Battery charging limited to 88% - how to fix?

[thecautioners]

Hello! I have an M2 Air that I used to use for work at a fairly traumatic WFH job. Since quitting the job at the end of the summer I have avoided my computer due to the bad associations with it. I have gotten over that and decided to start using it again and I've cleared a ton of old files.

I had Setapp installed and used aldente to limit the max charge. I have since wiped my computer clean of Setapp and aldente, but my battery remains at a max charge of 88%. I would LOVE to fix this. I even tried downloading the free version of aldente and set the max charge to 100% but that's not working.

I let the computer charge overnight and it only hit 88%. I tried another charger and the battery didn't increase in an hour and a half, so I don't think my charger is the problem. I do not have optimized charging turned on. I used to use the computer only at my desk with it plugged in 24/7, but now I would like the max charge so I can use it on my lap in the living room.

Please help me fix this should I download a trial of Setapp and try from aldente there? I've spent all morning trying to figure this out so any help is appreciated! Thanks

 

[IngoX]

I have since wiped my computer clean of Setapp and aldente,

How did you uninstall AlDente?

You probably need to remove the helper application, which can be done from within the app. Alternatively check that all associated files are deleted as instructed on the support page.

How to uninstall AlDente

 

[thecautioners]

How did you uninstall AlDente?

You probably need to remove the helper application, which can be done from within the app. Alternatively check that all associated files are deleted as instructed on the support page.

How to uninstall AlDente

Thanks! I did that and now I am waiting for it to charge via usbc. Currently at 82% so I'll see if it goes past 88%. Would MagSafe be faster? I have no idea where its original charger is so I'd have to get a new one if that would charge it faster.

 

[thecautioners]

How did you uninstall AlDente?

You probably need to remove the helper application, which can be done from within the app. Alternatively check that all associated files are deleted as instructed on the support page.

How to uninstall AlDente

This seems to have worked! I think I just have an underpowered charger/cable because it charges very slowly, but I stayed awake to see what it’d do and it went above 88%. Just letting it charge all night now. I’ll pick up a 40W brick and high speed cable so it doesn’t take 5 hours to jump 20% 😂 thanks again!

 

[IngoX]

Glad you worked it out!

I’ll pick up a 40W brick and high speed cable

The M2 Airs can fast charge with a power adapter with 67 W or above. A more powerful adapter will not damage the computer, it will only draw as much wattage as it can manage. The extra effect can be useful in a power brick with multiple ports so you can charge other accessories at the same time as you fast charge your mac.

Yes, the cable can be a limiting factor. You should look for what wattage the cable is rated for, but unfortunately many times it is not well stated by the manufacturer.

Would MagSafe be faster?

No, MagSafe port charges with same speed as the usb-c port on the Air.

Actually, on the 16” MBP with Extended Power Range you can charge with up to 240 W on it’s USB-ports providing you use a cable certified for EPR, wheras the MagSafe on that computer will charge at a maximum of 140 W since that is what Apples USB-C to MacSafe cable is certified to.

 

[thecautioners]

Glad you worked it out!

The M2 Airs can fast charge with a power adapter with 67 W or above. A more powerful adapter will not damage the computer, it will only draw as much wattage as it can manage. The extra effect can be useful in a power brick with multiple ports so you can charge other accessories at the same time as you fast charge your mac.

Yes, the cable can be a limiting factor. You should look for what wattage the cable is rated for, but unfortunately many times it is not well stated by the manufacturer.


No, MagSafe port charges with same speed as the usb-c port on the Air.

Actually, on the 16” MBP with Extended Power Range you can charge with up to 240 W on it’s USB-ports providing you use a cable certified for EPR, wheras the MagSafe on that computer will charge at a maximum of 140 W since that is what Apples USB-C to MacSafe cable is certified to.

Very helpful, thank you so much!

 

[Alameda]

To be honest, the laptop will probably last longer if you don’t charge it over 88%.