My battery is at 516 charge cycles, charge capacity of 4129. Is it defective?

My Macbook is a late 2009 white 13" unibody model, and I understand that it should withstand up to 1000 charge cycles.  I am only at 516 charge cycles, yet my battery life is dwindling, lasting approximately half as long as it did when new.  I've seen it drop from lasting for five or six hours with normal use to two or three hours with normal use just in the past few months.  System profiler says its full capacity is 4129 mAh; this is after I reset the SMC and calibrated the battery in an attempt to fix my problem.  It charges to the indicated capacity but as I said, lasts nowhere near as long as one would expect.  I remember its capacity being around 5100 when I first purchased my Macbook in April of 2010.
Obviously the laptop is out of warranty - not like it matters, since batteries aren't covered.  What I was wondering is if this battery would be considered defective considering it has only lasted half as long as it "should" according to Apple's standards.

My charge cycles reflect daily use, and I can't imagine how it is excessive.  I guess it might be, but I use it as I think a laptop is intended to be used.  I don't leave it plugged in all day; I make use of its portablility and run it on battery at least half of the time.  I usually plug it in before the battery reaches 20% as recommended by Apple, but it has on a few occasions been completely drained.  I don't think my use is extraordinary.
Since posting this my laptop has fully recharged after the calibration, and its status has changed.  It used to say that my battery condition was "service needed" (which is what prompted me to look at how it's been performing) but now the stats read as follows.  Even the capacity changed, which is interesting.  I guess recalibrating the battery removed the service warning, so I'll see how long it lasts off the battery alone over the next few days.
Battery Information:
  Charge Information:
  Charge Remaining (mAh):          4526
  Fully Charged:          Yes
  Charging:          No
  Full Charge Capacity (mAh):          4527
  Health Information:
  Cycle Count:          516
  Condition:          Normal
  Battery Installed:          Yes
  Amperage (mA):          -203
  Voltage (mV):          12423

Similar Messages

  • Question about full cycle charges and battery life

    So I've had the new iPad since day 1 and absolutely love it, though recently I've noticed that my battery life doesn't seem to hold up as well as it has in the past. I've done three full cycle charges since getting it however during my latest one I accidently brought along my iPod wall charger and not the one that comes with the iPad. My iPad was fully discharged and I plugged it in assuming that in the 7 hour window I had that it would be fully charged within 5 hours, but this was not the case due to me having the wrong charger. After about 7 hrs of charging it was only at around 60-70% so I had to unplug it, bring it home, then plug it in once more using the correct charger. Probably a fairly obvious question but does this not count as a full cycle charge because I unplugged it? Should I perform another full cycle charge even though this most recent one was not even a week ago. I know you're supposed to completely discharge your battery as few times as possible so it worries me having to do it again so soon.
    About battery life, I've noticed lately that my iPad battery seems to be depleting quicker than normal, and was hoping that perhaps this was caused by being overdue for a full-cycle charge which I may have flubbed as seen above. I'm aware of a majority of the little tips and tricks to prolong battery life however I'm not so knowledgeable on the "do's and don'ts" of charging the actual iPad so any information on that would be helpful. I should also note that unfortunately I accidently left by iPad in a hot car for a little over an hour and was tremendously devastated knowing what this can do to the battery, so could this be the main cause for a seemingly weaker battery?
    Thanks for any feedback!  

