What to do if your MacBook battery is swollen

You depend on your computer for everything from work to relaxation, so when your trusty MacBook® starts showing signs of a swollen battery, it can be alarming.

But don’t worry, our experts at uBreakiFix® by Asurion have seen it all—and can fix it all. From solving kernel panic to helping your MacBook beat water damage, we’ve got you covered. Let’s walk through how to identify MacBook battery swelling, what causes it, and how to your MacBook back in working order.

Signs my MacBook battery is swollen

A swollen Mac® battery doesn’t appear overnight. There are typically signs of impending battery doom, and detecting those signs early can help prevent further damage. The first few signs of battery trouble are:

• Overheating. Excessive heat can be a symptom of a battery issue.
• Trackpad issues. Difficulty in using the trackpad can be related to battery swelling.
• Physical deformation. A bulging case or uneven surfaces are tell-tale signs of a swollen battery.
• Keyboard malfunction. Swelling batteries can affect the keyboard's functioning.
• Difficulty closing the laptop. If your MacBook doesn’t close properly, it might be due to an expanding battery.

Common causes of battery swelling

Battery swelling in MacBooks can be a subtle but significant issue. Understanding what causes it can help prevent unnecessary battery trouble. Here’s what could be causing your MacBook’s swollen battery:

• Old age
• Overuse
• Overcharging
• Heat exposure
• Faulty charging equipment

If you believe your MacBook battery is swollen, it's important to take it to a MacBook repair pro for help to avoid further damage to your system—or yourself.

How to prevent MacBook battery swelling

Taking proactive steps can prevent battery swelling and keep your MacBook’s battery healthy. Here are some ways to keep battery trouble at bay.

Avoid overcharging

We all know that charging overnight means you don’t have to worry about a low battery when you wake up. However, it’s a habit that can ruin your tech over time, eventually leading to a swollen battery or jeopardizing your battery health. Don’t leave your MacBook plugged in for more time than it needs.

Use proper charging equipment

Sure, any charger can get the job done, but not all chargers are equal. Always use Apple®-certified chargers and accessories, as they were created with that specific use in mind.

Maintain optimal charging cycles

Give your battery a workout and regularly cycle your battery from full to low charge. Try keeping your device somewhere between 40% to 80% charged.

Calibrate your battery regularly

Recalibrating your MacBook battery is like giving it a refreshing wellness check. This process involves fully charging the battery, then letting it drain completely, and finally recharging it. It helps the system get a more accurate reading of the battery’s capacity and health, ensuring that your MacBook gives you a reliable estimate of the remaining battery life.

Calibrate your MacBook every few months by allowing your battery to deplete to 0%, then connect it to the charger and give it time to recharge to 100%.

Regulate temperature

Keep your MacBook away from extreme temperatures. Cold temperatures make the computer run harder than usual, and hot temperatures are bad for the delicate internal components of your MacBook. Those small parts inside your computer can overheat and wear down, causing more trouble for you down the line.