Computers & Electronics

Macbook Air Battery Life question - Where to install battery (1300+ cycle count)

  • Last Updated:
  • Aug 21st, 2018 10:35 am
Banned
Apr 5, 2015
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Toronto, ON

Macbook Air Battery Life question - Where to install battery (1300+ cycle count)

Hi guys,
I'm wondering is there anywhere cheaper than the Genius Bar to replace a Macbook Air 2010 battery? I checked Apple's website and it costs $169. Was hoping it would cost below $100.
My macbook air has a cracked screen and an old battery - not wanting to invest "that" much!
Thanks in advance.
21 replies
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Feb 24, 2003
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I order third-party Macbook batteries from Amazon. The batteries came with the necessary pentalobe screwdrivers to remove the bottom casing and battery screws. The battery is not glued in place like the retina Macbooks. Simple 15 minute procedure.
Banned
Apr 5, 2015
1281 posts
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Toronto, ON
audit13 wrote: I order third-party Macbook batteries from Amazon. The batteries came with the necessary pentalobe screwdrivers to remove the bottom casing and battery screws. The battery is not glued in place like the retina Macbooks. Simple 15 minute procedure.
Thanks bud, did a quick search on Amazon Prime and it looks like it costs between $60-$80 for a new battery (albeit 3rd party). Not bad :) Is it really that easy to change the battery?

I know there's YouTube tutorials but I thought the Macbook Air chassis was sealed pretty tightly and couldn't be done at home DIY style.
Sr. Member
Aug 17, 2013
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Toronto
If it's only 169, i would advise to go to the Apple store. If anything goes wrong, you can sort of fight it.

After market and 3rd party, if it doesn't work after, you might as well throw it out.

I used to cheap out, now i just pay the little extra for the peace of mind.
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Apr 5, 2015
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Great advice guys, thanks :)
If it's $70 compared to $170 I think I would have to opt for $70 because it's a really old macbook air - but if it was a 2018 model, I would not cheap out :) Thanks both
Sr. Member
Aug 17, 2013
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Toronto
futabasan wrote: Great advice guys, thanks :)
If it's $70 compared to $170 I think I would have to opt for $70 because it's a really old macbook air - but if it was a 2018 model, I would not cheap out :) Thanks both
Make sure the battery is from some kind of reputable source. It might catch on fire and fry your mother board. I have seen this a million times.
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orianna wrote: Make sure the battery is from some kind of reputable source. It might catch on fire and fry your mother board. I have seen this a million times.
Looking into Amazon ones. Gonna go by the reviews- 4\5 stars and a significant amount.
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Feb 24, 2003
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I have not come across anyone I know that had a battery catch fire or damage their Macbook logic board with a third party battery. I've read stories on the internet but I'm not sure about their authenticity. Third party chargers are a different story though.

I have changed approximately 15 batteries for friends and family using Amazon replacements.
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Jul 21, 2001
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Apple no longer carries the replacement battery, at least my 2011 model anyways. Ifixit has it for $100. Easy 15 minute job. Part of the reason why I am hesitant to get a new laptop with glued on battery part, want the Surface Book 2 but almost impossible to replace the battery down the road. Leaning towards the Lenovo X1 as they have easy to replace battery.
"i love my girl friend and my girl friend loves me ok so you cant love me"
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The battery health still says normal despite 1300+ counts. Obviously its not what it was once but should I wait it out until battery health says replace?
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Jun 21, 2003
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I would say that is up to you. If you find that the current charge holds long enough for you then don't bother otherwise go for it. It's not that expensive really. On the flip side if it does last long enough for your usage you could hold out and perhaps by the time it's garbage you'll be looking to upgrade anyways.
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futabasan wrote: The battery health still says normal despite 1300+ counts. Obviously its not what it was once but should I wait it out until battery health says replace?
Use the coconut battery app to determine its max charge at the moment. If it's still within 75% of the original, I'd consider holding off.
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Apr 5, 2015
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audit13 wrote: Use the coconut battery app to determine its max charge at the moment. If it's still within 75% of the original, I'd consider holding off.
On coconut battery, is the design capacity the max charge? If so it says 56.8% lol.
Cycle count 1353
Battery status: Good


Btw just realized even though it's a late 2010 macbook air, the manufacture date says 2011-04-04.
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The battery is quite depleted but, if it meets your current requirements, don't replace it yet.

The replacement for your air is the mid-2011 when Apple switched to the i5.
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Thank you! I think it still suits my needs pretty well. Lasts minimum 2 hours or so :) And the battery is not swelling or getting hot.

What do you mean by the replacement for my air is the mid-2011? Do you mean the battery?
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I meant that your 2010 Air was manufactured for Apple until May, 2011 and replaced in June, 2011 with an i5 model. This explains your Air's manufacture date of 2011-04-04.
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Jul 21, 2001
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Mine is at 600 cycles and honesty it still holds a charge, about a little over 2hrs of mixed usage I would say, good enough for the short 1hr work that it’s being used for. $100 is a cheap enough fix but I figure I don’t even need that fix at the moment. If you’re still satisfied with the battery performance I wouldn’t even bother.
"i love my girl friend and my girl friend loves me ok so you cant love me"
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plucky duck wrote: Mine is at 600 cycles and honesty it still holds a charge, about a little over 2hrs of mixed usage I would say, good enough for the short 1hr work that it’s being used for. $100 is a cheap enough fix but I figure I don’t even need that fix at the moment. If you’re still satisfied with the battery performance I wouldn’t even bother.
Yeah as @audit13 pointed out, I am still quite satisfied with about 2 hours of battery time. I just use it for a quick break at the coffee shop to catch up on some emails and do a few work things. It's good enough :) I'm surprised though at close to 1400 cycles it's still going strong. Love the Air :)!!

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