How to check the battery health of a MacBook

2 min read · 4 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Every laptop battery holds a little less charge as it ages. macOS tells you in plain words whether the battery is still fine, so you can decide if a replacement is worth it.

These steps are for recent versions of macOS, where the settings app is called System Settings. The pictures are our own screenshots from macOS Tahoe 26 on a MacBook Pro.

Step by step

1. Open System Settings

   Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and choose System Settings.

   Done

2. 

   Click Battery in the sidebar

   You may need to scroll down in the sidebar to see it.

   Done

3. 

   Read the Battery Health line

   It shows one of two conditions. Normal means the battery is working normally. Service Recommended means it still works, but it holds less charge than when it was new.

   Done

4. Click the info button for details

   The small i next to the condition opens more battery health settings.

   Done

Good to know

With Service Recommended you can keep using the Mac. Apple says this does no harm. The Mac simply runs for a shorter time on one charge.

A battery replacement is done by Apple or an authorised service provider. Check the price on Apple's support site before you book.

Battery draining quickly although the health is Normal? See MacBook battery draining fast: 8 ways to make it last.

In short: System Settings, Battery, Battery Health: Normal or Service Recommended.