    The quickest way (and really the only way) to charge your iPad is with the included 10W USB Power Adapter. iPad will also charge, although more slowly, when attached to a computer with a high-power USB port (many recent Mac computers) or with an iPhone Power Adapter (5W). When attached to a computer via a standard USB port (most PCs or older Mac computers) iPad will charge very slowly (but iPad indicates not charging). Make sure your computer is on while charging iPad via USB. If iPad is connected to a computer that’s turned off or is in sleep or standby mode, the iPad battery will continue to drain.
    Apple recommends that once a month you let the iPad fully discharge & then recharge to 100%.
    How to Calibrate Your Mac, iPhone, or iPad Battery
    http://www.macblend.com/how-to-calibrate-your-mac-iphone-or-ipad-battery/
    At this link http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/galaxy-tab-android-tablet,3014-11.html , tests show that the iPad 2 battery (25 watt-hours) will charge to 90% in 3 hours 1 minute. It will charge to 100% in 4 hours 2 minutes. The new iPad has a larger capacity battery (42 watt-hours), so using the 10W charger will obviously take longer. If you are using your iPad while charging, it will take even longer. It's best to turn your new iPad OFF and charge over night. Also look at The iPad's charging challenge explained http://www.macworld.com/article/1150356/ipadcharging.html
    Also, if you have a 3rd generation iPad, look at
    Apple: iPad Battery Nothing to Get Charged Up About
    http://allthingsd.com/20120327/apple-ipad-battery-nothing-to-get-charged-up-abou t/
    Apple Explains New iPad's Continued Charging Beyond 100% Battery Level
    http://www.macrumors.com/2012/03/27/apple-explains-new-ipads-continued-charging- beyond-100-battery-level/
    New iPad Takes Much Longer to Charge Than iPad 2
    http://www.iphonehacks.com/2012/03/new-ipad-takes-much-longer-to-charge-than-ipa d-2.html
    Apple Batteries - iPad http://www.apple.com/batteries/ipad.html
    Extend iPad Battery Life (Look at pjl123 comment)
    https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3921324?tstart=30
    New iPad Slow to Recharge, Barely Charges During Use
    http://www.pcworld.com/article/252326/new_ipad_slow_to_recharge_barely_charges_d uring_use.html
    Tips About Charging for New iPad 3
    http://goodscool-electronics.blogspot.com/2012/04/tips-about-charging-for-new-ip ad-3.html
    Prolong battery lifespan for iPad / iPad 2 / iPad 3: charging tips
    http://thehowto.wikidot.com/prolong-battery-lifespan-for-ipad
    In rare instances when using the Camera Connection Kit, you may notice that iPad does not charge after using the Camera Connection Kit. Disconnecting and reconnecting the iPad from the charger will resolve this issue.
     Cheers, Tom

  • My Macbook Air 11 (late 2010) not charging "battery replace now) message 28 months old only 6 charge cycles. what could cause this?

    I've unplugged plugged in. Checked the charger. Nothing runing. I've Shut down rebooted ran diagnostics and just about everything resolution I could find on-line. Its almost always plugged in and has not been used on battery power in a long time. Its not run down to zero power before. Just suddenly shut off the other day and won't charge now. Says replace battery now, but I just want to see if it could be something else. Hard to believe the battery went bad like that.
    Thanks
    Model Information:
      Manufacturer:    DP
      Device Name:    bq20z451
      Pack Lot Code:    0
      PCB Lot Code:    0
      Firmware Version:    301
      Hardware Revision:    1
      Cell Revision:    173
      Charge Information:
      Charge Remaining (mAh):    0
      Fully Charged:    Yes
      Charging:    No
      Full Charge Capacity (mAh):    0
      Health Information:
      Cycle Count:    6
      Condition:    Replace Now
      Battery Installed:    Yes
      Amperage (mA):    0
      Voltage (mV):    5104

    mattk68 
    always plugged in and usually in sleep mode.
    So it was always plugged in, never discharged, and was never really OFF, just in sleep mode.
    Sounds like you got some half-true 'advice' from some people. 
    It DOES shut down when fully charged and you cant "overcharge" your macbook....., and the "others" were correct that your battery should be cycled every couple weeks at least.
    what they didnt tell you is "plugged in and OFF is one thing.......plugged in ALL THE TIME...AND in sleep mode (for years)......NO!" 
    Heres some info for the "next battery" :
    Keep it plugged in when near a socket so you keep the charging cycles DOWN on your LiPo (lithium polymer) cells / battery.
    *Contrary to some myths out there, there is protection circuitry in your macbook and therefore you cannot 'overcharge' it when plugged in and already fully charged
    If you leave your macbook plugged in all the time, take it off charge and drain the battery down to 15 or 20% every couple of weeks or so.
    LiPo (lithium polymer, same as in your macbook) batteries do not need conditioning. However...
    LiPo batteries do NOT like to be dropped down to 15% or so often,....key word being "often"
    A lot of battery experts call the use of LiPo cells the "80% Rule" ....meaning use 80% of the charge or so,.. then recharge them for longer overall life.
    Never let your Macbook die from power, you can corrupt files that way, and the batteries do not like it.
    **Also new evidence suggests that sudden loss of power can adversely affect data on a SSD (solid state drive).....again, dont let it ever shut down from total power loss
    The only quantified abuse seen to LiPo cells is instances when  often the cells are repeatedly drained very low.
    Contrary to what some might say, LIPo batteries have an "ideal" break in period. First ten cycles or so, don't discharge down past 40% of the battery's capacity.
    Same way you dont take a new car out and speed and rev the engine hard first 100 or so miles.
    *Also, if youre going to store your macbook away for a few weeks or more,... make sure it has at least a 50% or so charge.
    *Cycle count / use/ lifespan is one thing that cant be countered.
    Proper treatment is another thing. Just because LiPo batteries dont need conditioning in general,.. does NOT mean they dont have an ideal use / recharge environment. Anything can be abused even if it doesnt need conditioning.
    Just use and enjoy your new macbook, 
    From Apple on batteries:
    http://www.apple.com/batteries/notebooks.html
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1446
    but really all you would keep in mind is --"consider 15-20% is the same as 0% and recharge it"
    and best "tip" is if its near a socket, .....plug it in as long as you can (especially at home) since cycle count on the battery are the "miles that wear out the tires (battery)"

