14 Things You Can Do To Make Your MacBook Last Longer

[@estradaj777]

Great videos , support this guy he’s a great person that seems to care for the community.

[@MayTheSchwartzBeWithYou]

My 2010 MacBook Pro is still going strong (and looking like almost brand new) 11 years later. It always saddens me when I see people mindlessly mistreating their electronics. So many products would last so much longer if people would just be more conscientious about how they use them. I've never actually had an electronic (phone/tablet/laptop) die on me; they should become technologically obsolete long before they actually become dysfunctional. People who like to complain about how none of their stuff lasts are saying more about their usage habits than they're saying about the products they purchased.

[@juanvera4122]

I still have a Toshiba laptop from 2014 and it still works.

[@MayTheSchwartzBeWithYou]

Just wanted to provide an update that 11 months after I made my comment, my 2010 MBP is still kicking ass (well, as much as a 2010 laptop can).

[@stevenkay5441]

@@MayTheSchwartzBeWithYou My 2010 17" MBP is also still working. I bought a 2021, but refuse to subscribe to Adobe CC, so I still use the old horse for graphics!

[@lewis72]

I have a mid-2010 17" MacBook Pro ( 2.8 GHz ). It developed a fault back in about 2017, so I bought a 15" mid-2015 MacBook Pro. Still using the latter and its excellent. ( 16Gb RAM. ). I got the 2010 Pro fixed (needed a new internal board) and do use it occasionally but it really needs an SSD instead of the HDD to speed it up.

[@MayTheSchwartzBeWithYou]

@@lewis72 Yup, I've got my mid-2010 13" equipped with a SSD and maxed out RAM (I think 16GB). And I hooked it up to a nice big 1080p display, so it makes for a very nice experience.

[@ASTMA193]

I have a great tip: keep watching these videos. This guy is fantastic. Thank you, Gary. I always look forward to your videos :)

[@ithinkaboutthings9052]

I was doing this when I got my MacBook Pro in 2013. The only issues? I’ve “lost” GarageBand because it’s no longer available in Catalina & it was getting pretty warm from the iMovie load. A 5” usb fan we had lying around fixed that. Apple needs to be sending Gary a monthly check because he explains everything in the simplest terms for those of us who are slow with technology.

[@Nutwigg1]

Professor Gary - thank you so much for these great tips. My Mac is pretty stationary and has been in the same exact spot from when I first purchased it 1 year ago. A couple things I do: I keep my MacBook Pro closed and covered with a small kitchen towel to keep dust off of it. My MacBook still looks new. Secondly, I never keep food or drink anywhere near my MacBook. I’m amazed at how many people eat food or drink beverages near their machines or even while using it. The better practice is to eat / drink elsewhere - even if a few feet away from the machine.

[@thinhphan2669]

Some even smoke near their machine. These folks are on another level…

[@stevenchloe1]

As usual, helpful advice. Tip number 11 - keeping your keyboard clean. This is hard as my screen touches the keys dirtying my screen, so I started using a 11"x14" sheet of paper cut to fit the screen. I slip it onto the keys before closing the screen lid and any dirt on the keys does not get to my screen - my screen remains clean except for the odd bit of dust. Try it, you're welcome!

[@adrianzorrilla5119]

Thank you Gary, very valuable advice you're giving us here. Very appreciated!

[@Wireless-Darwin]

I'm here because I reminded myself to rewatch this video 6 months ago when I bought a new mac. Totally worth it. I'm reminding me in one year from now to watch it again.

[@WowRixter]

What are your thoughts on leaving your laptop plugged in 24x7. Is that hard on the battery or are there enough smarts build in that you'll never overcharge?

[@govindpatil8875]

Thanks , another thing to add , Use Macbook on hard and clean surface .( not on bed , mattress , soft cloths .

[@TillmanTech]

OCD. I have it. My Macs last a long time. Great channel!

[@mediaperson4190]

I have exactly the same cover as you have, but the problem i faced was when i kept my MacBook plugged in whole day, it got really hot. So i removed the bottom cover but kept the top cover on and used a laptop cooler fan. It solved most of the heating problem.

[@ithinkaboutthings9052]

Mine started heating up when using iMovie. I looked at several cooling systems on Amazon, but decided to try a small usb fan we had lying around. Problem solved.

