What Does "Service Battery" Mean on MacBook and How to Fix It (2024)

Being an Apple user, I often track battery health on my iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. Everything seems to be nice and fine when my devices have normal battery health. I completely understand how worrisome it can be when you see “Service Battery” on your MacBook. You are stuck with a bad battery life and have no idea what to do. In this article, we’ll discuss what “Service Battery” means on a MacBook and how to deal with it. Without much talking, let’s move along.

What Does “Service Battery” or “Service Recommended” Mean on a Mac?

Just like iPhones, MacBooks also have a Battery Health feature to gauge battery degradation over time. You can check your Mac’s battery health by going to System Settings -> Battery -> Battery Health. Usually, the Battery Health displays one of the following:

  • Normal: Your Mac’s battery is working normally.
  • Service Recommendation: Your MacBook battery’s ability to hold charge is less than compared to when it was new. Or maybe, the battery isn’t functioning normally.
What Does "Service Battery" Mean on MacBook and How to Fix It (1)

It’s worth knowing that some earlier versions of macOS might report battery health as Service Battery, Replace Soon, or Replace Now. Also, you might see this in the battery status menu instead of the Battery settings.

When you see “Service Battery” or “Service Recommended” on your MacBook, it means the battery needs a service or the lowered charging capacity may affect your usage. That said, you can safely continue to use your MacBook. In case the lowered battery is causing an adverse experience, you can head to the nearest Apple Store or an Apple-authorised service provider and get your battery evaluated.

That being said, before you plan a visit, you must do a quick investigation at your end.

When Should You Replace MacBook Battery?

When you see the “Service Battery” notification on your MacBook or the battery health on your Mac always say “Service Recommended”, you must check the System Report to investigate further. In simple words, you should check the charge cycle count on your Mac.

For those unaware, MacBooks pack rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that work in charge cycles. Battery cycle count denotes the number of times you’ve discharged and charged your Mac’s battery. One cycle is counted when your MacBook is charged from o to 100%.

Your Mac’s battery might be due for a service because it has maxed out on its cycle count. Apple recommends replacing your Mac’s battery once it has reached the maximum cycle counts. This ensures optimal performance. So, it’s always recommended to check the cycle count before you decide to replace your Mac’s battery. Here’s how to do it:

  • On your Mac, click on the Apple icon while holding the Option key.
  • Now, click on System Information and choose Power from the left sidebar.
  • Here, you’ll see the battery cycle count, battery condition, and other details.
What Does "Service Battery" Mean on MacBook and How to Fix It (2)

The number of maximum battery cycle counts depends on the MacBook you’re using. Newer MacBook models offer at least 1,000 cycles before throwing service battery notifications. However, the battery on older Macs may need replacement after only 500 cycles.

If your MacBook charge cycles are above 1,000 or 500 (depending on the model), the battery is likely close to worn out. In such a case, the best thing you can do is take your Mac to an authorized Apple service provider. The experts will examine your Mac and figure out if the battery needs a replacement.

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How to Fix “Service Battery” Warning on Mac?

The “Service Battery” warning doesn’t always mean your Mac’s battery needs a replacement. Sometimes, it’s an indication that the battery isn’t working properly. There are some easy ways to fix the “Service Battery” warning. It might help you improve the battery and you can use your existing MacBook for a longer time before you switch to a new one.

1. Reset SMC

If you’re using an older, Intel-powered MacBook, you can try resetting SMC to fix the “Service Battery” warning. The System Management Controller (or SMC) is responsible for managing power on your MacBook. Sometimes, an issue in the SMC can throw “Service battery” warnings. Fortunately, resetting SMC can help resolve complex issues related to batteries. So, it’s worth giving a try.

On Macs with T2 chip, do the following:

  • Shut down your Mac.
  • Press and hold theControl + Option (Alt) +Shift keys.
  • Keep holding the keys for 7 seconds.
  • Now,press and hold the Power button as well.
  • Keep holding thefour keys for another 7 secondsand thenrelease them.
  • After a few seconds, press thePower button to turn ONyour MacBook.

On Macs with M-series chips, you need not reset SMC manually.

2. Recalibrate Your Mac’s Battery

Another way to fix the “Service Battery” warning is to recalibrate your MacBook battery. Putting it simply, you have to completely discharge and then recharge the battery. This optimizes your Mac’s battery so it displays the correct battery health and other information. The process is quite time-consuming and might take up to a day. Once you’re ready, here’s what to do:

  • Charge your MacBook to 100%.
  • Use your MacBook for a couple of hours while it’s connected to a power source.
  • Then, unplug the charger and keep using your Mac until the battery drains completely.
  • Leave your MacBook without power for a couple of hours or overnight.
  • Finally, charge your MacBook to 100%.

Still no luck? Your MacBook might have some complex battery-related issues. If this happens to be your case, we recommend heading to an Authorised Apple Service Center. Make sure to stay away from any DIYs or cheaper alternatives.

What Does "Service Battery" Mean on MacBook and How to Fix It (3)

What Does "Service Battery" Mean on MacBook and How to Fix It (4)

Kanika Gogia

Kanika has been a loyal iPhone user since 2014 and loves everything Apple. With a Master’s in Computer Applications, passion for technology, and over five years of experience in writing, she landed at Beebom as an Apple Ecosystem Writer. She specializes in writing How To’s, troubleshooting guides, App features, and roundups for Apple users to help them make the best use of their gadgets. When not writing, she loves to try out new recipes and enjoy some family time.