  • Maximum battery life obtained on an iPhone for one charge cycle?

    Hi all,
    I wanted to know what is the maximum battery life anyone obtained on an iPhone for one charge cycle? What is the average? I managed to get 4 hours of access time (Phone and Internet) and 2 days standby and wanted to know what the average is.

    I tried to limit my phone usage to only calls and occasional mail check (I pop mails once an hour), and the best I could get till now for that has been 4 hours and 40 minutes. Took care to reduce the brightness to 70% and always lock the phone (by pressing the Sleep/Wake button), removed keyboard clicks and disabled wireless network availibility. Is 4 hours talk time + internet alkong with maybe 2 days standby a decent figure to expect for the iPhone performance?

  • Battery no longer charges to full capacity on 1-week old macbook

    Just as the topic says; brand new macbook, one week old, charge stops at 95%. The magsafe does not connect itself very well either... here's the battery information from the system profiler:
    Battery Information:
    Model Information:
    Serial Number: 9G01*
    Manufacturer: DP
    Device name: bq20z451
    Pack Lot Code: 0000
    PCB Lot Code: 0000
    Firmware Version: 0201
    Hardware Revision: 0002
    Cell Revision: 0158
    Charge Information:
    Charge remaining (mAh): 5553
    Fully charged: Yes
    Charging: No
    Full charge capacity (mAh): 5818
    Health Information:
    Cycle count: 1
    Condition: Normal
    Battery Installed: Yes
    Amperage (mA): -18
    Voltage (mV): 12335
    Dunno what the rest of the information means, but clearly it says "fully charged" but "not charging..." I've been keeping it plugged in to not let the charge run dry, but I'm afraid if I somehow don't leave it plugged in I will end up having some week-and-a-half old macbook with zero batteries that won't run unless I plug it in.
    a) Seems to me like a hardware problem, I think someone in my house must've dropped it, the magsafe slot seems a little misaligned. I've just switched over from PC on which I used to do some hardware repairs. Any way for me to take this thing apart and just sort of adjust it myself? Hopefully this is the only problem....
    b) In the case I'm not able to do hardware work like that... is this covered under whatever warranty I have? I mean, it's only a week old... I had hoped the macbook would be at least a LITTLE bit resistant to such small damages... really seems fragile and prone to breaks, judging by the massive amounts of problems with the batteries on these forums.
    Help, anybody?
    Message was edited by: hjdjoo
    < Edited by Host >

    Seems like a couple of things going on. First, don't worry about "not charging" when your battery is between 95% and 99%. The software actually prevents the battery from charging in that range, so as to minimize the number of discharge-charge cycles that accumulate on your battery. If you unplug for a while (letting it drain to, say, 90%) and then replug, the battery will start charging.
    Second, have you done the initial calibration, as your manual instructed you to do in the first few days?
    http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1490
    Set some time aside and do that if you haven't.
    Third, if you feel the MagSafe slot is misaligned, make a Genius Bar appointment and see what they think. If it is out, you may be able to get it repaired there while you wait.
    Finally, this:
    really seems fragile and prone to breaks, judging by the massive amounts of problems with the batteries on these forums
    Keep in mind that Apple sells, literally, millions of computers every quarter. If 100, 500, even 1000 people show up here with a complaint, that represents a small, small fraction of actual Mac owners.

  • What is the max charge cycle?

    What is the max charge cycle?
    If it reach the max, will apple replace it under warrenty? or it not covered, and I have to buy new battery?
    Like when you go to System Pref > About this mac > Power > Recharge Cycle.
    It will tell you the amount of charged you made. What is the max you can recharge?

