How to Fix macOS Sequoia Battery Drain

05Nov

Battery life is crucial, especially for mobile and Macbook users. Apple’s Low Power Mode, introduced in macOS Monterey, has been a valuable tool for extending battery life. With the lastest macOS Sequoia, this feature is even more accessible, directly available in the Battery menu.

Does macOS Sequoia drain the battery?

It depends. macOS Sequoia itself doesn’t have a built-in battery drain issue. However, it introduces new features and functionalities that can increase your Mac’s resource usage. As your Mac works harder, it consumes more battery power. This can lead to a perceived decrease in battery life compared to previous macOS versions.

Here’s a breakdown:

Increased Resource Demands: Sequoia utilizes more CPU, GPU, and other resources compared to older versions. This higher workload translates to higher battery consumption.
Hardware Compatibility: If you’re using an older Mac model, its hardware might not be optimized for Sequoia’s resource demands. This can lead to a more noticeable battery drain.
M4 MacBook Benefit: Recent models like the M4 MacBook Pro often have improved battery technology and efficiency. This can counterbalance the resource demands of Sequoia, resulting in good battery life.

How to fix macOS Sequoia battery drain?

If you’re noticing reduced battery life, here are several steps to help tackle the issue and optimize your system.

1. Start with the basics

Update macOS:
First, make sure you’re running the latest macOS Sequoia update. Apple often rolls out fixes for bugs, including those related to battery life. Go to System Preferences > Software Update and see if there’s an update waiting for you.
Restart Your Mac:
This one’s easy but often overlooked. A quick restart can sometimes clear out temporary issues affecting power management. Just click Apple Menu > Restart and see if things improve.

2. Check battery health and usage

Battery Health Check:
Head to System Preferences > Battery > Battery Health to see your battery’s condition. If it says “Normal”, you’re good. But if it’s showing “Service Recommended”, it might be time to get your battery checked by Apple.
Activity Monitor:
We recommend taking a look at Activity Monitor to see what might be draining your battery. Open Activity Monitor > Energy tab, and sort by Energy Impact. This will show you which apps and processes are using the most power. If something looks off (like a process using way more energy than expected), close it to save some juice.

3. Turn off background activity

Limit Background App Refresh:
Background processes can drain power, so disable or limit app refreshes in the background. In System Preferences > Battery > Power Adapter, you can uncheck Enable Power Nap to keep your Mac from performing certain tasks while sleeping.
Close Unused Apps and Browser Tabs:
Keep apps and browser tabs open only when you need them. Tabs, in particular, can sneakily use up battery if they’re running scripts or loading ads in the background.

4. Adjust energy settings

Optimize Display and Sleep Settings:
Go to System Preferences > Battery > Battery and adjust your settings here. Reducing the time before your Mac goes to sleep or dims the display can make a noticeable difference.
Enable Battery Health Management:
Battery Health Management is a feature designed to extend battery lifespan. You’ll find it under Battery > Battery Health. If this is off, try turning it on; it helps manage charge levels better over time.

5. Minimize power-hungry features

Lower Screen Brightness:
This is a classic tip, but it’s still one of the best. Lower your screen brightness to a comfortable level to save battery.
Turn Off Unused Connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Location Services):
If you don’t need these, turning them off is an easy way to stretch battery life a bit further. Disabling Bluetooth, in particular, can save a noticeable amount.

6. Turn off or adjust power-intensive features unique to Sequoia

Disable Dynamic Desktop Backgrounds:
We love dynamic desktops, but they do require extra power. If you’re noticing drain, go to System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver and pick a static background instead.
Reduce Animations and Motion:
This might not be for everyone, but reducing motion can help. Go to System Preferences > Accessibility > Display and check Reduce Motion.

7. Advanced solutions

Terminal Command
For those comfortable with Terminal, you can try a command to reset system management settings:
sudo pmset -a hibernatemode 25
This sets your Mac’s sleep mode to use less battery. Note: Always back up your data before making system changes in Terminal.
Using AlDente Pro
AlDente Pro allows you to set a charging limit (e.g., 80%) to reduce battery stress. This tool can prolong battery health by preventing full charges, which are harder on lithium-ion batteries.

8. Additional tips for persistent drain issues

Reset SMC (System Management Controller):
If battery drain issues persist, a more in-depth reset like resetting the SMC might be worth trying, especially if you’re on an Intel-based Mac. Apple’s Support site has detailed steps on this based on your model.
Reinstall macOS:
This is a bigger step, but if you’re still struggling after trying everything, a clean reinstall could help. Just remember to back up all your data first.

Extended: How AI technology impacts battery life?

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into software like macOS Sequoia, its impact on battery life needs consideration. Many AI features, such as enhanced Siri capabilities, on-device machine learning for photo/movie management, and proactive recommendations, rely on background processing, which can drain battery power.

However, macOS Sequoia offers granular control over AI features, allowing you to customize your experience and prioritize battery life. By disabling certain AI-powered functions—such as natural language photo search, memory movie creation, limiting Spotlight suggestions, and adjusting Focus Mode settings—you can limit battery drain without sacrificing essential functionality.

Remember, AI features can significantly enhance your user experience. By finding the right balance between convenience and battery life, you can enjoy the benefits of AI-powered features in macOS Sequoia without compromising your device’s performance.

Additionally, the efficiency of M3 and M4 chips, coupled with Apple’s ongoing software optimizations, can help mitigate the impact of AI on battery life.

FAQs

How can I monitor my battery usage in real-time?

The built-in Activity Monitor app provides detailed information about energy usage by processes and apps.

How long does a MacBook last on macOS Sequoia?

While there is no universal number, Apple devices tend to stick to the number that the manufacturer claims, at least for a couple of years. So, if you bought your MacBook in the last two years, you should expect the same battery life when running macOS Sequoia. In some cases, you can see an improved battery life on some devices.

What is the impact of external displays on battery life?

Using external displays can significantly drain battery life. Consider using them only when necessary and adjusting display settings to optimize power consumption.

Are there any hardware-related factors affecting battery life?

Factors like battery age, temperature, and physical damage can impact battery performance. Regularly check your battery’s health and consider replacing it if necessary.

Final words

We hope this guide has helped you address and fix the battery drain issues on macOS Sequoia. Implementing these solutions can significantly improve your Mac’s battery performance, especially if you have a more recent MacBook model. For older Macs, you may need to disable some features temporarily while waiting for Apple to release patches or consider upgrading to a newer model for optimal battery life.

Additionally, keeping an eye on your Mac’s temperature and battery health is essential. Consider using comprehensive system maintenance tools like Sensei or third-party system monitor apps such as iStat Menus to regularly check and maintain your Mac’s performance.

With a few tweaks and some patience, you can enjoy the latest features of macOS Sequoia without worrying about battery life. If problems persist, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance.

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