How to Fix “Service Recommended” for Battery on Mac: 2 Best Fixes

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:

1. Action is needed soon: The battery may need to be checked or replaced by an expert.
2. Battery health is declining: Your battery isn’t charging as much as it once did.
3. Performance might be affected: You may notice shorter battery life between charges.

Review Unwanted Apps During Battery Troubleshooting

Sometimes, apps you’re not using can run in the background and use up battery. Wouldn’t it be great to have a helper to watch out for these apps?

MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller helps you review apps you no longer use and remove the ones you choose, along with detected related files. Focus on apps you have identified as unwanted background activity.

Follow these steps to uninstall unused apps on Mac using MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller:

1. Get MacKeeper and install MacKeeper on your Mac.
2. After installation, launch MacKeeper and click the Smart Uninstaller in the left-hand menu.

3. Click Start Scan.

4. Select the applications you want to delete from the list and click Remove Selected.

5. Tap the Remove button on the pop-up to confirm the deletion.

6. MacKeeper will uninstall the apps and remove associated files and folders. You will get a Removal Completed notification. If you want to scan your Mac again, click Rescan.

2 Best Fixes for Service Recommended for Battery on Mac

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 Removable Batteries

Important: This only works for very old Macbooks (pre-2012).

1. Shut down your Mac.

2. Remove your MacBook’s battery.

3. Press and hold the Power button for 5 seconds while the battery is removed.

4. Release the Power button and reinstall the battery.

5. Turn on your Mac by pressing the Power button.

b) MacBooks with Non-Removable Batteries

Important: Apple silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3) do not have an SMC. Simply shut down completely, wait 30 seconds, and restart.

1. Tap the Apple icon and select Shut Down from the drop-down menu.

2. Press and hold the Shift ⇧ + Control ^ + Option ⌥ keys with the power button for 10 seconds.

3. 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.

But while calibration could help reset battery sensors on older MacBooks (before ~2015), calibration is automatic on newer Intel and Apple silicon Macs and manual calibration is not needed.

So, if you have a recent Mac, skip this step.

For older models, follow these steps to calibrate your Mac’s battery:

1. Charge your Mac to 100%, then leave it plugged in for two more hours.
2. Disconnect the charger and use the Mac until it shuts down.
3. Let it sit powered off for at least five hours.
4. 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:

1. Use the Apple website to locate the nearest Apple Store or authorized provider.
2. Contact them to set up an appointment or inquire about walk-ins.
3. Tell the technician about the “Service Recommended” warning and any other symptoms.
4. After running diagnostics, follow their recommendations for repair or replacement.
5. 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

Here’s how to check your battery’s cycle count:

1. Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and select About This Mac from the dropdown menu.

2. Click More Info.

3. In the new window, select the System Report… button.

4. Choose Hardware in the sidebar of the System Information window and select Power in the Hardware section.

5. Look for Cycle Count under the Battery Information section.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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