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You can replace your MacBook Pro’s battery by taking it to the Apple store or a third-party repair shop. Or you can buy a battery, crack open the MacBook Pro’s case and replace it yourself.
I’m Jon, an Apply tech expert and a 2019 MacBook Pro owner. I put together this guide to help you replace the battery on your MacBook Pro.
So, let’s get started.
Steps to Replace MacBook Pro Battery
If you want to go the easy route, take your MacBook Pro to an Apple Store or other computer shop and let an expert do the job for you.
This option is obviously going to be more expensive. Still, you know they will complete the replacement correctly. Plus, you have the peace of mind that a highly experienced tech will be taking care of you.
Replacing the battery takes an experienced Mac repair person around 10 minutes. But, if the shop is backed up, you might have to wait a few days.
If you want to replace the battery yourself, it’s not that hard, but you should learn the process and have the right tools before you start. Online merchants like eBay have battery kits with in-depth instructions for almost every MacBook Pro.
Buy the corresponding kit for your MacBook Pro if you want to replace the battery yourself.
Here are the basic steps to replacing the battery on your MacBook Pro.
- Turn off your Mac and make sure it is entirely powered down before getting started.
- Turn your computer upside down so the battery side is facing you, and remove the screws that hold down the back cover. Use a tiny screwdriver here to not strip the screws.
- Take off the back cover of the computer.
- Begin to take the battery out slowly and carefully. First, unplug the battery cable from the motherboard and then remove the screws that hold the battery in place.
- Once the plug and screws are free, remove the battery from the computer.
- Fit the new battery in the place where the old one was.
- Put the screws back in to secure the battery and plug a new battery into the motherboard.
- Put the back cover back on the computer and screw the screws back in.
- Power on the computer and check to ensure everything is working correctly.
How Long Does a MacBook Pro Battery Last?
You might never have to worry about replacing the battery in your MacBook Pro, depending on how often you use it and some other factors that affect the life of the battery.
Many of us who hang on to a laptop for years will eventually need to replace the battery unless we want to spend the money on a new computer altogether.
Most MacBook Pro batteries are suitable for anywhere from 300 to 1000 recharge cycles. This basically means that your MacBook Pro battery can be fully charged up and then run all the way out of power 300 to 1000 times before it needs to be replaced. Some batteries can last longer, but this is a good average to expect.
To understand more about your computer’s battery overall, including how it operates and how to deal with any issues, check out Apple’s support page.
How to Check if You Need a New Battery
There are a few quick and easy ways to check the health of your battery to help determine if you need a new one.
The easiest way to check is to simply hold down the Option key while clicking on the battery icon on the toolbar on the top of your computer screen. Doing this will bring up a display that shows the battery’s status with several different status options: Service Battery, Replace Now, Replace Soon, and Normal.
Another way is to click on the Apple icon on the top left-hand corner of your screen, then click About This Mac. From here, click System Report and then Power. This will also give you a full assessment of your battery’s condition.
FAQs
Is it worth replacing the battery on MacBook Pro?
Yes, it is worth it. If you replace the battery on your MacBook Pro, then you’re guaranteed improved Mac performance and better battery life in the future. Still, it’s important to note that if your MacBook Pro is old, then it might not perform as well as it could even if you replace the battery.
How much does a battery replacement for a MacBook Pro cost?
Depending on the year the MacBook Pro was manufactured, a battery replacement could cost anywhere from $199 to $249.
How many years does a MacBook Pro battery last?
A MacBook Pro battery lasts around 5 years, or 1000 cycles. You will need to replace it only 5 years after purchasing the MacBook.
Can I get my Mac battery replaced for free?
Yes, you can. However, you can get your Mac battery replaced for free only if you have AppleCare+, and the battery contains less than 80% of its original charging capacity.
Does overcharging MacBook affect battery life?
No, it does not. This is because it is impossible to overcharge a MacBook. It is also worth noting that if you keep your Mac plugged in for a longer period of time than necessary, it will not get damaged, overheat, and you will not ruin its internal components. Still, you might reduce the MacBook’s maximum charging capacity.
Final Thoughts
Your MacBook Pro battery is a critical element to the overall function of your computer. Without a battery in good condition, your computer will not be able to operate at its full potential.
Paying attention to your battery’s health is an easy way to keep your computer operating at its best in the long run. It’s easy to replace your battery at a repair shop, such as an Apple store or third-party retailer. Alternatively, you can buy a replacement kit and replace your Mac’s battery yourself.
Regardless of how you choose to replace your battery, you can easily check its condition to find out if a replacement is necessary.
Have you ever changed your MacBook Pro battery yourself? Was it easy or difficult, and do you have any tips for someone attempting to do it themselves?
About Jonathon Jachura