[@RWBHere]

Thanks Gary. All excellent advice. My MacBooks have always lasted well during my ownership of them. One went to another owner after 9 years of daily use, still with its first battery, with a cycle count of around 350, and in perfect condition. It came back to me 3 years later, needing a new battery and keyboard, and without its protective case. Thankfully, it had lived on a desk with a fairly soft surface, and had been put into a bag when not in use. But 3 years of not so careful ownership had left what had been a pristine MBP having gained scratches around the peripheral connectors, a small dent in the lid, greasy keyboard marks on the screen, and liquid damage to the keyboard itself. The first things I did were to check that it works with an external keyboard, wipe the OS and replace it, clean the screen, and buy it a new protective case. That keyboard replacement is in hand, with a new one here for it, but it's going to be hours of fiddly work, when I find time to do the job; we'll beyond economical repair for the average owner. Thankfully, it will have a new life soon, running current versions of Linux Mint, as it has done for 5 years already. It will replace my workshop circa 2001 G3 iMac DV - which still looks new, works well, and runs Debian Linux dual-booting alongside OS X Tiger.

[@jimterrinoni6781]

Gary, good advice about planning to replace your MacBook battery about halfway through its lifecycle. This is something I should have done multiple times before. TY for the tip. I’m going to plan it in on this MacBook. A tip for you about cables: As careful as one can be the power cord adapter ending seems to eventually wear out(and I NEVER pull by the cord, always gently by the plug.) A solution: Locktite makes a “Stretch & Wrap” clear tape that fuses to itself(not so much to the item.) I is tricky to get used to applying, because you want it to stick to the cable, yet you are “wrapping” the cable. Cut a small piece and “stretch” it around the cable until it overlaps itself, then push the overlapping tape pieces together. This will extend to thicker plastic ending at the adapter end (FireWire) giving a longer transition for tension area and more area to grab without putting pressure on the connection between cable and adapter. If you want it thicker, then apply a second strip on top of the shorter secured strip. Remember, it fuses to itself so you don’t want to wrap it around without stretching it. The product is called Go2Wrap. It is clear and with proper installation it will lengthen the life of your adapter endings.

[@Jimgoodwin846]

Thanks Gary this was a timely video for me since I just received my new 15” MacBook Air. My previous MacBook Air was a 2018 model and I was able to trade it back to Apple since I took care not to damage it. Thanks again for your wonderful videos.

[@debbieorshonsky8799]

I had a Mac 2011. Bought new Mac and have old one to daughter. Original battery was still able to use 2 to 3 hours before having to charge.

[@audrahamilton28]

Thanks Gary, all points are a must. Especially 1-3

[@JustinMacri007]

We're can I reach Gary?

[@ketfeszeres]

Taking care of the hinges is important indeed. I've used two Thinkpads until the hinges broke, I changed them, then the frame broke near the hinges, I fixed then boring and screwing parts together, until they completely fell apart. The Thinkpads are still working apart from the hinges. So with my next laptop, I started not to close the lid every time I stop to use it or move it to the next room, I just leave it open all the time. It means 10 or more times less stress to the hinges, thus I expect it to fall apart not in 5-10 but in 50-100 years. So I recommend not to stess the hinges all the time, just when it is really needed. One more thing, the hinges on my wife's Dell Latitude are easily adjustable by removing a little cover and grabbing the nut with pliers. The lid moved quite hard, so I loosened the nut a little bit and added a drop of oil. Now closing the lid stresses the hinges and the frames much less.

[@johnburgess4561]

Tremendous advice, Gary. Sounds a little over the top but I treat my MacBook like it is part of the family :)

[@KR-nm6wm]

I bought a new Mac and immediately decided to social distance and wear a mask... this way, my Mac will last forever and I can skip washing my hands. For those of you averse to social distancing and mask wearing, these are a great second option. Best of luck to all and Gary thank you. By far one of the best KZbinrs... no fluff, just great content!

[@juanvera4122]

I want to thank you because I have been using my  exclusively on it's battery. I was scared that it would over charge and saw a video from someone that was giving out bad old advice as you were talking about.

