Mac OS X v10.6: About the Battery menu bar extra for portable Macs

Mac OS X v10.6: About the Battery menu bar extra for portable Macs

  • Last Modified: August 27, 2009
  • Article: HT3782

Summary

Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard includes an improved Battery menu bar extra for portable Macs. The Battery menu bar extra provides information about the condition of the battery, as well the amount of time remaining on the current charge, the current active power source, and any current charge status details.

Products Affected

Mac OS X 10.6

Within the Battery menu bar extra in Mac OS X v10.6, you may see one of these messages:

  • Replace Soon
  • Replace Now
  • Check Battery
     

About "Replace Soon"

If you see "Replace Soon" in the Battery menu, the battery may still be usable and hold some charge, however, you might consider battery replacement. If the battery in the Mac portable is removable, try removing and reseating it. Make sure the power cord is connected to your computer and a power outlet. If the battery is not removable, it may be necessary to reset the System Management Controller (SMC).

If "Replace Soon" continues to appear after reseating the battery or resetting the SMC, consider replacing the battery or taking the computer to an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
 

About "Replace Now" and "Check Battery"

If a Mac portable's battery is unable to hold a charge for long (or at all), the Battery menu will display either a "Replace Now" or "Check Battery" alert. If you see this, and if the battery in the Mac portable is removable, try removing and reseating it. Make sure the power cord is connected to your computer and a power outlet. If the battery is not removable, it may be necessary to reset the System Management Controller (SMC).

Your portable Mac's battery may need to be inspected and/or replaced if the issue persists.

Additional Information

To learn more about Apple battery technology and read helpful tips about maximizing your portable Mac's battery, click here.

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