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Published on: 14.04.2024 | updated on: 20.05.2024
Laptops have eased our lives in many ways, whether for work, education, or entertainment. They allow us to use them anywhere without attaching them to cable at all times, thanks to their batteries holding charge for hours. However, like any other battery, laptop batteries have a limited lifespan and are subject to wear and tear from regular use. To maintain your laptop’s performance and prolong its life, it’s crucial to identify when your battery needs to be replaced. In this article, we’ll explain the signs of potential battery damage and how you can take timely action before it impacts the functionality of your laptop.
Maintaining your laptop’s battery health includes being alert of any potential battery damage. Signs that a battery may need replacement include rapid drain, not holding a charge, or physical damage such as swelling. Many professional tools also help you identify battery damage. Repairing or replacing a battery at the right time can prevent further damage to your laptop. However, it’s crucial to choose only reliable repair stores to fix your laptop’s battery.
Yes, laptop batteries can be replaced. The process varies depending on the model of your laptop. Some laptops have easily removable batteries, and replacing them is not challenging, while other laptops have batteries integrated into the base, requiring professional repair service. It’s essential to consult a repair store in your area before deciding to get the laptop battery replaced.
The lifespan of a laptop battery typically ranges from 2 to 5 years or about 300 to 500 charge cycles. It also depends on several other factors, such as the quality of the battery, your charging habits, and how you use your laptop. Regularly draining a battery to 0%, using a third-party charging cable, or exposing it to high temperatures can shorten its lifespan.
Replacing a laptop battery is worth it, depending on the repair cost and how old your laptop is. If your current device is in good condition and has no other issues, it’s worth replacing the battery. A new battery can enhance the laptop’s performance and increase its lifespan.
Like all electronic devices, laptop batteries also degrade over time, no matter how carefully you use them. Each battery has a maximum number of charge cycles, after which it starts to wear out, showing that it's high time to replace your laptop battery.
Here are a few signs showing your laptop needs a battery replacement;
At an average rate, once recharged, a good battery can easily power your laptop for approximately 3 to 4 hours, with some laptops lasting even more.
But, if your laptop battery lasts for less than one hour and requires frequent recharging, it clearly shows that the battery is degraded, requiring you to replace it.
Another sign that your laptop battery has degraded is its charging capability. A good battery takes 1-3 hours to charge your laptop from zero to 100 percent. But it may vary depending on the make and model of your laptop.
However, if your laptop takes more than that to get charged, and the battery drops quickly, it has started to deteriorate and will soon die.
If you ignore the signs of battery damage and replace it in a timely manner, you will end up with a dead battery, which will affect its performance and usage. The laptop will then only work if the charger is plugged in.
Laptops are designed to force out excess heat and keep the hardware cool, but sometimes, your laptop may get hot due to a damaged battery. As a result, the entire system overheats, resulting in poor performance and lagging.
Sometimes, the laptop may also shut down unexpectedly during work. This happens when the battery lacks enough power to run the laptop for a particular time.
Operating systems like macOS also alert you via a “Replace Soon,” “Replace Now,” or “Service Battery” pop-up or message if your laptop's battery needs replacing. On the other hand, the Windows displays “Consider replacing your battery" when your laptop’s battery needs service.
Although batteries degrade naturally over time, there are certain actions and usage patterns that degrade batteries faster than usual;
If you use your laptops for high-energy-requiring tasks like coding, gaming, app development, graphic design, etc., they will drain your battery much faster.
Similarly, keeping your laptop plugged in for long periods can harm its battery, thus reducing its lifespan. If it remains plugged in despite being fully charged, the battery starts to generate excessive heat, which is detrimental to its health.
Moreover, users often prefer delaying software and app updates. This is a common practice that significantly affects the battery's health. These updates often help improve the battery's efficiency and reduce its workload by fixing bugs and glitches that drain the battery and adding some power management features for battery-saving.
Here are a few DIY tips that can give you a rough idea of your battery’s health.
Physical Inspection
One of the easiest ways to check and evaluate your battery health is by physically inspecting your laptop battery. Remove the battery and check for physical damages, such as bulges, swelling, leakage, etc. If you notice such problems, it indicates that your laptop battery needs urgent replacement. Either get it checked by a professional or replace the battery with a new one.
Battery Health Report
Another way to get details about your battery's health is its health report. Whether you use a Windows laptop or macOS, both incorporate an in-depth battery report feature that breaks down details like the total battery capacity, usage, no. of charging cycles, life estimates, voltage, etc.
Although DIYs are incredible options, it is advisable to turn to a better and more professional analysis using either diagnostic apps or a professional, particularly when it comes to electronic gadgets like laptops.
Diagnostic Apps and tools offer more detailed diagnostics and monitoring of battery health. So, here are a few diagnostic apps that you can toggle between:
BatteryInfoView is a free app that provides comprehensive data about the Windows battery, including details like battery health, designed capacity, remaining capacity, and number of charge and discharge cycles.
Microsys Smarter Battery is a professional tool for Windows computers. It offers advanced features to analyze battery health. The tool provides basic information like capacity, no. of cycles, etc, and offers graphical representation and statistics to track battery usage and performance.
CoconutBattery is another app that evaluates Mac battery health by providing details like original capacity, no. of cycles, voltage, etc.
Though diagnostic apps and tools work well by providing accurate data and in-depth insights, it's a more prudent step to seek professional help from professional battery health service providers. And here comes why;
These highly skilled professionals can detect underlying issues that cause your battery to drain so quickly.
