How to Resolve MacBook Battery Issues

MacBooks purchased after February 2006 don't have the best reputation when it comes to battery life. Apple realized this after releasing the battery-challenged laptops and issued a means for fixing the problem.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Time
• MacBook or MacBookPro

1. Realizing your computer's battery isn't charging properly is the first step. You man notice that when your battery appears fully charged it will not last even half the time listed by the Battery Life indicator or that the Battery Life indicator does not recognize your battery at all and only shows an X where the battery charge is usually displayed. This problem isn't unique to your computer, tens of thousands of MacBooks have battery-related problems.

2. Using the affected computer access Apple's homepage and type "battery update" in the search box.

3. Click on the "Battery Update 1.2" link and proceed to the page. From there simply download the patch and allow the OS to restart. Your battery will regain its charging power when you power it back on.

Tips & Warnings

• If your battery still won't charge or holds the charge poorly contact Apple to obtain a new battery free of charge.

Resources

• Battery Update
• About Battery Update

[bmerritt]

on 3/23/2009 Great tip!

[MidniteWriter]

on 3/20/2009 Good to know, just got a used one.