[@jhill4071]

The polycarbonate IPEARL covers have been on three of our MBP, the latest being a late 16-in 2019 Model 2141 w/Touch Bar. I like them for two reasons. The first is perfect fit leaving lots of open area for the essential air flow and the second being the fold down back legs to help a little with the fans when they start up. They also provide a thin iffy plastic cover for the key board. Didn't help much with that merserable 2013 butterfly key board.

[@mm0dk0ur]

Thank you Gary for the very useful video, as usual great content. Appreciate your advice, as I am little bit confused about the battery, shall I leave it plugged 24×7 as possible or shall I disconnect once battery reaches 100% till it goes down around 10% or so, appreciate ur kind advice and thoughts as many conflicting messages I see from different sources?

[@macmost]

If you are at a power source all the time, leave it plugged in. The Battery Health functions of your MacBook will take care of the rest. No need to micromanage your battery power like that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4eygWB6r5KJZq8

Thanks and Congratulations Gary. Very, very, very good this video, full of great and useful recommendations. I'm sorry that, in Porto, Portugal, I can't use the Genius Bar, when necessary, since, unfortunately, we still don't have any of the beautiful Apple Stores here...

[@jpl10fe9]

Thank you! I'm new to macbooks and all apple products and your videos really help!

[@nuwanabeykoon3823]

Very useful tips. Thank you

[@MrMint727]

Gary, you're the man! I do have a question about the battery though - as far as leaving it on power or unplugging it. I am so confused about this issue bc I have read conflicting advice online and have been trying to get a straight answer for what feels like years for all my devices. I have a 2017 MacBookPro and I understand the technology is ever-changing, so maybe the reason for the conflicting advice is because of previous-generation of batteries? I don't know, man. But, if I'm working from home, or using it to watch a movie, I should leave it on the charger 100% of the time when I'm able? Is overcharging it not a thing anymore? I was told when I bought this sucker to try and keep the % between 20%-80%? wtf? Same with my iPhone & iWatch. Once anything reaches 100% or close, I unplug it and let it run down again. Is this not the best for lithium batteries anymore? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, guys!

[@RawFitChris]

I, too would love this super controversial question about the battery answered!

[@ashyus]

Did you figure it out? Kindly share your views on it, if yes!

[@nicholaspaul2458]

Great practical advice. These topics are very useful. Thanks!

[@indikaudayasaranga988]

Thank you for your great information. And as per the fact 5, is it ok to keep plug in even the battery is 100 % ?

[@macmost]

Yes. Let macOS manage the battery.

[@khill50able]

Great Advice. Thanks!

[@chezchezchezchez]

How about leaving the damn thing in clamshell mode. I don’t think you mentioned that at all in the video. Get an external keyboard and use that primarily save the built-in keyboard for when you actually need it. Same thing with a mouse

[@axion8788]

Another good one. Sometimes common sense just isn't that common.

[@ithinkaboutthings9052]

So many people just seem to be fine being rough with not cheap things, then complaining about poor quality. I don’t like complaining and throwing away money. I try to take care of my things.

[@DannyBey_]

This was a really good and informative video! I’ll keep these in mind

[@roddunne]

Wish I'd seen this before :( I've one busted port from accidentally dropping my MacBook on a table with the cable still attached. One suggested addition - be careful what you clean the screen with as the anti-glare coating can come off in time.

[@Leinsterbaby]

With a strap on case, doesn’t mess with heat though? Mine is a M1 model so I’m hardly one to talk about it, but still. I found that with a hard shell case on, the dongles that stick in to both ports have a hard time getting in there and you need the one with a wire.

[@fredrichenning1367]

Hello Gary! I keep my MacBook plugged in 24/7, since I use it exclusively as a desktop computer. No harm to the battery, then?

[@Blemji]

Thanks my man

[@stephenvictor8961]

I appreciate you and your work! Thank you.

[@phairot-ou4eu]

What about film ? I have problem with sand that left when I close it ,it made Mac get a dead pixels . Should it get a film I afraid it not enough room for it.

[@Paul.Woodcraft]

Regarding the USB I found a magnetic fitting that can charge the Mac although obviously not suitable for data. To protect the keyboard a Bluetooth Keyboard & Mouse when using at a desk is also easier to use.