Professional service providers have expertise in handling batteries safely to avoid any damage.
They have paid tools and software that help analyze battery health and all the potential problems that simple diagnostic apps fail to solve.
Therefore, it is highly advised to contact a professional battery health service provider for a better and more detailed analysis, ensuring optimal care and longevity.
When it comes to replacing laptop batteries, people often get stuck deciding whether to tackle it themselves using DIY options or seek professional help.
Although both methods are equally helpful if done carefully, it is better to opt for professional laptop battery replacement, albeit at higher costs, to avoid potential risks and ensure quality assurance.
Although DIY Laptop Battery replacement is a cost-effective solution that doesn't break the bank, it comes with many risks for your safety and that of your laptop.
A few risks associated with DIY battery replacement are:
Since we aren't experts, we are at high risk of mishandling delicate components that can cause significant loss.
Improper installation can result in poor battery performance, low to no charging, an unstable power supply, and other issues, making the installation unworthy.
If your warranty is still valid, visit the manufacturer's nearest outlet and have them replace it. As per the instructions, if you harm your laptop’s components during the replacement process, the warranty will also be nullified.
Significantly damaged batteries may pose safety hazards, risking leaking, exploding, or catching fire.
If you are planning to perform the DIY battery swap, here are a few comprehensive tips that can help avoid any mishap;
Make sure your workspace is clean.
Try using non-conductive tools to reduce the risk of potential harm.
Wear an anti-static strap (if possible).
Power down the laptop carefully.
Watch a tutorial and read the manufacturer guidelines correctly before installing the new battery.
Once done, ensure that the battery and all other connections are secured properly.
Lastly, if you need more clarification or face issues while replacing the battery, seeking professional assistance is better than risking the entire laptop.
Although professional laptop battery replacement will cost you a few bucks, it is a comparatively more reliable option to settle for, and here is why;
Professional technicians use proper tools, thus providing both reliability and quality.
Replacement is done according to the manufacturer's specifications, thus maintaining the warranty.
The process is both time-saving and less tedious.
Since the professionals have expertise in handling laptops, they ensure not to damage any part during the replacement process.
To cut it short, though the DIY method is more cost-effective, professional assistance provides you with both assurance and reliability. Here are some professional laptop repair service providers that can ease your replacement process:
Dell
Apple
Acer
HP
Lenovo
Microsoft
ASUS
If you trust your technical skills enough and want DIY battery replacement, the primary expense you will encounter is buying the new battery and some essential tools and supplies. On the other hand, if you opt for professional assistance, you will incur additional charges, such as the cost of labor.
How much does it cost to get your laptop battery replaced by professionals?
The cost of your laptop battery replacement can vary depending on the make and model of your laptop and the service provider. For instance, Simply Fixable charges $170 on average for MacBook battery replacement, with a 90-day warranty from the date of service. This fee includes the cost of the new battery and the labor for installation.
How much does it cost to fix your laptop battery by yourself?
Fixing your laptop battery yourself is a cheaper alternative than professional repair because you only pay for the battery, not labor. The cost of the battery itself can vary widely, typically ranging from $50 to $100, depending on the laptop model and battery quality.
Preventive Measures for Potential Laptop Battery Damage
Follow these preventive measures to avoid any potential laptop battery damage:
Keep your laptop away from extreme temperatures, which can affect the battery.
Don’t drain or charge your laptop battery to 0% or 100%. Always keep the charge between 20% and 80%.
Always use a charger that is compatible with your laptop.
Close the apps and disconnect the cables when not in use.
Keep your laptop’s software updated, as updates often come with bug fixes and performance improvements.
Leaving a laptop plugged in all the time can lead to battery degradation due to heat and continuous charging.
A failing laptop battery can affect system performance as the device struggles to process power.
Yes. Overcharging may cause a laptop battery to overheat, resulting in a reduction in the battery life.
Yes. You can use a laptop with a dead battery when plugged in. However, it may not be portable anymore.
Not replacing the damaged laptop battery can lead to quick charging drain, slow performance, and even unexpected shutdowns.
It depends on the battery’s capacity and usage patterns. Typically, a full charge should last 2 to 4 hours.
Though charging to 100% is also acceptable, keeping it to 80% can help extend its overall lifespan by reducing stress and avoiding overheating.
Not using a laptop for 6 months can lead to battery degradation and loss of charge capacity.
Replacing an old battery can improve laptop performance and charging capacity.
Identifying when you need a laptop battery replacement is important for maintaining optimal performance and ensuring your device remains functional and reliable. Common causes behind a damaged laptop battery include a significantly reduced battery life, the laptop charging only when plugged in, unexpected shutdowns, and the battery not holding or failing to charge. Addressing battery issues in time enhances your laptop's usability and performance and prevents potential damage to other components.
Tech Writer | Photographer
LinkedIn: Madiha Khadim
Madi is a dynamic tech writer with a passion for simplifying complex concepts. Her expertise lies in creating clear and concise guides, blogs, manuals, and tutorials that empower users to navigate the technological landscape with ease. Throughout her career, Madi has worked with numerous leading tech companies, collaborating with engineers, developers, designers and marketers to create user manuals, FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and tech articles, on the websites such as "Technology Castle" and "Bilzimo". She can transform intricate technical jargon into user-friendly language, empowering users to understand and utilize products effectively.
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