TL;DR
To Fix “Service Recommended” for Battery on Mac:
- MacBooks with Non-Removable Batteries: Shut down, hold Shift + Control + Option + Power for 10 seconds, then turn the Mac back on.
- MacBooks with Removable Batteries: Shut down, remove the battery, hold the Power button for 5 seconds, reinstall the battery, and turn the Mac back on.
Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.
When I saw the “Service Recommended” warning for the first time, I thought my battery was failing, but luckily, I found a few easy fixes. In this post, I’ll share my simple steps to fix the problem and improve my Mac’s battery performance.
What Does “Service Recommended” for Mac Battery Mean?
When you see the “Service Recommended” message for your Mac battery, it means:
- Battery health is declining: Your battery isn’t charging as much as it once did.
- Performance might be affected: You may notice shorter battery life between charges.
- Action is needed soon: The battery may need to be checked or replaced by an expert.
2 Best Fixes for Service Recommended for Battery on Mac
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Here are the two best methods to fix “Service Recommended” for Mac issue:
1. Reset the SMC
Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) can fix battery-related issues, including inaccurate charge readings and unexpected shutdowns. Follow these steps to reset the SMC on your Mac:
a) MacBooks with Non-Removable Batteries
- Shut down your Mac.
- Remove your MacBook’s battery.
- Press and hold the Power button for 5 seconds while the battery is removed.
- Release the Power button and reinstall the battery.
- Turn on your Mac by pressing the Power button.
b) MacBooks with Removable Batteries
- Tap the Apple icon and select Shut Down from the drop-down menu.
- Press and hold the Shift ⇧ + Control ^ + Option ⌥ keys with the power button for 10 seconds.
- Release all the keys and press the power button to turn on your MacBook.
2. Calibrating the Battery
Calibrating your Mac’s battery ensures accurate battery level reporting and improves performance. It is recommended when you notice issues like inaccurate charge readings, unexpected shutdowns, or battery warnings. Follow these steps to calibrate your Mac’s battery:
- Charge your Mac to 100%, then leave it plugged in for two more hours.
- Disconnect the charger and use the Mac until it shuts down.
- Let it sit powered off for at least five hours.
- Recharge it to 100% without interruption.
When to Replace Your Mac’s Battery
If your Mac’s battery is severely degraded and other fixes didn’t work, it may need to be replaced. It’s safer to have it done at an Apple Store or an authorized service provider. Follow these steps to replace your battery:
Remember to back up your important data before taking your Mac in for service, just in case any repairs or replacements are required.
- Use the Apple website to locate the nearest Apple Store or authorized provider.
- Contact them to set up an appointment or inquire about walk-ins.
- Tell the technician about the “Service Recommended” warning and any other symptoms.
- After running diagnostics, follow their recommendations for repair or replacement.
- If your Mac is under warranty or AppleCare, you may qualify for free or discounted service. Otherwise, costs may apply.
How to Check the Battery Cycle Count on Your Mac
Did You Know? Your MacBook battery is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity after 1,000 full charge cycles.
Here’s how to check your battery’s cycle count:
- Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and select About This Mac from the dropdown menu.
- Click More Info.
- In the new window, select the System Report… button.
- Choose Hardware in the sidebar of the System Information window and select Power in the Hardware section.
- Look for Cycle Count under the Battery Information section.
The maximum battery cycle count varies for each MacBook Pro or MacBook Air model. You can find your battery’s maximum cycle count on Apple’s Support page.
Keeping Your Mac’s Battery in Top Shape
Addressing the “Service Recommended” message for your Mac’s battery is important for maintaining performance. Along with the fixes, follow these tips to improve battery life and avoid future issues:
- Use Activity Monitor to identify and stop programs causing high CPU usage.
- Limit running resource-heavy apps at the same time to prevent fast battery drain.
- Regularly check CPU, GPU, and RAM usage to control problematic processes.
