How to use Low Power Mode on a Mac

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Low Power Mode makes the Mac use less energy, so a MacBook runs longer on one charge. On some models it also keeps the fans quieter. The Mac may feel a little slower with heavy work.

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 and click Battery

   Click the Apple menu, then System Settings, then Battery in the sidebar.

   Done

2. 

   Open the Low Power Mode menu

   It is the first line on the Battery page. Our picture is from a MacBook Pro where it is set to Never.

   Done

3. Choose when it should be on

   Only on Battery saves energy when the MacBook is away from a socket and gives full speed at the desk. Always keeps it on all the time. Only on Power Adapter is for people who mainly want a cool, quiet Mac at the desk.

   Done

4. Newer Macs: use Energy Mode

   On recent models the Battery page has a menu called Energy Mode under On battery and another under On power adapter. Choose Low Power in the one you want.

   Done

5. Switch back

   Set the Low Power Mode menu to Never, or set Energy Mode to Automatic. Automatic is the normal setting, which balances energy use and performance.

   Done

Good to know

To see which mode is active, click the battery icon in the menu bar.

From macOS Sequoia 15.1 the power mode can also be changed in Control Centre on Macs with the Energy Mode menu.

Some MacBook Pro, Mac mini and Mac Studio models with a Pro or Max chip also offer High Power. It lets the fans run faster for long, heavy jobs such as video export.

Apple lists the models that have each mode on its support page.

On macOS Monterey and earlier the setting is in System Preferences, Battery.

In short: System Settings, Battery, Low Power Mode (or Energy Mode, Low Power).