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Call 0330 027 3093 Ask about a repair
  • Windows
  • Mac

5 signs your laptop battery needs replacing

Short answer

Laptop batteries wear out with use. If your laptop lasts much less time than it used to, switches off without warning, or only works when it's plugged in, the battery is probably worn. You can check its health on both Windows and Mac. A battery replacement is one of the most common PC repairs, and usually much cheaper than a new laptop.

The signs

  • It doesn't last anywhere near as long as it used to

    For example, an hour instead of a working day.

  • It shuts down suddenly,

    Often while the percentage still shows charge left.

  • It only works when plugged in

  • Your laptop shows a battery warning,

    Such as "Service recommended" on a Mac.

  • The case is bulging, the trackpad is lifting or the laptop won't sit flat

    This can mean a swollen battery, which needs attention straight away.

How to check battery health

  1. On Windows

    Open the Start menu, type cmd and open Command Prompt. Type powercfg /batteryreport and press Enter. Windows saves a battery report and shows where. Open it and compare "Design capacity" with "Full charge capacity". The lower the full charge capacity compared with the design capacity, the more the battery has worn.

  2. On a Mac

    Open System Settings > Battery and select the information button next to Battery Health. It shows whether the battery is Normal or Service recommended.

  3. Check the charger too

    A faulty charger can look like a battery problem. If the laptop doesn't charge at all, see our guide to laptops that won't charge.

Things to be careful about

  • If the battery looks swollen, or the laptop gets very hot or smells while charging, stop using and charging it. Don't press on the swelling or try to remove the battery yourself.

  • Use the charger made for your laptop, or a good-quality replacement with the right rating. Cheap, unbranded chargers can be unsafe.

  • Many modern laptops have batteries fixed inside the case. Replacing them needs the right part for your exact model.

Still need help?

If your battery shows any of these signs, SmarterBox Limited can replace it as part of our PC and laptop repair service. Tell us your laptop's exact model and what it's doing, and we'll confirm the part and the price before you send anything.

Ask about a repair

Published by SmarterBox Limited (company no. 16160532), which runs SmarterBoxRepairs. This article is general information; prices and parts depend on your exact model, so ask for a price before sending anything.

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