How to change power settings on a MacBook

No one likes being stuck with a MacBook running out of battery — more so if the charger is nowhere in sight. And while Apple does lend a pretty extensive battery backup to its laptops, there’s still a good chance you might find yourself in an unfortunate situation without a MacBook charger.

But instead of panicking about it, there are a few hacks you can keep in mind for it to last you a little longer. Here’s how to alter power settings on your MacBook.

What are power settings on a MacBook?

Just like your smartphone, your laptop battery life can also be optimised to keep it running longer. Of course, the ideal fix is to get a hold of your charger as soon as possible, but until you do, you can adjust the power settings on your device to give for those few extra hours. Power settings will typically include adjusting your MacBook’s display timer and activating power-saving modes wherever possible.

How to adjust the power settings on your MacBook

To access power settings on your MacBook, click on the Apple menu on the top left corner of your screen. Then, click on System Preferences. Within this, you will find a Battery (laptop) or Energy Saver (MacBook) options. Click on this to access its settings. You will find the following options in there:

Reduce sleep timer: Your MacBook screen consumes a large amount of power. This is why, when not in use, it is recommended to reduce or switch off the display. If you forget to switch off your screen manually, you can always set a timer to ensure it turns off on its own. 

You will be able to toggle within Battery (laptop) or Energy Saver (MacBook) settings using a slider. Along with this, your MacBook will also give you the option to dim its display and/or adjust other settings based on your preference. 

Scheduling sleep, shut down or restart: Opting for any of these options can help you significantly save power and conserve energy on your Apple device. Your MacBook also offers multiple sleep modes; going through each one of them will help you pick the best one for your day-to-day usage. 

Within the battery settings, you will find a Schedule option on the right. Click on this to schedule specific times for your MacBook to switch off or on. 

ALSO READ: Here’s how to reset your MacBook safely

Disabling Power Nap: The Power Nap mode on your MacBook stops it from performing certain tasks while in sleep mode. Disabling this will help you save power on your MacBook and also stop it from draining excess battery using background apps. You will be able to locate this setting below the sleep timer slider. 

Optimising video streaming: This setting will ensure your Mac plays videos only on Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) rather than High Dynamic Range (HDR) when low on battery. However, it is crucial to note that once you connect your device to a power outlet, it will bypass this rule and no longer play videos on standard quality. 

What are some other ways to optimise your MacBook's battery life?

Your MacBook only has a limited number of battery cycles, and it is crucial to follow practices that could maximise your device’s battery life. Apart from these steps, you can also ensure your laptop is in a cool, dry location.

Avoid plugging in any external peripherals, such as a webcam or hard disk, for more than the required time. You can also switch off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use to ensure your laptop retains much of its power after prolonged usage.

So, if followed correctly, we’re sure your MacBook can be an unproblematic, trusted companion for years to come.