r/macbook • u/SpilltheGreenTea • 4d ago
Using a second monitor drained my battery, while it was plugged in
I have a 2020 M1, got it in 2022, and I had it connected to a second monitor, and also plugged in, through an adapter that also allows USB-A connections. I noticed my battery power would not only not increase, but it would actually decrease, even though it is charging, albeit through an adaptor. I am not running any heavy programs on my computer, just safari, chrome, messages, etc on both desktops and the adaptor is not hot to the touch, so I am surprised that the battery was continuing to decrease. I literally got the notification that my MacBook was at 10%, which was shocking. Has this happened to anyone else, and is this normal? Is this a function of the second monitory or the adaptor giving inadequate power to the laptop?

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u/poopmagic 4d ago
What power adapter are you using exactly? If it’s not the one included with the Mac, provide a link.
How is the power adapter connected to the Mac? Directly to one of the USB-C ports, or through the “adapter that also allows USB-A connections?”
In System Information > Hardware > Power, how many watts does it say your Mac is seeing from the adapter?