Constant charge when on monitor

[ajf.350d]

I hope this is the right sub forum to post this.
Recently purchased a new monitor for my MacBook Pro, which can be connected via USB-C.
This seemed the best option as it charges as well, but how is the best way of also managing the fact it constantly sends power even when battery is 100%?
Some seem to say this isn't an issue.
I've also seen Al Dente for controlling battery state.

What do you all do in this instance?

 

[iMacDragon]

Laptop won't take more power than it needs to charge/run, it's no different to being plugged into regular charger. If thinking like water, electricity supply is like pipe, and laptops charging controller is like tap that only opens up to let as much of the supply through as needed.

But if you want to be always plugged in and don't trust the inbuilt auto management then Al Dente is probably the option.

 

[JPack]

As mentioned above, this is no different than if plugged in power adapter.

If you keep it plugged in long enough, the MacBook will put charging on hold and discharge the battery to 70-80%.

 

[ajf.350d]

Thanks both.
Constant charge was perhaps the wrong term. I meant it will keep it at 100% constantly.
@JPack I hadn’t realised though that the MacBook would manage it to the degree it discharges after a while, so I’ll carry on for now and see what it does.

 

[Homy]

Thanks both.
Constant charge was perhaps the wrong term. I meant it will keep it at 100% constantly.
@JPack I hadn’t realised though that the MacBook would manage it to the degree it discharges after a while, so I’ll carry on for now and see what it does.

No, don't carry on. It takes time for MacOS to learn to stop charging beyond 80% and it doesn't always work. Al Dente is the best solution. You don't even have to buy the full version. I'm in the same situation and was worried too but Al Dente solved everything easily.

 

[kevcube]

No, don't carry on. It takes time for MacOS to learn to stop charging beyond 80% and it doesn't always work. Al Dente is the best solution. You don't even have to buy the full version. I'm in the same situation and was worried too but Al Dente solved everything easily.

did al dente actually "solve" anything besides your worrying? I think OP and everyone else is fine to just set it and forget it.

 

[JPack]

Thanks both.
Constant charge was perhaps the wrong term. I meant it will keep it at 100% constantly.
@JPack I hadn’t realised though that the MacBook would manage it to the degree it discharges after a while, so I’ll carry on for now and see what it does.

It may take 1-2 weeks for it to kick in, especially if the device is new. But it'll get there.

 

[Homy]

It may take 1-2 weeks for it to kick in, especially if the device is new. But it'll get there.

Not always. Never have worked on my iPhone since I got it in 2019 and not on my MBP for 4 weeks either before I got Al Dente so why wait when Al Dente works just fine from the start.

 

[Homy]

did al dente actually "solve" anything besides your worrying? I think OP and everyone else is fine to just set it and forget it.

Optimized Battery Charging never have worked on my iPhone since I got it in 2019 and not on my MBP for 4 weeks either before I got Al Dente so why wait when Al Dente works just fine from the start.

 

[BadMacRumours]

FruitJuice also works well

 

[JPack]

Not always. Never have worked on my iPhone since I got it in 2019 and not on my MBP for 4 weeks either before I got Al Dente so why wait when Al Dente works just fine from the start.

Sounds like something defective, maybe with your monitor's USB-C output. Every Apple Silicon Mac I've used and set up for our organization supports it.

iPhone will never put charging on hold the way Mac does.

 

[iMacDragon]

iPhone will never put charging on hold the way Mac does.

No, but it can put it on temporary hold overnight charging till near morning when it gets into pattern.

 

[Fishrrman]

iMacDragon wrote:
"Laptop won't take more power than it needs to charge/run, it's no different to being plugged into regular charger."

It doesn't seem to work that way in real life.
There are many instances of folks who left their MBP's plugged in "all the time", and ended up with swollen batteries as a result.

I would much prefer a USBc display that offers the option of either delivering "charging power" through the USBc cable, or the option of turning that feature completely OFF.

Or... in lieu of that... a "special" USBc cable that carries "data only" -- i.e., that DOES NOT carry bus power (and hence won't deliver constant voltage to the MBP).

There used to be "power-insulated" firewire cables like this, for those who needed them in some instances.

But... I haven't seen such a cable in the USB format yet.

My opinion only.
Others will disagree.
Some will disagree vehemently.

 

[ajf.350d]

Just to add as well in response to @Fishrrman that would potentially be a good idea, although could just as easily use HDMI?
Part of my issue also stems from using the MacBook in clamshell mode, which in Apples infinite wisdom, apparently only works when on mains power.
This could all be solved much easier if Apple dropped that requirement. I’ve never found any Windows laptops that require power when used closed.