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You can try resetting the SMC if your MacBook comes with a non-removable battery (e.g. Mac computers 2009 and up)
1. To reset the SMC, shut down the computer.
2. Plug in the power adapter or MagSafe to your computer and power outlet.
3. On the keyboard, press “Shift Ctrl Option” keys and the power button simultaneously.
4. Release the three keys plus the power button at the same time.
5. Afterward, press the power button to turn on the computer. Check the battery status menu to see if the “Service Battery” warning disappeared.
Normally, resetting the SMC should do the trick. However, if nothing happens, you may want to try the next one.
This method will take you hours. However, if you really want to get rid of the warning, follow the steps below. Apple also suggests users do this as a way to take care of the battery performance every few months. However, the intervals are dependent on how often we use the computer.
1. Charge your battery up to 100% and make sure that the MagSafe light ring charging jack shows the green light, which indicates full-charge.
2. Once it is fully charged, continue using the computer while the MagSafe is still plugged into the power source; do this for two hours. Afterward, unplug the cord and use it until it runs out of battery power, and you’ll see the low battery warning on the battery status menu. The Mac will sleep automatically without any warning. Once it sleeps, simply turn it off.
3. Wait for five hours or more and then connect the Mac to the power adapter or MagSafe and charge it. This will calibrate your battery.
Note: in the author’s case, the battery status goes back to “Good” (for the mean time) and the Service Battery warning disappeared (screenshot on 717 loadcycles).
Lastly, if still nothing happens, here’s the ultimate option:
If the Service Battery warning isn’t solved, perhaps your battery needs to be replaced. Apple says that MacBook batteries have a maximum of 1000 load cycle counts. You can check the cycle counts of your battery by downloading the , which is free!
Author’s case: The Service Battery warning just came out five months after an authorized Apple Service Provider fixed my battery issue – I had the habit of charging my devices via USB and plugging them into the MacBook, which had caused an irregular flow of the power, draining the battery faster. When I recalibrated my computer, the warning disappeared. However, after a few weeks, it showed again, and as of this writing my computer has the warning. Perhaps recalibrating the battery again will help.
Let us know if you experience the Service Battery warning, and feel free to chime in with your thoughts and suggestions.
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