The Optimized Battery Charging feature in macOS is designed to prolong the lifespan of your MacBook’s battery by reducing the wear and tear that occurs when the battery is kept at 100% for long periods. This feature learns your daily charging routine and delays charging past 80% until it predicts you will need the full charge. However, users sometimes report that the feature doesn’t work as expected. This article explores common causes and solutions for when Optimized Battery Charging is not functioning properly.

1. Feature Disabled in Settings

The most straightforward reason for Optimized Battery Charging not working is that the feature may be disabled in macOS settings.

To check and enable it:

  • Go to System Settings > Battery.
  • Click Battery Health.
  • Ensure that Optimized Battery Charging is toggled on.

If it’s disabled, turning it back on should resolve the issue.

2. Inconsistent Charging Routine

Optimized Battery Charging learns your daily charging habits. If your routine is irregular, the feature may not function correctly.

Establish a consistent charging routine by plugging in your MacBook around the same time each day and allowing it to charge fully overnight. Consistency helps macOS better predict when to optimize the charge beyond 80%.

3. Time Zone and Location Changes

If you’ve recently traveled or changed your time zone, Optimized Battery Charging may stop working as it adjusts to the new location and charging patterns.

Resetting your location services can help:

  • Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
  • Toggle Location Services off, wait a moment, and turn it back on.

This reset allows the system to recalibrate the charging feature based on your new location and time zone.

4. No Consistent Power Source

The feature works best when the MacBook is connected to a charger for extended periods. If you’re frequently unplugging the device or using different chargers, Optimized Battery Charging might not engage.

Stick to using an official Apple-certified charger and keep the MacBook plugged in for long periods, especially overnight. If you’re using third-party chargers, ensure they are Apple-approved to maintain proper communication with macOS.

5. Battery Health Issues

If your MacBook’s battery health has degraded significantly, Optimized Battery Charging may not function correctly.

You can check the battery’s health by going to System Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If it shows “Replace Soon” or “Service Battery,” it may be time to replace the battery to restore full charging functionality. Running a battery diagnostic test by restarting your MacBook and holding D during boot can help identify any hardware-related issues.

6. Outdated macOS Version

The feature may not work properly if your MacBook is running an outdated version of macOS, as bug fixes and improvements are regularly included in updates.

Make sure macOS is up to date:

  • Go to System Settings > General > Software Update.
  • Download and install any available updates.

Keeping your system updated ensures that Optimized Battery Charging and other features work as intended.

7. Using the Incorrect Charger

Non-certified chargers can interfere with the battery’s charging behavior, preventing Optimized Battery Charging from working properly.

Always use the official Apple charger or a certified replacement. Non-certified chargers may not communicate correctly with macOS, leading to erratic charging patterns.

What Is Optimized Battery Charging?

Before diving into the issues, let’s briefly discuss how Optimized Battery Charging works. Introduced in macOS Catalina, this feature helps reduce battery aging by slowing the charge rate when it reaches 80%. The idea is to avoid unnecessary stress on the battery, especially for users who keep their MacBooks plugged in for long periods.

Conclusion

The Optimized Battery Charging feature is an excellent tool for preserving your MacBook’s battery life, but it relies on several factors to work correctly. By ensuring that the feature is enabled, maintaining a consistent charging routine, and troubleshooting issues like battery health and software updates, you can restore the function of Optimized Battery Charging and keep your MacBook’s battery in top condition.

If all else fails, professional assistance from Apple might be required to address any underlying hardware issues.

Avatar for Marlo Strydom

Marlo, the founder of Computer Info Bits, has over 20 years of IT expertise. He's passionate about technology and aims to demystify it. Since 2019, he's been writing articles covering essential computer tips to complex hardware discussions, helping readers better understand and use their technology. Marlo stays up-to-date with the latest tech developments through extensive research and interaction.