Typically, it takes between 2 to 3 hours to completely charge a MacBook Pro. The charging speed of your Mac depends on many factors such as its model, current battery level, and whether it’s in use or turned off during charging.
My name is Yana, and I’m a MacBook Pro user. I use my laptop for around 8 hours daily and generally keep it connected to a power source while working. However, I have also charged my laptop in other situations, such as when it was completely drained, or when the battery level was around 10-20%.
In this article, we will discuss how long it takes to charge a MacBook Pro to its full capacity and the factors that can influence the speed of the charging process.
Let’s get started.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- There are some ways to speed up the charging process of your Macbook Pro, but this shouldn’t be done regularly because it may affect the aging of your battery.
- According to Apple, the MacBook Pro models introduced after 2021 can reach a 50% charge within 30 minutes.
- It is essential to use the designated Apple charger when charging your MacBook Pro.
How Long Does It Take to Charge a MacBook Pro?
Several factors can affect the charging duration of your MacBook Pro, including the model, battery health, and the type of activities being performed on the laptop.
If we take a look at Apple’s official website, all MacBook Pro models released in 2021 or later, as well as the MacBook Air featuring the M2 processor, can be fully charged in a few hours.
In my personal experience with using a 13-inch MacBook Pro from 2017, I found that performing light activities such as browsing the web, watching YouTube videos, or working in text editor apps, it takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours to charge the laptop to its maximum capacity. However, I believe that turning off the laptop during charging can potentially reduce this duration.
How to Charge Your MacBook Pro Faster
Here are 3 tips to charge your Macbook Pro faster.
1. Use Official Apple Chargers
It is crucial to use the correct power source and original cable when charging your MacBook Pro.
Use the USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable for MacBook Pro 2021 or later and USB 3.1 Gen 2 for older models. Use the MagSafe 2 power port on models from 2015 and earlier.
For example, I’m using a USB 3.1 Gen 2 cable to charge my 2017 Macbook Pro.
2. Turn Off the “Optimize Battery Charging” Feature
If you need to charge your laptop as quickly as possible, turn off the Optimizing Battery Charging feature. This feature helps to reduce the battery aging but your laptop will charge slower.
Open the System Settings and find the Battery tab. Next, click on the Battery Health section, and in the newly opened window you will see the Optimize Battery Charging option.
Switch the toggle to off and select Turn off until tomorrow to disable this feature for one day. This will help your MacBook Pro to charge faster.
3. Charge Your Laptop While It’s Off Or in Sleep Mode
Charging your laptop while it is in sleep mode or switched off is a useful strategy to speed up the charging process since it reduces energy consumption. Additionally, this method can help prevent your Mac from overheating during charging.
FAQs
Here are the frequently asked questions about charging a MacBook Pro.
Should I Charge My MacBook Pro to 100%?
To optimize the battery lifespan of your MacBook Pro, Apple recommends keeping the battery charge between 20% and 80% for everyday usage. It is advisable to charge your MacBook Pro as needed throughout the day rather than letting it discharge completely.
How Long Does 100% Battery Last on MacBook Pro?
The battery life of the MacBook Pro depends on the model and the power usage. For example, the 16-inch MacBook Pro (2021) can run for up to 11 hours when playing videos on a single charge. However, the duration can change based on various factors such as the apps running on the laptop, screen brightness, and more.
Why Is My MacBook Pro Charging So Slowly?
Several factors can contribute to slow charging on your Mac, including using a low-voltage charger, running multiple apps and processes in the background, and high CPU usage. To speed up the charging process, it is recommended to use an officially compatible laptop charger and force quit any unnecessary apps and software.
Final Thoughts
The charging time for a MacBook depends on various factors such as the model, battery condition, and activities being performed on the laptop. On average, it takes 2 to 3 hours to fully charge a MacBook Pro. However, newer MacBook Pro models can charge faster. To maintain the battery health of your laptop, it’s important to follow the tips shared in the article to charge it effectively.
Any questions about how to charge your Macbook Pro? Leave a comment and let me know.