[@guitarsoundsaround]

Good day Gary, Thank you for Mac videos. You’re the only channel I watch to learn from. You may have a video out, but I cannot find it. BATTERY CARE: My question is this, I bought a brand new MacBook Pro 17” (thanks to you). I am always around a electrical plug and rarely need to use the battery. Should I drain the battery from time to time, or is it better to just stay plugged in. (Does it hurt it more to overcharge) I want this one to last for a long time. And when it comes to care, I treat mine like a newborn baby. (and use all these same tips, even the clean hands tip like religion) There isn’t really much info on how to preserve/ or proper care for batteries out of the box. Thank you again Gary!

[@macmost]

No need to drain the battery unnecessarily. It won't overcharge. kzbin.info/www/bejne/haWWk62BgMytppo

[@aveerajsharma]

Thanks, really helpful for such costly devices ☺️

[@denhamk]

Good tips! Would love to know how I can not get the keyboard marks on my screen 😓 why would it happen I wonder. Get sick of cleaning the screen so often because of the keyboard marks on the screen.

[@macmost]

Do you have anything on your MacBook like a case? Do you commonly put something on top of your closed MacBook? Perhaps your model (you never mention) is just more susceptible to this. Some are better than others.

[@denhamk]

@@macmost using the 2019 MacBook 16”.. never used a keyboard case at any point.. just wondering if it’s the heat generated from the keyboard after use that just makes a mark on the screen when I close the lid. And it goes straight into my backpack

[@macmost]

@@denhamk Not heat, just touching. If there is too much pressure against the screen that pushes it a tiny bit into the keyboard. Maybe how it is sitting in your backpack?

[@MaiElizabeth]

I always use cover. I understand a lot of people think they HAVE TO show off their expensive stuffs to people. I don't see it that way.

[@desertpatient]

Thanks bunches

[@frhwebmaster]

You’re preaching to the choir with me; but many need to do these things. For example, a 2014 MBP that I handed down to my son, has well under 400 cycle counts! Why? Because it’s always plugged it and only removed from power when traveling or using elsewhere.

[@loisskiathitis8926]

Awesome tips today. Great video. Thank you, Gary!👍🏻👏❤️

[@iamveenie]

Is it OK to use macbook on power instead of battery as it will be continuously draining n charging at the same time?

[@macmost]

Yes. Absolutely. It won't do that -- macOS and the hardware know how to properly use the battery. It won't be draining and charging like that.

[@mgnrvnn4199]

Thank you for the advice! I got my MacBook 3 months ago and had a keyboard cover on the whole time 😩. I will need to get used to removing it every time I close my MacBook! Also, for some reason I always thought it would be bad for the battery to keep the power adapter plugged in even after 100%, so I always removed it from the power as soon as it hit 100% 🤦

[@reyreyes6126]

thanks!

[@sayedabdullah7412]

Hey Gary, I really appreciate your work. Actually I needed help with a problem. I have a MacBook and I mostly use the trackpad but sometimes for my work I have to use the mouse and trackpad at the same time. the problem is that the scroll direction differs from the trackpad. I tried to change the direction of the mouse but the scroll direction of both of them gets change. Can you help me with that?

[@davidtang1828]

Would keeping an iPhone on the charger if it is just at your desk also be best for preserving the battery and making it last?

[@careydunn8227]

What about Imac desktop? I have a late 2015 retna 5k 27 inch. running 11.5.2 thanks

[@Absque]

Question: is it ok to use the macbook plugged in or charging all the time even id it says battery is full?

[@macmost]

Yes, of course. Your Mac will handle it. Keep it plugged in while you sleep and whenever else it is convenient, like on your desk. Use the battery when that is more convenient. kzbin.info/www/bejne/haWWk62BgMytppo

[@chezchezchezchez]

0:32. I disagree with you 1000% on this one. You save a ton of money by getting an external thunderbolt fast SSD I bought a 4 TB SSD for like $250. It’s smoking fast you can keep all your photos/videos on there. Why in the world would you pay Apple when it cost five times the amount for storage space?

