You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Battery drain on MacBook pro using Zoom

The battery on my MacBook Pro drains quickly during Zoom calls. Is that normal? Two hours and I have to run and plug in!

MacBook Pro 13″, 11.3

Posted on May 21, 2021 10:31 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 21, 2021 10:36 AM

Zoom is Hard Work for any computer -- it is very CPU and GPU intensive.


That computer is a battery-CAPABLE device. It is not optimized as a battery-operated device.


Your computer performs best when connected to AC power. It can use the full output of the Power Adapter AND when doing especially challenging work will also freely "borrow" power from the battery. In some cases, even with the power adapter connected, the charged state may even decline during stressful work.


When used only on battery, your computer has no extra cushion of power, and will perform more slowly. However, for ordinary non-stressful tasks this may not be objectionable (possibly not even noticeable.)


In general, you should ALWAYS connect AC power when it is possible to do so, and only run on batteries (which will be somewhat slower) when no AC sources are at hand. There are three micro-controllers cooperating on battery and charging issues, and your Mac will NEVER over-charge.


You are unlikely to be walking around while on Zoom. Before you start your meeting, "plug it in!"


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 21, 2021 10:36 AM in response to Dianacorvallis

Zoom is Hard Work for any computer -- it is very CPU and GPU intensive.


That computer is a battery-CAPABLE device. It is not optimized as a battery-operated device.


Your computer performs best when connected to AC power. It can use the full output of the Power Adapter AND when doing especially challenging work will also freely "borrow" power from the battery. In some cases, even with the power adapter connected, the charged state may even decline during stressful work.


When used only on battery, your computer has no extra cushion of power, and will perform more slowly. However, for ordinary non-stressful tasks this may not be objectionable (possibly not even noticeable.)


In general, you should ALWAYS connect AC power when it is possible to do so, and only run on batteries (which will be somewhat slower) when no AC sources are at hand. There are three micro-controllers cooperating on battery and charging issues, and your Mac will NEVER over-charge.


You are unlikely to be walking around while on Zoom. Before you start your meeting, "plug it in!"


Battery drain on MacBook pro using Zoom

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.