How to Check MacBook Cycles

Since 2009, MacBooks do not contain user-replaceable batteries.

The cycle count of your MacBook's battery is important when assessing the health of your laptop. Apple states that a MacBook battery should last for approximately 1,000 cycles, so the cycle count lets you know in advance when you might need to change your battery. This also makes it easier to identify whether any faults with your MacBook are a result of a dying battery or a more serious problem. All MacBook models follow the same procedure to check the charge cycles, including the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.

Instructions

1. Click the Apple icon in the top left corner of your MacBook's screen.

2. Select "About This Mac" from the drop-down list.

3. Click the "More Info" button to see an expanded view of your MacBook's system information.

4. Click "System Report" if your MacBook uses OS X 10.7 Lion. You do not need to do this if you are using an earlier version of the Mac operating system.

5. Click "Power" in the "Hardware" section of the System Profiler's left panel.

6. Find the "Cycle Count" figure in the "Health Information" section of the main System Profiler window.

References

• Apple: Batteries -- Notebooks