[@macmost]

A lot of people wouldn't want to take an ultra-portable MacBook and make it not-ultra-portable by adding an external drive. That would be horrible for a lot of people, including me. Not to mention how it would affect the battery life when you don't have power. Plus, the external drive may be fast, but still not as fast as the internal. Plus, you can't use the external for iCloud Drive cache, which a lot of people rely on. It sounds like you have come up with a good solution for yourself to save a few bucks, but there are downsides that would affect other people.

[@chezchezchezchez]

@@macmost it’s so small and light, I carry the laptop around the house while it DANGLES off the side. It doesn’t come close to making my laptop non-portable

[@RawFitChris]

I'm glad Gary said I could leave my Macbook plugged in. Nobody ever told me I could do that.

[@RamMohammadJosephKaur]

Please make a video on how to add subtitles to Quicktime player

[@fero___3005]

Sir I'm using early 2015 MacBook Pro already my Power count is 460 , I usually work in desk but I will charge it when it reaches 20% ..should I plug in all day is there any problem cause many KZbin says not to plug in cause your Mac's battery will be swollen please do reply me .IT WILL BE HELPFUL FOR ME & OTHERS

[@macmost]

Every time you run the battery from 100% to 20% and then charge it, that is 0.8 cycles. Someone advising to "not plug it in" is just wrong. You wouldn't be using cycles if it was plugged in. macOS manages the battery. Just keep it plugged in when convenient (at your desk, at night, etc) and use the battery when it is not convenient to plug it in. You'll also get better performance with AC power instead of the battery.

[@fero___3005]

@@macmost Yeah I can see the power source is in power adaptor so no problem Thanks Sir

[@johnconstable8512]

ty gary!

[@vndry.0]

very helpful

[@waseabi5220]

If you have your MB plugged in while using it, is it better than letting the battery drain for a few hours then charge it?? Ive never heard this talked about, just not to have it constantly plugged in when not using it

[@macmost]

No. Don't try to micromanage your battery. The system already does things to optimize. kzbin.info/www/bejne/haWWk62BgMytppo

[@yureetrata2390]

Hey Gary, im your avid fan. Regarding battery, when you say use the battery needlessly when you can use the power, does it mean that i can just use my laptop for 8hours (work) while 's charging?

[@macmost]

Yes. If there is power nearby and you can plug in, when why waste battery cycles? You'll just age your battery faster.

[@SC-kq9zf]

fully agreed, life comes from caring. wellsaid.

[@benhbr]

What‘s the point of having no scratches on your MacBook if you always keep it in a case anyway?

[@harryhellerman474]

My MacBook Air thanks you.

[@jamesshrouds4130]

Do you know of any company that will make a cover with one of your own photos on it for a 13” M1 MacBook Pro?

[@macmost]

I've never seen that, sorry. Probably are a few companies I'd image though.

[@yusuf5703]

3:07 so i need to keep my mac charge all the time?

[@dravidian667]

even using a case on a macbook is not adviceable as that puts extra pressure on the hinge while opening which could break stuff. the tolerances are too tight

[@macmost]

A case is a trade off. I would definitely have scratches and such on my MacBook without a case. But I get the lightest one I can.

[@Resist4]

The problem is that MacBooks are so expensive now that most of us can't afford a bigger SSD because Apple charges way too much and soldered everything in so we can't upgrade them ourselves. Since most people use their MacBook mostly as a desktop computer they don't need a snap on case, because it's not like carrying around an iPhone. But a sleeve case is a very good idea. I hate that Apple got rid of the magnetic power cable, that saved me numerous times from breaking the connector. But thankfully their power cable is thicker than on previous Macs. I disagree with you about not keeping a keyboard cover on the Mac with the lid closed. As long as it's an ultra thin cover not made of silicone, like the Moshi Clearguard, it won't press against the display. I have had one on an older MacBook Pro for 11 years with no issues, not even one mark on the screen.

[@robertkiefer8967]

Are you sure about running the MacBook on power instead of battery? My older MacBooks got used both ways pretty evenly. I bought an iPad to function only to control my lights, cameras, etc... it stayed plugged in 100% of the time. It's battery died completely within 3 years. I'm now using a MacBook Air for the same functions as the iPad but I plug it in at night and unplug it in the morning and it stays open and on all day long.