What Does "Service Battery" Mean on MacBook and How to Fix It (5)What Does "Service Battery" Mean on MacBook and How to Fix It (6)

What Does "Service Battery" Mean on MacBook and How to Fix It (7)What Does "Service Battery" Mean on MacBook and How to Fix It (8)

What Does "Service Battery" Mean on MacBook and How to Fix It (2024)

FAQs

What Does "Service Battery" Mean on MacBook and How to Fix It? ›

Battery Health displays the following. Normal: The battery is functioning normally. Service Recommended: The battery's ability to hold charge is less than when it was new, or the battery isn't functioning normally.

How do I fix my Mac service battery? ›

Shut down your Mac, close its lid for 30 seconds, then try to charge again. If you're using an Intel-based Mac, it might help to reset the SMC. Use Apple Diagnostics to test for battery issues.

How to fix a MacBook battery? ›

Replacing a MacBook or MacBook Pro battery
  1. Power down the MacBook.
  2. Undo the screws holding down the back cover.
  3. Unplug the battery from the motherboard.
  4. Remove the screws holding down the battery.
  5. Lift the battery out of the MacBook.
  6. Fit new battery.
  7. Screw the battery down.
  8. Refit the connector.
Jun 6, 2022

What does it mean when a MacBook says service battery? ›

Service battery warning explained

If you receive any kind of battery service message on your MacBook, it's likely that you've exceeded or gotten close to the average 1,000 cycle charge count. Meaning, it's time for a new battery.

How do I reset my MacBook battery health? ›

On newer MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros, calibration happens automatically. All you have to do is occasionally allow your battery to run down to zero and power off your Mac. Then, power it back on and let it charge to 100%. The battery will recalibrate.

How do I get rid of the battery service message on my Mac? ›

How to fix the service battery warning on Mac
  1. Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)
  2. Recalibrate your Mac's battery.
  3. Take your Mac to an Authorized Apple Service Provider.
Apr 18, 2023

How much does it cost to fix service battery MacBook Pro? ›

The MacBook battery replacement cost is mostly the same, depending on your model. Replacing the battery on most Macbook and Macbook Pro models will cost around $199, with the exception of the 2023 Macbook Pro. The battery replacement cost for any MacBook Air is $129.

How to reset Mac battery? ›

If the battery is removable:
  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Remove the battery. If you need help removing the battery, contact an Apple Authorised Service Provider or Apple Retail Store.
  3. Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
  4. Reinstall the battery.
  5. Press the power button again to turn on your Mac.

How do I force my MacBook to charge? ›

If you need to have your Mac fully charged sooner, click the battery icon in the menu bar, then click Charge to Full Now. Note: If Optimized Battery Charging is turned off and your Mac still won't charge past 80%, the battery temperature may be too hot.

How do I know if my MacBook battery is damaged? ›

To view your battery's condition, choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Battery in the sidebar.

What is a battery service on a MacBook? ›

Battery service

Your Mac laptop battery can be replaced for a service fee. Our warranty doesn't cover batteries that wear down from normal use. Your product is eligible for a battery replacement at no additional cost if you have AppleCare+ and your product's battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity.

What does it mean when your battery is in service? ›

The Service Battery warning is telling you that the battery is operating at less than 80% efficiency and that performance of the battery and the computer itself on battery power will be degraded.

What does "service battery system" mean? ›

The service battery charging system in your Chevy includes the alternator, battery, wiring, and the electronic control unit (ECU). It is what keeps your battery charged and produces the energy necessary to run your lights, radio, and other essential electrical components when your engine is running.

How to fix a MacBook battery issue? ›

How to troubleshoot a MacBook that's not charging
  1. Check your battery health. The MacBook battery may wear out faster than expected if you use it intensively. ...
  2. Reboot your MacBook. ...
  3. Physically inspect hardware. ...
  4. Check for battery-draining apps. ...
  5. Reset the SMC. ...
  6. Check charging cable for damage. ...
  7. Cool down your Mac.
Mar 13, 2024

How do I revive my MacBook battery? ›

MacBook batteries require a process called calibration to restore and charge the lithium-ion battery inside. All batteries eventually need replacing. Provided your MacBook battery indicator doesn't tell you the battery needs to be replaced immediately, calibration can help you get the most out of your battery.

How do I restore my Apple battery health? ›

An Apple Authorised Service Provider can replace the battery free of charge to restore full performance and capacity. Find out more about getting service for your battery.

Will Apple replace my MacBook battery for free? ›

Battery service

Your product is eligible for a battery replacement at no additional cost if you have AppleCare+ and your product's battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity.

What happens if you don't service your MacBook battery? ›

You can continue to use your Mac safely, but if your battery needs a service or its lowered charging capacity is affecting your experience, get your battery evaluated at an Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider, or contact Apple.

How to reset Mac battery smc? ›

Here's how to reset the SMC on notebooks with removable batteries:
  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Remove the battery.
  3. Press and hold the power button for five seconds.
  4. Put the battery back in and turn your MacBook back on.
Aug 25, 2023

How do I know if my Mac battery is damaged? ›

Signs to Replace your MacBook Battery
  1. The Clearly Visible Sign: Reduced Battery Life. As part of the normal aging process, your battery will lose capacity. ...
  2. Service Warning- macOS Battery. ...
  3. Poor Battery Health. ...
  4. Low Battery Run-Time. ...
  5. Unexpected Shutdowns. ...
  6. Overheating.

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