    A properly maintained Apple notebook battery is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity after 300 full charge and discharge cycles. See http://www.apple.com/batteries for lots of good info on Apple batteries.

  • Can someone explain this chart about Li-ion charge cycles to me

    I consider myself a pretty smart guy, but i couldn't figure this out. I'm thinking that apple just provided this graph without any real explanation of what it means. I'm talking about the one on .. http://www.apple.com/batteries/ that has a caption starting with "Charge Cycle." They provide a general explanation of cycles below, but don't seem to address the same thing the illustration they provided does. What does the 40% 20% 30% 20% 50% 60% mean? Why is "1 Cycle" in the middle and what is the difference between cycle 0-1 and 1-2. basically that illustration makes no sense to me and i'd love for someone to explain it

    That charge is telling you how the charger charges the battery. The voltage charge is the green line and the amperage is the orange line. Voltage goes up to its full extent in the first couple of hours. The amperage starts at full charge strength and goes down as the batery charges so it will not overheat the battery. The most important thing to know about charging a Li (Lithium-ion) battery is that it has two different charge times, quick and full. most Li batteries get about an 80% charge at the quick charge time and 100% charge at the full charge time. when you first charge any rechargable battery make sure you do a full charge and then a full discharge with another full charge afterward. If you do not do this the life of the batery will be significantly diminished.
    I hope this information helps. If you want more information in this subject ask a more direct question.

  • MacBook Air 2014 came with 12 charge cycles

    I just got a brand new 13" MacBook Air from an authorized apple reseller, I went to check the battery cycles and there are already 12 on it even though I have only plugged it in once. Does anybody have an explanation for this? thanks

    For what it's worth (and I don't mean to concern you at all as it is most likely very normal), I just checked the cycles on a Brand New Macbook Pro 13-inch (Mid 2012) and it has completed 0 charge cycles. I broke the seal myself and checked immediately without use.
    You got me curious - thought it would be good to know

  • How does Mac OS calculate the charging Cycle count?

    Hello, Guys
    How does Mac OS calculate the charging Cycle count? I just used my MBP for about 15 min without power plugged in and I saw it left about 90% battery. However after the battery be recharged, I checked system profiler. It shows charging cycle count increased 1. I do remember that last time I left almost the same percentage of battery and plugged in. After the battery was fully charged, profiler did show cycle count increased.
    So I am wondering How does Mac OS calculate the charging Cycle count? Basing on the percentage left or something else?
    Thanks,

    Ok,
    But does it count continuously or separatly? I mean One time I used 10% and recharged full; and next time I used 20% and fully recharged again. Does the OS increase the cycle count when the usage adds up to 100% no matter how many times of recharge?
    Thanks,

  • To find out how many charge cycles...

    How can i find out with the Terminal how many charge cycles my battery has done?

    Hi, If you go to:
    - About this mac
    - More info
    - select power, from the contents
    - and look under battery information you should see your cycle count.
    Regards

  • Does Using Your iPod Touch While It's Charging Waste Charge Cycles?

    If my iPod Touch is 100% charged and I use it while it is plugged in to my wall charger will it waste charge cycles as I use it?

    But what if I'm playing apps on my iPod Touch...will the power from the wall power the iPod or will it use some of the battery in the ipod then charge at the same time, wasting charge cycles.

  • What exactly is a charge cycle?

    Hi, everyone! So I recently just bought a MacBook Pro with Retina display (about 4 days ago) and I'm really trying to take of it, and it's battery especially. I've tried looking up some information on the best ways to take care of it, and I always come across people taking about things like "charging cycles" and "calibrating the battery" and I have absolutely no idea what those mean!
    I don't mean to sound like an idiot, but keep in mind that I am completely new to the world of MacBooks. I've tried to research what these terms mean, but I've found nothing.
    Please help and give me advice on how to properly take care of my precious MacBook Pro. I adore it so much and I want it to last as long as possible.
    Thank you so much!

    despite anything Apple.com has listed, the lithium-polymer battery is a KNOWN entity and its technical behaviour is a known entity, regardless of inside an Apple product or not...
    having it plugged in everytime you use it is one thing, ....but some leave it plugged in 24/7 ALL THE TIME,...not a good idea,.....no hard, it just doesnt do the battery any good, and does minor wear on its lifespan.
    Exactly lIke permanent magnets..., lithium polymer batteries dont like HEAT ,......perpetual trickle charging (leaving it plugged in alllll time time) is the unwise choice.      "
    "trickle charging is NEVER recommended for lithium polymer batteries" ---  PowerStream.com, 2010-03-17

  • Adapter/charge cycle question

    Sorry for all the questions. This will be my last one.
    I use my iPod with a FM transmitter a lot at home and in the car while having it connected to the adapter. Does using the adapter still count as a charge cycle?. Say, hypothetically, I use the iPod + adapter for 15 hours straight, is that still one cycle even if the adapter is keeping the battery fully charged.

