Key Takeaways:
- Use the built-in Diagnostics app for a quick and user-friendly battery health check
- Access Crosh terminal for detailed battery information and discharge tests
- Monitor battery health regularly to catch potential issues early
Ever noticed your Chromebook doesn’t last as long as it used to?
I’ve been there. One day you’re cruising through hours of work on a single charge, and the next thing you know, you’re constantly searching for power outlets.
Table of Contents
Using the Built-in Diagnostics App
The easiest way to check your battery health is through ChromeOS’s Diagnostics app.
Here’s how to do it:
- Click the circular launcher icon in the bottom-left corner
- Type “Diagnostics” in the search bar
- Click the first result
- Select System in the sidebar
- Look under the Battery section
You’ll see important stats like battery health percentage, cycle count, and estimated time remaining.
Want to run a quick test?
Just click Run Discharge Test. You can keep using your Chromebook during the test.
Diving Deeper with Crosh Terminal
For more detailed battery information, we can use the Crosh terminal.
# Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open Crosh
battery_test
This command runs a 300-second test and shows your battery’s health percentage.
Pretty neat, right?
Using Third-Party Apps for Battery Monitoring
Sometimes you want more detailed tracking.
I recommend trying AccuBattery from the Google Play Store. It provides:
- Detailed discharge rates
- Battery usage patterns
- Voltage monitoring
- Real-time notifications
FAQ
Why does battery health percentage matter?
A battery health percentage tells you how much charge your battery can hold compared to when it was new. If it shows 80%, your battery can only hold 80% of its original capacity.
How often should I check my Chromebook’s battery health?
I suggest checking every 3-4 months. This helps you catch any significant degradation early and plan for potential battery replacement if needed.
What’s a good battery health percentage?
Anything above 80% is considered good. If your battery health drops below 60%, you might want to consider replacing it for optimal performance.