Signs your battery needs attention
A battery that is wearing out rarely fails all at once. It usually gives some warning first, and catching it early is safer and cheaper than waiting.
- The laptop shuts down suddenly even though it shows charge remaining
- The bottom of the laptop feels warm or looks slightly puffed up, or the trackpad has started to lift
- The battery drains in an hour or two even when you are not doing much
- The laptop only turns on while plugged in
If the battery is swollen, stop using it
A swollen battery is a safety issue, not just a performance one. If you notice the case bulging, the trackpad no longer sitting flat, or the laptop rocking on a flat surface, stop using it and unplug it until it can be looked at. We handle removal and disposal carefully and will not delay if a battery needs to come out right away.
Some batteries are a simple swap, others take more care
On some laptops the battery is a few screws away and a straightforward replacement. On many newer and thinner laptops, the battery is glued in place and sits close to other components, which takes more care and the right tools to remove safely. We will tell you honestly which situation your laptop is in before we start, and what a fair replacement looks like given the age of the machine.
Before any battery work, we make sure your files are backed up, since any repair that involves opening the case carries a small amount of risk. Fixed, or your money back.
Need patient, local help?
These Deskside services are the closest match for this guide.