    As far as I have read, 'top-off' charges are not detrimental to the iPod and may extend the life more than depleting the battery. Always 'exercise' the iPod from time to time.
    See these battery links for more info. The first two articles are quite informative:
    The iPod Battery Unplugged..
    How to Prolong Lithium-Based Batteries
    iPod Service & Support: Charging Your iPod
    iPod Battery FAQ
    Apple – iPod Battery
    iPod Battery Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
    Caring for iPod's Battery
    Charging iPod's Internal Battery
    Tips and Tricks to get the Most out of Your iPod's Battery
    Using the iPod Hold Switch to Prolong Battery Life
    iPod's Battery Doesn't Charge
    The Truth About the iPod Battery and Charging
    Apple: Lithium-ion Batteries
    iPod's Battery Indicator is Approximate / Battery Test

  • New Battery not working, it says its charged 100%

    Hy.
    I just bought a new replacement battery for my Macbook Pro the previous battery was from the same seller. It worked fine than i replaced it with the same new battery. But when turned on, in status bar it shows 100%, power source adapter but when i unplugged it the computer shuts off, like instantly.
    Any idea of this problem or is something with software.
    Here is some information from System report.
    Battery Information:
      Model Information:
      Serial Number:
      Manufacturer:          GSA-1281
      Device Name:          ASMB016
      Pack Lot Code:          a0b0
      PCB Lot Code:          c0f1
      Firmware Version:          8800
      Hardware Revision:          0
      Cell Revision:          0
      Charge Information:
      Charge Remaining (mAh):          5049
      Fully Charged:          Yes
      Charging:          No
      Full Charge Capacity (mAh):          5049
      Health Information:
      Cycle Count:          1
      Condition:          Normal
      Battery Installed:          Yes
      Amperage (mA):          0
      Voltage (mV):          10952
    System Power Settings:
      AC Power:
      System Sleep Timer (Minutes):          10
      Disk Sleep Timer (Minutes):          10
      Display Sleep Timer (Minutes):          10
      Automatic Restart on Power Loss:          No
      Wake on AC Change:          No
      Wake on Clamshell Open:          Yes
      Wake on LAN:          No
      Current Power Source:          Yes
      Display Sleep Uses Dim:          Yes
      GPUSwitch:          2
      PrioritizeNetworkReachabilityOverSleep:          0
      Battery Power:
      System Sleep Timer (Minutes):          10
      Disk Sleep Timer (Minutes):          10
      Display Sleep Timer (Minutes):          2
      Wake on AC Change:          No
      Wake on Clamshell Open:          Yes
      Display Sleep Uses Dim:          Yes
      GPUSwitch:          2
      Reduce Brightness:          Yes
    Hardware Configuration:
      UPS Installed:          No
    AC Charger Information:
      Connected:          Yes
      ID:          0x0100
      Wattage (W):          85
      Revision:          0x0000
      Family:          0x00ba
      Serial Number:          0x004d3e31
      Charging:          No

    Try resetting PRAM and SMC.
    Reset PRAM.  http://support.apple.com/kb/PH4405
    Reset SMC.     http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
    Choose the method for:
    "Resetting SMC on portables with a battery you should not remove on your own".
    Best.

  • Why is my charge cycle not zero?

    I just purchased my macbook pro 13inch (mid 2014) from a IT fair, 2 days ago and charged it ONCE to 100%. However, today when i checked my charge cycle, it reflects 3. Is this normal? I tried to google if anyone has similar issue but can't seem to find anyone who does so. Does this mean that my macbook might not be a brand new one?

    renaa92 wrote:
    I just purchased my macbook pro 13inch (mid 2014) from a IT fair, 2 days ago and charged it ONCE to 100%. However, today when i checked my charge cycle, it reflects 3. Is this normal?
    Yes. That is normal.Testing the battery at  factory can add 1 or 2 battery cycles.
    Best.

Maybe you are looking for