If you have seen the feature Optimized Battery Charging on a MacBook not working perfectly, you are not in it alone. This feature is meant to enhance the battery health of MacBook and often fails to kick in or function properly which leaves users worried and agitated about their MacBook battery’s overall health.

What Is Optimized Battery Charging on MacBook?

Apple introduced the Optimized Battery Charging feature as part of macOS Catalina 10.15.15 to help reduce battery wear over time. The feature uses machine learning to understand your charging habits and delays charging past 80% until it anticipates you’ll need your MacBook again. This prevents the battery from staying at 100% for prolonged periods, a state that can degrade lithium-ion batteries.

When working correctly, this feature can significantly extend the overall lifespan of your battery, making it an essential tool for MacBook users who rely heavily on their devices.

Step 1: Check and Enable the Feature

The first step is to ensure that Optimized Battery Charging is enabled in your settings:

Click the Apple Menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
Go to System Settings > Battery.
Click Battery Health and ensure that Optimized Battery Charging is toggled on.

If the feature was disabled, enabling it should resolve the issue.

Step 2: Restart Your MacBook

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix minor software glitches. Restart your MacBook and check if the feature begins to work as intended.

Step 3: Maintain Consistent Charging Habits

Optimized Battery Charging learns your habits over time, so inconsistent charging can confuse the feature. To help the system learn your routine:

Charge your MacBook overnight or during regular, predictable periods.
Avoid frequently disconnecting and reconnecting the charger throughout the day.

This allows the algorithm to gather enough data to function properly.

Step 4: Enable Location Services

The feature relies on Location Services to identify frequent charging locations, like your home or office. To enable Location Services:

Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
Toggle Location Services to On.
Scroll down and ensure System Services is also enabled.

Once enabled, the feature should better recognize when and where to apply optimized charging.

Step 5: Update macOS

Outdated software can cause a range of issues, including problems with Optimized Battery Charging. To check for updates:

Click the Apple Menu.
Select System Settings > General > Software Update.
If an update is available, install it and restart your MacBook.

macOS updates often include bug fixes that may resolve the issue.

Step 6: Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)

The System Management Controller (SMC) is responsible for many hardware functions, including battery management. Resetting it can sometimes resolve charging-related issues. Here’s how to reset the SMC on your MacBook:

For MacBooks With Apple Silicon (M1/M2):

Simply restart your MacBook, as the SMC resets automatically on these models.

For Intel-Based MacBooks:

Shut down your MacBook.
Hold Shift + Control + Option on the left side of the keyboard and press the power button.
Release all keys after 10 seconds, then turn on your MacBook.

Step 7: Check Battery Health

If the feature still isn’t working, it’s worth checking your battery’s health status:

Go to System Settings > Battery.
Click Battery Health.

If the status shows Service Recommended, your battery may need replacement. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for assistance.

Step 8: Remove Conflicting Apps

Third-party apps that manage battery performance can interfere with Optimized Battery Charging. Identify and remove these apps:

Go to Applications and uninstall any power-management software.
Restart your MacBook and check if the issue persists.

Step 9: Reset NVRAM/PRAM

Resetting the NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory) or PRAM (parameter RAM) can sometimes resolve stubborn issues:

Shut down your MacBook.
Turn it on and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R for 20 seconds.
Release the keys when your MacBook restarts.

Step 10: Contact Apple Support

If you’ve tried all the steps above and the feature still isn’t working, it’s time to seek professional assistance. Contact Apple Support or visit your nearest Apple Store for further diagnostics.

Conclusion

The Optimized Battery Charging feature is an excellent tool to extend your MacBook’s battery lifespan, but it can sometimes stop functioning as intended.

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge to fix this issue, you can keep your MacBook running smoothly without compromising battery health.