[@pineappleroad]

i remember my sister used to completly discharge (well, run it down till the low battery warning comes up, then plug it in) the battery on her laptop every now and then (she had heard that doing that helps to extend the life of the battery) and i have heard that leaving a battery fully charged for an extended period of time will harm the battery (i would personally not keep a device has rechargable batteries plugged in for more than 24 to 48 hours continuiously, unless of course the device is specifically designed to be connected to power all the time, which phones, tablets, and laptops are most certainly not) i had a toshiba laptop at one point, and i did the same thing as my sister did with her laptop (athough i may have used the battery a bit more often than my sister), and the battery lasted more than 5 years without needing replacing

[@robertkiefer8967]

@@pineappleroad thanks for your input. I've never had a laptop that had the opportunity to stay plugged in all the time like this one does. I remember reading somewhere that you should discharge the battery down to 20% and then fully recharge it once a month, I think that was for a phone. After watching this video I decided to split the difference and am now doing a full discharge once a week.

[@BerndKircher]

my last 4 mac books (pro, air) survived apple's support period for the OS :-(

[@edravtv4367]

Protect mac from thieves. How I wish they put slot for cable lock in the future

[@Misiek-oc7bu]

there is a reason why so little people have plastic cases on their macbooks, they look awful af. highly recommend a sleeve for sure

[@macmost]

I would guess it is because it is extra steps to put a sleeve on and take it off all the time. I move from place to place in my home and after 5 minutes I would just forget the sleeve somewhere and it would be pointless. Plus, a sleeve doesn't help you when you are using your MacBook, only when transporting it. People want to prevent the little scratches you may get while using it.

[@ashishsaxena7671]

Another tip use a good screen cleaner to clean the MacBook screen as I do with whoosh screen shine. 😀

[@macmost]

I use whoosh too, but sparingly. Dry cloth when that is enough. Be very careful using anything else. Avoid alcohol, ammonia or anything else harsh.

[@alisajuii]

I got MacBook Air 2015, I couldn’t add Lao language to my laptop

[@jun_suzuki42]

DO NOT buy Space Grey MacBook if you have sweaty palms, otherwise the palm rest on the MacBook will start to discolor over time. Mine already discolored within a year of usage despite wiping my MacBook clean every day.

[@JoeCannon1]

This is off topic but do you know why quicken for mac doesn't make a sound when transitions are entered? The windows version does. Do you know of a workaround for this?

[@macmost]

I would contact Quicken support for an answer on that. Perhaps it just doesn't do that in the Mac version?

[@JoeCannon1]

@@macmost Thanks so much

[@butterfliesinmybrain]

Get the case, not the sleeve!! I used to think only the sleeve was enough until... I had the 12'' macbook and it was open on my desk, right in front of me when suddenly my cat jumps on the table (like she does all the times) and softly rubs her head on the corner of the open computer and it was enough to throw it on the floor (the damn thing was veery light! congrats, apple). Even being right in front of it, everything happened so fast that I couldn't do anything. The screen was completely broke (and it was a short fall). It would cost so much to repair, but the Apple guy found out a dead pixel on it, which qualified me for the free screen replacement program! :D Happy ending. As soon as I got my repaired macbook, I bought a case. It made the notebook less slippery and more resistant. I learned my lesson after that.

[@knockshinnoch1950]

Great common sense advice. I just cannot understand why anyone would pay a premium price for such a quality product only to abuse it!

[@ebutuoy6701]

I would like to add a 15th suggestion to make your MacBook last longer… do not sit on it. 🤦🏻‍♀️ (luckily I realized immediately and the only consequence seems to be a slight crackling with high pitch sounds).

[@jmb00drg]

Are there a few brands or suggestions you can make regarding a good cover to buy? Do you generally buy these online?

[@macmost]

I always buy online as any store is only going to have a tiny selection compared to what you can find online. No recommendations for a brand. Just look at reviews.

[@akshatjain5394]

I am using a silicone keyboard cover for macbook air M1 and I don’t think it will break or scratch the screen

[@illcodino]

Great video, to late for me :(

[@luckyphakula]

Put a dent on my M1 Air eish 😞

[@emanuel_soundtrack]

pay attention when you cl0se it

[@iteddie9202]

That wasn’t much gary

[@macmost]

What would you have like to have seen added?

[@KR-nm6wm]

In a nutshell... treat your new Mac like a new girlfriend.