How to check laptop battery cycle count on Mac

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To check the battery cycle count on a Mac laptop, you can access the System Information tool or use the Terminal application. This information helps you understand the health and longevity of your battery.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before checking your laptop's battery cycle count, ensure you meet the following requirements.
  • •A Mac laptop running macOS (version-specific instructions provided below).
  • •Administrator access to your Mac to view system information.
  • •No additional software is required, as the tools are built into macOS.

Method 1: Using System Information

This method is straightforward and suitable for most users to check the battery cycle count.
  • •Step 1: Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
  • •Step 2: Select 'About This Mac' from the dropdown menu.
  • •Step 3: In the window that appears, click on 'System Report...' to open the System Information app.
  • •Step 4: In the left sidebar, scroll down and select 'Power'.
  • •Step 5: Look for 'Cycle Count' in the right pane under the 'Battery Information' section.
  • •Step 6: Verify the cycle count displayed; it indicates how many charge cycles your battery has completed.
  • •Step 7: If you cannot find the cycle count, ensure your Mac is a model that supports this feature (generally, all MacBook models from 2009 onward).

For macOS Monterey and Later

The steps remain largely the same, but the interface may have slight visual changes.
  • •In 'About This Mac', the 'System Report...' option may have a different layout but will still lead you to the same Power section.
  • •Look for updated battery metrics that may be available in newer versions.

For macOS Big Sur and Earlier

The method is consistent across these versions, but the visual elements may differ slightly.
  • •Ensure that you are looking for the 'Cycle Count' under the same 'Power' section.

Method 2: Using Terminal

For users comfortable with command-line tools, Terminal provides a quick way to check the battery cycle count.
  • •Step 1: Open Terminal by searching for it in Spotlight (press Command + Space and type 'Terminal').
  • •Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter: `system_profiler SPPowerDataType`.
  • •Step 3: Look for 'Cycle Count' in the output; it will be listed along with other battery information.
  • •Step 4: If the command does not work, ensure you have typed it correctly and that your Terminal is functioning properly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while checking the battery cycle count, consider the following solutions.
  • •Error: 'No Battery Information Available' - Solution: Ensure your Mac is a laptop model with a battery; desktop Macs will not display this information.
  • •Issue: 'System Report' not opening - Fix: Restart your Mac and try again; if the issue persists, check for macOS updates.
  • •Problem: Terminal command not recognized - Workaround: Ensure you are using the correct syntax and check your Terminal settings.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For power users, here are some tips to enhance your experience.
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Command + Space - Quickly opens Spotlight for easy access to applications like Terminal.
  • •Command line: `pmset -g batt` - Provides a quick overview of battery status and cycle count in Terminal.
  • •Hidden feature: Battery Health Management - Access this in System Preferences > Battery > Battery Health to optimize battery lifespan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

Regularly monitoring your battery cycle count can help you anticipate when to replace your battery for optimal performance.