Can a display's Power Delivery be turned off?

my main machine is a 2016 15" MacBook Pro and, working in print graphics, I usually have it connected to an external display (as of today, a Huawei MateView 28.2in).
This display has 65W power delivery and, when attached, it keeps the Mac's battery continuously topped off. This practice is known to wear the battery so I was wondering whether it was possible to have the screen connected AND not charge the laptop unless I tell it to.
Maybe there is some Terminal command to manage that?
Thank you


Sounds like you’ve read most of the general advice.

  • https://www.apple.com/batteries/maximizing-performance/

We have had machines like yours in the shop and we set quarterly reminders to unplug them all one night and let the batteries drain.

Once a year, we try to take all the portables in storage out and charge them to 75% and then power off to prevent deep discharge / low voltage failure, get them in averaging 50% charge for “storage”.

I’m not convinced we prevent much repair since some batteries just don’t last the 1000 full charge cycles whether we baby them or just let them ride.

I’m saying all this, since I know of no way via command line to influence charging. The newer macs slow down charging but that’s enabled by default, has an easy graphical switch and not some hidden / semi secret command.

  • https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211094

Anyone interested in delaying the eventual need to remove a rechargeable battery and/or replace it should update to 10.15.5 or later and enable optimized charging. The rest should set reminders to avoid empty and always full batteries by draining and then charging them several times a year when in service.