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User profile for user: Cleo Puppy
Cleo Puppy Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

MacBook Pro 2020 Battery Draining While Plugged In

I have a MacBook Pro 2020. Battery Health is 94%. I keep it plugged in all the time unless I take it somewhere. The battery keeps discharging, even while plugged in. It will be down to 80%. I unplug it and plug it back in and then it starts charging back up. I am running Ventura. Do I need to take it for servicing? Does anyone know why the battery would drain when plugged in, and what I can do about it myself. Please don't suggest anything that involves removing the battery; I'm not that tech savvy. I just bought this MacBook Pro from a friend and I'm hoping it's not some major issue. Is this some new battery life "feature?" I had a 2015 MacBook Air before and it never did this, even when the battery was going bad. Thanks!

Posted on Oct 7, 2023 6:33 PM

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User profile for user: TheLittles
TheLittles
User level: Level 10
195,657 points

Posted on Oct 7, 2023 6:57 PM

Cleo Puppy Said:

"MacBook Pro 2020 Battery Draining While Plugged In: [...]I had a 2015 MacBook Air before and it never did this, even when the battery was going bad. Thanks!"

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Troubleshooting Mac Battery Drain:

Note that all batteries are prone to failure. So, eventually, the Battery Health will cease and it will be time for a new one. Go here: Check the Condition of your Mac Laptop’s Battery - Apple Support


Try a New Charger:

If it is charing from an external device, then use a new charger:


A Few Links to Refer to Power:






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User profile for user: TheLittles
TheLittles
User level: Level 10
195,657 points

Oct 7, 2023 6:57 PM in response to Cleo Puppy

Cleo Puppy Said:

"MacBook Pro 2020 Battery Draining While Plugged In: [...]I had a 2015 MacBook Air before and it never did this, even when the battery was going bad. Thanks!"

-------


Troubleshooting Mac Battery Drain:

Note that all batteries are prone to failure. So, eventually, the Battery Health will cease and it will be time for a new one. Go here: Check the Condition of your Mac Laptop’s Battery - Apple Support


Try a New Charger:

If it is charing from an external device, then use a new charger:


A Few Links to Refer to Power:






Reply
User profile for user: Cleo Puppy
Cleo Puppy Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

Oct 7, 2023 11:16 PM in response to D.I. Johnson

I actually ended up texting someone I know who is a Mac repair specialist. He explained that this is how the system is set up, that the battery stays at about 80% to prevent battery expansion. So even though I charge it to 100%, it's normal to drop to 80% when connected to power. He also suggested that I drain the battery once a month to optimize battery life. I'm glad nothing is wrong with my MacBook Pro.

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User profile for user: D.I. Johnson
D.I. Johnson
User level: Level 7
24,005 points

Oct 7, 2023 6:48 PM in response to Cleo Puppy

The only way to know for certain what is going on is to take the Mac in for evaluation.

The problem may very well be that the battery is failing. Keeping the computer plugged in all the time is to invite premature failure of the battery. It needs to be exercised off the charger to keep the health up. And being that you got this computer second hand, there's not telling exactly how well or poorly the battery had been treated before you got it.

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MacBook Pro 2020 Battery Draining While Plugged In

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