I have my iPad set to charge up to 80% and then stop charging. With this setting, is it ok for me to leave the iPad plugged in when using it near a plug or should I use it on battery as much as possible prior to recharging to 80%?
At this point, I’m using my iPad 90% or more of the time for my work, hence the question. Thanks in advance for any advice!
I think keeping it plugged is fine. That’s what I am doing with Mac, it’s plugged most of the time.
I also keep my devices at 80% this really helps prolonging battery life.
How are you keeping them at 80%?
Eyeball? App? or is there a setting?
Below is for Mac. I think it would be the same for iPad and iPhones too.
Keeping your MacBook Pro plugged in all the time versus allowing it to discharge depends on how you use the device and your priorities for battery health versus convenience. Here’s a breakdown:
Lithium-Ion Batteries: Your MacBook Pro uses a lithium-ion battery, which is designed to go through charge cycles (from 100% to 0% and back to 100%). These batteries have a finite number of charge cycles before their capacity starts to degrade.
Optimal Charging Practice: It’s generally good for battery health to occasionally let your MacBook discharge to around 20-30% and then charge it back to 80-100%. This helps keep the battery’s chemistry balanced. However, it’s not necessary to do this frequently.
Keeping it Plugged In: If you primarily use your MacBook Pro at a desk and it’s plugged in most of the time, macOS is designed to manage the charging process to minimize battery wear. The system may keep the battery charged at around 80% or lower if it detects that you keep it plugged in consistently, which is known as “Optimized Battery Charging.”
Portability and Convenience: If you rely on your MacBook’s portability and often need it to be fully charged, keeping it plugged in might be more convenient. However, you could occasionally disconnect it to ensure it goes through a full charge cycle every week or two.
Heat Management: Keeping your MacBook plugged in while performing intensive tasks (like gaming or video editing) can cause the device to generate more heat, which could affect battery longevity. In such cases, it might be better to unplug it or at least keep it on a cool, hard surface.
Use Optimized Battery Charging: Ensure this feature is enabled in your macOS settings. It will help manage charging automatically to prolong battery life.
Occasional Discharge: Every week or two, let your MacBook discharge down to 20-30%, then recharge it. This can help maintain the battery’s health.
Avoid Full Discharges: Regularly letting the battery drop to 0% can strain it. Aim to recharge it before it gets too low.
Heat Management: Be mindful of heat. If your MacBook is running hot, consider unplugging it or using a cooling pad.
By following these practices, you can balance maintaining battery health with the convenience of keeping your MacBook Pro charged.
lol! Well THAT would certainly do it. Thanks
(No iPad, and an iPhone I can still use REAL headphones with)
Just to note that the setting @Bmosbacker mentioned is only available on the 2024 iPads (M2 Airs and M4 Pros).
It is generally recommended to put the battery through a normal discharge/charge cycle at least once a month, i.e. use the device off the charger for one full battery cycle if the device is normally used plugged in (I’m not recommending intentionally draining it to 0% as this is now discouraged with lithium batteries which operate optimally between 20 and 80 per cent battery charge). Doing one full cycle helps internal power management software do its job properly and estimate the battery capacity properly. I’d do it weekly, though.
This is probably sensible advice as otherwise the battery will keep dropping to 75% and then charging up to 80% again, sometimes going to full 100% (in my experience, on the M4 Pro, once every 15-20 charge cycles).
I also wouldn’t overthink this or worry too much. The battery will likely outlive our ability to hold off upgrading to a newer iPad anyway. 
Thanks and thanks to the others who also replied. Much appreciated!
And on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
