A MacBook Air battery lasts for years, but slowly loses capacity. At some point a full charge no longer gets you through the day, the laptop suddenly shuts off, or macOS says service is recommended. Then it is time to replace your MacBook Air battery. This article explains how to recognise that moment, what a replacement involves and what to look out for.
Blue Apple replaces MacBook Air batteries in Amsterdam, from the older Intel models to the newest with an Apple chip.
How to see your battery's condition
- Open System Settings and choose Battery.
- Look at Battery Health. If it says "Normal", all is well. If it says "Service Recommended", the battery has noticeably less capacity than new.
- Click the info button for the maximum capacity percentage.
The number of charge cycles is in System Information (hold Option in the Apple menu), under Power. Apple states that the batteries of recent MacBook Air models are designed to retain a large part of their capacity after about 1000 cycles.
Signs that replacement is needed
- Your MacBook Air lasts only a few hours on a full charge.
- It shuts off at 20 or 30 percent, or suddenly jumps to a much lower percentage.
- macOS reports "Service Recommended".
- The MacBook no longer charges fully.
- The trackpad clicks stiffly or the bottom bulges. That can be a swollen battery.
Swollen battery: do not wait
A battery that swells pushes against the trackpad, the keyboard or the bottom case. You notice it from a trackpad that no longer clicks, a bottom that no longer lies flat or a case that springs open. Then stop charging it and have it replaced as soon as possible. Read replacing a MacBook battery: when, and with a swollen battery.
What does a replacement involve?
- The battery is glued in. In the MacBook Air the battery is held to the case with strong adhesive strips. They have to be released carefully without damaging the cells.
- Genuine or quality battery. There are genuine batteries and good replacements. Ask which one you get and what its capacity is.
- Battery status after replacement. On Macs with an Apple chip macOS may show a notice about the battery after a replacement if it was not paired through Apple. The battery works normally, but its health may not be displayed.
- Your data stays. Nothing is erased in a battery replacement, but making a backup is always wise.
Making your new battery last longer
- Keep Optimised Battery Charging on (System Settings, Battery). Your Mac learns your routine and waits to charge beyond 80 percent.
- Avoid heat: do not leave your MacBook in the sun or in a hot car.
- Do not leave it completely flat for months.
What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam
We first measure the battery and the charging circuit, so it is certain the battery is the cause and not the charger or the charging chip. Then we replace the battery, and test that the MacBook Air charges properly and the battery is recognised. You hear beforehand what it costs. More on our page about MacBook battery replacement. If your MacBook does not charge at all, read MacBook not charging.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a MacBook Air battery last?
Usually a number of years, depending on how often you charge and how warm the laptop gets.
Can I replace my MacBook Air battery myself?
You can, but the adhesive strips make it tricky and risky. See repairing your MacBook yourself with a repair kit.
Should I run a new battery completely flat first?
No. Just use it and charge when convenient.
