What to Do if Your MacBook Battery Is Swollen?

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A swollen MacBook battery can be a scary problem for any user. If you’ve noticed unusual changes in the shape or performance of your MacBook, such as a warped body, unresponsive keys, or a screen that won’t close properly, it’s likely due to a swollen battery. 

While battery swelling is a known issue with lithium-ion batteries used in most laptops and MacBooks, it’s important to understand why it happens, how to identify it, and, most importantly, what to do about it.

What Causes MacBook Battery Swelling?

Swollen batteries are not only inconvenient, but they also pose significant safety risks. To address this issue, you first need to understand why it occurs. Here are the most common causes of a swollen MacBook battery:

Age of the Battery

Lithium-ion batteries naturally degrade over time. As the battery gets older (typically after 2-3 years), the chemical composition inside the battery begins to break down. This causes the battery to lose its efficiency in holding a charge, and in some cases, internal pressure can build up, resulting in a swollen battery.

Overcharging and Charging Habits

While modern MacBooks are designed to manage charging automatically, continually leaving your MacBook plugged in, even after it reaches 100%, can contribute to the overheating and eventual swelling of the battery. Additionally, using low-quality or incompatible charging adapters can also cause electrical stress on the battery, making it more prone to damage.

Heat Exposure

One of the main culprits of battery swelling is heat. If your MacBook overheats — whether because of heavy use, lack of airflow, or environmental conditions — the internal chemical reactions in the battery become unstable, and this can lead to swelling. Using your MacBook on soft surfaces (like beds or couches) that block airflow can exacerbate the issue.

Physical Damage

Physical impacts, such as dropping your MacBook or pressing on the body of the device, can damage the battery or cause internal short circuits. Even slight damage can disturb the internal chemistry, leading to the production of gases that cause the battery to swell.

Manufacturing Defects

In rare cases, a swollen battery can be the result of a manufacturing defect. If your MacBook is relatively new and you notice swelling, it could be caused by poor manufacturing processes or defective materials used in the battery construction. Apple has been known to offer free repairs or replacements in such cases if the issue falls under warranty.

How to Identify a Swollen MacBook Battery?

Recognising the symptoms of a swollen battery is essential for taking timely action. Here are some common signs that your MacBook’s battery may be swollen:

Distorted MacBook Shape

One of the most obvious signs of a swollen battery is a visible distortion of your MacBook’s shape. You may notice the bottom panel lifting or the device no longer sitting flat on a surface. The MacBook may start to rock back and forth, or there could be an obvious bulge at the base of the device.

Raised or Misaligned Keyboard

If you notice that some keys feel raised or sticky, or that your trackpad no longer works as expected, it’s a potential sign that the battery is pushing against the internal components of your MacBook. Swollen batteries can physically deform the keyboard, causing an uneven typing experience or pressing down on certain keys unintentionally.

Screen Doesn’t Close Properly

If the lid of your MacBook doesn’t close properly, or there’s a gap between the screen and the body of the device when it’s shut, the cause is likely a swollen battery. As the battery swells, it pushes up on the display, preventing it from sitting correctly in place.

Overheating and Excessive Heat

A swollen battery may lead to overheating. If you notice your MacBook running hot more frequently or overheating during light tasks such as web browsing, this is a red flag. A battery that swells internally generates excess heat, which can cause the entire system to overheat.

Decreased Battery Life

Swollen batteries often lose their ability to hold a charge. You might notice that your MacBook drains faster than usual or shuts down unexpectedly, even when it shows a charge. This is due to the damaged internal structure of the battery, which affects its performance.

What to Do if You Notice a Swollen MacBook Battery?

If you’ve noticed any of the above signs, it’s critical to act quickly. A swollen battery can be dangerous if not handled properly, so here’s what you need to do:

Power Down the MacBook Immediately

The first step when you notice your battery swelling is to turn off your MacBook. Leaving it on can put further strain on the battery and cause additional overheating. Shutting the device down will prevent further internal damage and reduce the risk of fire or chemical leakage.

Unplug the Charger

If your MacBook is still plugged into a charger, unplug it immediately. A swollen battery can overheat if charged, and this increases the risk of fire, smoke, or even an explosion. Do not attempt to charge your MacBook while the battery is swollen.

Handle with Care

Avoid pressing or putting any pressure on the swollen battery. Do not attempt to puncture, bend, or manipulate the battery. Doing so can release dangerous chemicals or worse, cause the battery to catch fire or explode. Treat the device with care, as a swollen battery is an unstable component.

Backup Your Data

If your MacBook is still operational, back up your important data immediately. Swollen batteries can eventually lead to system failure, and you don’t want to lose your files, documents, or photos. Use an external hard drive or cloud service to store your files.

Contact a Professional

Do not attempt to fix or remove the swollen battery yourself unless you have the proper expertise. Take your MacBook to an authorised Apple service provider or a certified technician. They will have the necessary tools to remove the battery safely, replace it, and dispose of the old one according to safety protocols. If your MacBook is under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, contact Apple Support to discuss the issue and potentially get a replacement for free.

Way to Get Rid of a Swollen Battery MacBook

If you decide to replace the swollen battery yourself (although this is not recommended unless you’re a trained technician), here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Work in a Safe Environment: Perform the replacement in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors or on a non-flammable surface. Avoid working on carpets or soft surfaces that could catch fire.
2. Wear Protective Gear: Use safety gloves and protective goggles to shield yourself from potential chemical leaks or bursts. Swollen batteries can be hazardous, so safety is paramount.
3. Use Professional Tools: If you have experience replacing batteries, use the proper tools for the job. If not, it’s safer to leave this to the professionals. Using incorrect tools can cause damage to the device or the battery.
4. Dispose of the Swollen Battery Properly: Swollen batteries should never be disposed of in regular trash. Lithium-ion batteries are toxic, and improper disposal can be dangerous to both people and the environment. Take the old battery to an e-waste recycling center.
5. Use a Compatible Replacement Battery: Make sure you use an Apple-approved replacement battery. Using third-party or non-certified batteries can cause additional issues, including more swelling or short-circuiting.

How to Prevent MacBook Battery Swelling in the Future?

Although some factors, such as age, are inevitable, you can take steps to help prolong the life of your MacBook battery and avoid future swelling:

1. Avoid Overcharging: Even though modern MacBooks are equipped with charging management systems, it’s still a good practice to unplug your device once it’s fully charged.
2. Keep the Device Cool: Ensure your MacBook has proper ventilation. Avoid using it on soft surfaces like couches or beds where airflow is restricted. Also, avoid exposing your MacBook to direct sunlight or hot environments.
3. Replace Batteries as Needed: If your MacBook is older, consider replacing the battery before it begins to swell. You can have your MacBook battery replaced by Apple or an authorised service provider.
4. Use Quality Chargers: Always use Industry Experts chargers and cables. Low-quality chargers can cause overcharging and battery stress, leading to swelling over time.

Conclusion

A swollen MacBook battery is not a problem you can ignore. It can lead to safety hazards and permanent damage to your device. If you notice signs of swelling, turn off your device, unplug it, back up your data, and contact an authorised technician for a safe battery replacement. 

At Computer Cures, we specialise in providing expert MacBook repairs and MacBook battery replacements. We can help you restore your device to optimal performance, ensuring that you can continue to use it safely and effectively. Always prioritise your safety and never attempt to handle a swollen battery on your own. Let the professionals take care of it!