually like to have the display light on at its full capacity. But you do not have to waste your battery life with the display light.
Using the F1 key on your keyboard, you can gradually reduce the display light. Lower it to a capacity that works best for you. Even if you only bring it down by two notches, you will see a huge difference in how long your battery lasts.
And remember, there are the keyboard lights too!
You should also completely turn off the keyboard lights, by using the F5 key. Unless you are working in a very dark room, there is no need to ever have them on.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
While Bluetooth still has its purpose, you probably do not use it as often as you used to. In fact, Bluetooth has many problems that many Mac users avoid the feature altogether.
We suggest turning Bluetooth off permanently. Only turn it on if you need to use it immediately. Once you are done, turn it off again immediately.
Wi-Fi also drains your battery immensely. Now, this one is a bit more tricky. After all, unless you are using your hotspot or an internet cable (remember those?) you are probably reading this very article because of your Wi-Fi connection.
However, if you do not need a Wi-Fi connection for your current work, it should be off. For example, if you are listening to an audiobook from iTunes and do not need to browse the web simultaneously, turn off the Wi-Fi. If you are watching a movie through Quicktime Player, there is no need for you to open Netflix – turn the Wi-Fi off!
- Energy Saver Settings
Okay, we want you to do something Right Now!
As you are reading this article, open your System Preferences app. Click on the lightbulb icon that reads Energy Saver underneath.
The first thing you will see is a bar with a slider. This gives you the option to choose when to turn your display off. If your computer is idle, you will want it to turn the display off to save you energy. We suggest leaving it at 10 minutes.
Underneath this slider, you will see four options. We want you to focus on the first and the fourth.
The first option prevents your computer from going to sleep when the display is off. Ideally, this should be unchecked. Only keep it checked if you need to jump right back to your MacBook after taking a break.
The fourth option enables Power Nap. This feature allows your MacBook Pro to backup files, check emails, and perform other tasks while your computer is asleep and connected to a power adapter. Unchecking it saves your laptop’s energy.
- Which Apps Are Responsible?
On the menu bar of your MacBook Pro, you’ll see a battery icon. Click on it and you’ll see a drop-down list.
You may see a list of apps that are using significant battery life. If any of these apps can be immediately closed, then close them immediately. You will be surprised how many apps remain open even when they are not used.
You should also not use an app if you do not have to. For example, while it may be convenient to use FaceTime and Messages on our MacBook Pro as opposed to our iPhone, it is better to use them on iPhone so you do not drain your laptop’s battery.
- Always Update
We get it, you don’t want to update your apps or your OS X because you’ll have to restart your MacBook Pro and it’ll be hours till you can get back to work.
But when apps and your operating system update, they often are more efficient than ever. This efficiency may include being able to conserve your battery power.
Do not put it off, always update when updates are available.
- Watch Movies
Yes, watching movies can save your battery life. Who knew?
If you are watching a movie on QuickTime player, by default it is not full screen. This means that the computer also has to use power for the operating system which is still visible.
If you watch the movie in full screen, then your battery only has to focus on the movie and not on the operating system.
Also, if you have the option of downloading a movie from the Internet as opposed to streaming it, then you should download it and watch it offline. And don’t forget to then turn off your Wi-Fi if you do not need it.
- Have a Backup Charger
If and when your MacBook Pro charger stops working, you cannot continue using your laptop until you purchase a new one. It is always best to have a backup MacBook charger in your possession.
Choose a charger that can pump more juice into your laptop’s battery. After long-time use, your charger will weaken and your weak battery life is due to your MacBook Pro not being charged adequately.
You should always have at least one backup Macbook charger with you.
Save Your Energy
Now that you know how to improve MacBook Pro battery life, you can take the necessary steps to save your laptop’s energy.
Be sure to read more productivity tips and tips on how to travel better.