How to use High Power Mode on your MacBook Pro

    Mehak SiddiquiMehak Siddiqui·

    Boost MacBook Pro performance for intensive tasks with High Power Mode. Here’s how to use it.

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    Use High Power Mode on MacBook Pro.

    Do you often do resource-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D designing? Then you’ll want to know how to use High Power Mode on your MacBook Pro. This is a special power mode on your Mac that is designed to optimize performance to better support intensive tasks. What exactly does it do and how can you work with it? Check out all the details below.

    What is High Power Mode on MacBook Pro?

    You’ve probably heard of Low Power Mode on your MacBook which allows you to conserve battery life. On the flip side, High Power Mode is a performance-boosting feature available on select MacBook Pro models. According to Apple, it helps to maximize the system’s performance for demanding tasks.

    When enabled, High Power Mode allows your MacBook to run at higher processing speeds by optimizing power usage and increasing fan speeds to improve cooling. This results in smoother performance for activities such as video editing, 3D rendering, and machine learning tasks.

    However, it’s important to note that High Power Mode also increases fan noise and slightly reduces battery life. So, you should only use it when needed.

    Supported models

    High Power Mode is currently available on the following devices:

    • MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2024) with M4 Pro or Max
    • MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2024)
    • MacBook Pro (14-inch, Nov 2023) with M3 Max
    • MacBook Pro (16-inch, Nov 2023) with M3 Max
    • MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2023) with M2 Max
    • MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2021) with M1 Max
    • Mac mini (2024)

    How to enable High Power Mode on MacBook Pro

    The process to turn on High Power Mode depends on which macOS your device is running, as described below.

    macOS Ventura and later

    1. In the menu bar, click the Apple logo and select System Settings.
    2. Click Battery.

      open system settings on mac.
    3. Under Energy Mode, select High Power Mode from the “On battery” or the “On Power Adapter” pop-up menu.

      select high power mode from system setting on mac.

    macOS Monterey or earlier

    1. In the menu bar, click the Apple logo and select System Preferences.
    2. Click on Battery.
    3. In the sidebar, select Power Adapter.
    4. Next to “Energy Mode” click the selection box and select High Power.

      turn on high power mode on mac

    Remember that using High Power Mode may increase fan noise and make your device feel hotter to the touch.

    To summarize, these are the three power modes on your Mac:

    • Automatic: The default option that provides optimal energy use and steady performance.
    • Low Power: Prolong battery life by reducing energy use.
    • High Power: Provides enhanced performance by making the fans run at higher speeds; may drain the battery faster.

    You can see which power mode you’re using by clicking the battery or lightning bolt icon in the menu bar to view the battery status menu.

    Signing off

    High Power Mode is a useful feature for resource-intensive tasks such as 3D graphics or video editing. If you have any further questions about it, let me know in the comments below, and I’ll be happy to answer.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Mehak Siddiqui

    Written by

    Mehak Siddiqui

    Mehak has a master’s degree in communication and over ten years of writing experience. Her passion for technology and Apple products led her to iGeeksBlog, where she specializes in writing product roundups and app recommendations for fellow Apple users. When not typing away on her MacBook Pro, she loves being lost in a book or out exploring the world.

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