7 Signs You Need a Laptop Battery Replacement

Laptop batteries are consumable parts that degrade over time. If your laptop isn’t holding a charge like it used to, it might be time for a replacement. This guide will walk you through the 7 key signs of a failing laptop battery.

The Checklist: 7 Key Signs of a Failing Battery

1. Short Battery Life: The most common sign. If your laptop dies much quicker than it used to, the battery’s capacity has likely degraded.
2. Slow Charging: If your laptop takes forever to charge, or never seems to reach 100%, the battery may be failing.
3. Unexpected Shutdowns: A laptop that turns off suddenly, even with battery life remaining, is a strong indicator of a faulty battery.
4. Overheating: If the battery area gets unusually hot, especially during charging, it could be a sign of a problem.
5. Physical Swelling: A bulging laptop case or a trackpad that’s being pushed up is a critical safety issue. This is a swollen battery, and it needs to be replaced immediately.
6. “Service Battery” Warnings: Both Windows and macOS will often display a warning message when they detect a problem with the battery.
7. The Laptop Only Works When Plugged In: If your laptop dies the moment you unplug the charger, the battery is completely dead.

What the Signs Mean: A Quick Summary

Sign	What it Means	What to Do
Short Battery Life	The battery’s capacity has degraded.	Run a battery health report and consider a replacement.
Slow Charging	The battery can no longer hold a full charge.	Try a different charger first, then consider a replacement.
Unexpected Shutdowns	The battery can no longer provide a stable power supply.	This is a strong sign that you need a new battery.
Overheating	The battery may be failing and creating excess heat.	Stop using the laptop and have it inspected by a technician.
Physical Swelling	A critical failure. The battery is a fire hazard.	Stop using the laptop immediately and seek professional help.

How to Check Your Battery’s Health

You can get a detailed report on your battery’s health from your operating system.

• On Windows: Open the Command Prompt and type `powercfg /batteryreport`. This will save a detailed report as an HTML file on your computer.
• On macOS: Hold down the Option key and click the battery icon in the menu bar. You’ll see a “Condition” status, such as “Normal,” “Replace Soon,” or “Service Battery.”

Conclusion

A new battery can breathe new life into an aging laptop, restoring its portability and performance. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s a good idea to have your laptop inspected by a professional. At Fix My Gadget, we offer expert laptop battery replacement services for all major brands.