Signs of a swollen battery
The battery takes up a large part of the inside of the Mac, just beneath the trackpad and palm rest. As it swells, it pushes against everything around it. Here are the most common signs:
- Trackpad not clicking properly: the trackpad becomes stiff, clicks poorly or stops clicking altogether, because the battery is pushing it up from underneath.
- Mac no longer sits flat: the bottom case bulges and your Mac rocks when placed on a table.
- Display no longer closes properly: the top of the Mac is raised and the lid no longer closes fully.
macOS may also show “Service Recommended”. To check, go to Apple menu › System Settings › Battery. This status indicates a battery that is worn or not working normally, but it doesn’t necessarily appear when the battery swells: the physical signs are what really matter.
What to do straight away
Apple is clear in the safety information for its MacBooks: “Don’t use your MacBook Air if it has been damaged.” A swollen battery counts as damage. To limit the risks, follow these steps:
Unplug the charger
Never leave a swollen battery on charge: charging increases the risk of overheating.
Shut down the Mac
Shut your Mac down completely rather than putting it to sleep, and don’t use it again until the battery has been replaced.
Don’t press on the case
Don’t try to force the lid shut or flatten the Mac: the pressure goes straight onto the battery.
Keep it away from heat
Place your Mac on a hard surface, away from radiators and direct sunlight. Apple advises against exposing a MacBook to extreme heat sources.
Plan the replacement
A swollen battery can’t be repaired and won’t return to its original shape: it must be replaced.
Replacing the battery
According to Apple, the built-in battery “should be serviced only by a trained technician or by following the instructions in Apple’s repair manual”. So you have two options: take your Mac to a repairer, or replace the battery yourself by following the step-by-step guide for your model. If you’re doing it yourself, here are the precautions to take:
- Disconnecting the battery: disconnect the battery first, before touching anything else inside the Mac.
- Handling: don’t puncture, bend or crush the battery, even when prising it off. Never use a sharp tool against the cells.
- Screwed-in or glued battery: depending on the model, the battery is either screwed in (as on the MacBook Air A1466, for example) or glued in (as on Retina MacBook Pro models, for example). A glued battery can be removed without force using an adhesive remover, such as the one in our battery replacement kit.
- Badly deformed or hot battery: if in any doubt, don’t open the Mac – take it to a professional.
Our batteries are genuine Apple batteries, refurbished or new depending on the model. You can easily find the right battery for your model.
Find the part for my Mac
Not sure which model you have? Quickly identify the parts you need for this repair without making a mistake.
Need help with the repair? We offer repair guides to take you step by step through replacing the part. Our team of technicians is also on hand if you need advice.
What to do with the old battery
As Apple states, the battery “must be recycled or disposed of separately from household waste”. So don’t throw it in the bin – take it to a battery collection point instead. In the meantime, store it away from heat and from anything that could puncture it.
