How to check MacBook battery temperature, and what is normal
Where to read the battery temperature on a MacBook from Terminal, the normal range, and what makes a battery run hot.
How do I check my MacBook battery temperature?
In Terminal:
ioreg -rn AppleSmartBattery | grep -i '"Temperature"'The value is in hundredths of a degree Celsius on many models, so 3050 means 30.5 C. Some recent Macs do not publish it to users; ioreg battery fields explains what each one means.
What is a normal MacBook battery temperature?
Around room temperature at rest and somewhat warmer while charging or under load. Apple recommends using a Mac where the air is between 10 and 35 C; the battery is happiest well inside that range.
What makes a MacBook battery hot?
Fast charging under heavy load, a soft surface blocking airflow, direct sun and a hot room. Heat is the main thing that ages a battery, so it is worth avoiding while charging.
Common questions
Does macOS show battery temperature?
Not in Settings. ioreg in Terminal shows it on models that report it.
Is it bad if my MacBook gets warm while charging?
Warm is normal. Hot to the touch, especially on a bed or sofa, speeds up battery wear.