Keeping your Macbook battery healthy

Leaving a 2020 MacBook Air—or any device with a lithium-ion battery—uncharged for an extended time can harm its battery health and potentially cause permanent failure. This is primarily due to risks like deep discharge, where a battery’s voltage drops too low to recover, and ongoing self-discharge that slowly depletes power even when unused. Over time, chemical degradation also reduces battery capacity, especially if the device is left uncharged. To preserve battery health during long-term stora

Leaving a 2020 MacBook Air (and any device with a lithium-ion battery) uncharged for an extended period can be detrimental to its battery health and can eventually lead to failure.

Here's a breakdown of the key reasons: 

1. Deep Discharge and Irreversibility:
   • Lithium-ion batteries, when fully discharged and left in that state, can enter a deep discharge state.
   • In deep discharge, the battery's voltage drops below a critical point, and its internal chemistry can undergo irreversible changes, making it incapable of holding a charge. This means the battery may no longer respond to charging and essentially becomes unusable.
2. Self-Discharge:
   • All batteries, including lithium-ion, experience a gradual loss of charge over time, even when not in use. This is known as self-discharge.
   • While the self-discharge rate for lithium-ion batteries is relatively low compared to older battery technologies, it can still lead to a deep discharge if left unattended for a prolonged period.
3. Chemical Degradation:
   • Lithium-ion batteries naturally degrade over time, a process called calendar aging, even if not actively used or cycled.
   • This degradation involves unavoidable chemical side reactions within the battery's components, leading to a reduction in its capacity.
   • If the battery remains uncharged for a long time, these degradation processes can be exacerbated, further contributing to capacity loss and potential failure. 

Apple's recommendations for long-term storage

• Charge to around 50%: Do not fully charge or fully discharge the battery.
• Power down the device: Avoid additional battery use.
• Store in a cool, moisture-free environment: Ideally, less than 90° F (32° C).
• Recharge to 50% every six months: If storing for longer than six months. 

By following these recommendations, you can help minimize the risk of battery failure when storing your MacBook Air for extended periods.