If macOS says “service battery” it truly means it’s time to replace your battery. CoconutBattery shows that the battery life is poor too so it’s definitely time. MacBook Pro 13' Function Keys Late 2016 Battery Replacement MacBook Pro 13' Retina (Function Keys, Late 2016-2017) Battery - MacBook Pro 13' Function Keys Late 2016.
Note: this battery problem could have arisen from several factors and is a case-to-case basis. If the warning isn’t solved after executing the first two DIY solutions, you may have to go down to an authorized Apple service center for a proper checkup.Before we move forward, let’s look at a rundown of the three battery conditions to detect if you need a service. On the battery status menu you’ll see one of the following:.
“Normal” – this means your battery functions well and normally. “Replace Soon” – the battery is still working but has the potential to lose its ability to charge. “Replace Now” or “Service Battery” – needs to be servicedWe have a few possible fixes for you, but you should do something first. Check Your Cycle CountEach MacBook battery has a certain cycle count which stands for the amount of 100% – 0% uses its battery has before its overall battery life starts diminishing. The more recent a MacBook, the better its battery and the bigger the cycle count. (You can find all the relevant information on ).Once you’ve hit your MacBook battery’s official cycle count, it’s normal to start expecting “Service Battery” warnings.
Thankfully, you can keep track of your cycle count right there in macOS.To do this, hold the Option key, click the Apple menu logo, then click “System Information.” Scroll down to the “Hardware” section in the pane on the left, click “Power,” and you’ll have all the relevant battery information displayed. This includes your cycle count.If your cycle count here exceeds the number listed on Apple’s support page, that would explain the Service Battery warning. If, however, you think your cycle count is way higher than it should be, read on.
Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)You can try resetting the SMC if your MacBook comes with a non-removable battery (e.g. Mac computers 2009 and up).1.
To reset the SMC, shut down the computer.2. Plug in the power adapter or MagSafe to your computer and power outlet.3. Press Shift + Ctrl + Option keys and the power button simultaneously.4. Release the three keys plus the power button at the same time.5. Afterward, press the power button to turn on the computer. Check the battery status menu to see if the “Service Battery” warning disappeared.Normally, resetting the SMC should do the trick. However, if nothing happens, you may want to try the next suggestion.
Recalibrate the BatteryThis method will take you hours. However, if you really want to get rid of the warning, follow the steps below.
Apple also suggests users do this as a way to take care of the battery performance every few months. However, the intervals are dependent on how often the computer is used.1.
Charge your battery up to 100% and make sure that the MagSafe light ring charging jack shows the green light, which indicates a full charge.2. Once it is fully charged, continue using the computer while the MagSafe is still plugged in to the power source; do this for two hours. Afterward, unplug the cord and use it until it runs out of battery power, and you’ll see the low battery warning on the battery status menu.
The Mac will sleep automatically without any warning. Once it sleeps, simply turn it off.3. Wait for five hours or more, and then connect the Mac to the power adapter or MagSafe and charge it. This will calibrate your battery.Note: in the author’s case, the battery status goes back to “Good” (for the mean time), and the Service Battery warning disappeared (screenshot on 717 loadcycles).Lastly, if still nothing happens, here’s the ultimate option: Go to an Authorized Apple Service ProviderIf the Service Battery warning isn’t solved, perhaps your battery needs to be replaced, and it’s time to hand things over to the experts.
Author’s case: The Service Battery warning came out five months after an authorized Apple service provider fixed my battery issue – I had the habit of charging my devices via USB and plugging them into the MacBook, which had caused an irregular flow of the power, draining the battery faster. When I recalibrated my computer, the warning disappeared. However, after a few weeks it showed up again, and as of this writing my computer has the warning. Perhaps recalibrating the battery again will help.Let us know if you experience the Service Battery warning, and feel free to chime in with your thoughts and suggestions.This article was first published in May 2015 and was updated in May 2018. Hey david, don’t know if you’ve solved the problem since, but the same thing happened to me, that last part of the instructions is a little misleading.Essentially, you just have to shut down the computer again once more.I followed the steps exactly, and when my computer turned back on it still had the warning.
But thats because when you let the battery die like that, it doesn’t actually shut down, just goes into a low-power mode to preserve the memory.so just follow the steps exactly, and when your computer boots back up (should still have the warning), just shut down from the apple menu, and everything should be good when you turn it back on, no warning!hope this helps,cheers. Bless you!And thank you, my macbook pro from 2014, started showing service battery out of blue and the cycle count was only 326 and I tried SMC reset and it still did not work. I tried the second option of draining and recalibrating the battery, it still did not work. I even switched off, after it slept by itself. And waited for 6 hours, before plugging and rebooting.Then I again shut down the macbook and again reset the SMC and now the “service battery” is gone, for now, for sure:)I don’t know if it is fixed for good. But the apple service advisor also suggested to go to repair and with 2 deadlines approaching and no other way to work on computer, it would not have been possible.Thank you once again, I find angels, when I need them:), I may not see them, may not know them, they come to help me.Thank you.Regards,SB.
Author: I am having the exact same issue on my MacBook, when you said you recalibrated the warning disappeared, but did you also notice if your battery wasn’t draining fast like it was before the calibration? I had an authorized apple dealer replace my battery within the last 3 years and I have the Service Battery warning.
I have noticed that my battery drains very fast, so I am constantly having to leave it charged or plugged in. If I try the recalibration, like you, I am hoping that it will help to solve the the problem of it not draining so quickly, regardless if the warning goes away.Comments are closed.