A MacBook battery wears out, even when you look after it. You notice it in a laptop that needs the charger earlier and earlier, that shuts down unexpectedly or that gets warm while charging. In a few cases it is worse: a battery that swells. Below you can read how to tell when replacing it makes sense, how to recognise a swollen battery and what not to do.
Blue Apple replaces MacBook batteries at Rijnstraat 76-H in Amsterdam. If you have a MacBook Pro, we also have a separate guide to the MacBook Pro battery; this guide applies to every MacBook, the Air included.
How to check the state of your battery
- Battery status. Open System Settings, choose Battery and look at Battery Health. 'Normal' is good; 'Service Recommended' means the battery is near the end of its life. On a Mac with an Apple chip you often see the maximum capacity there as well.
- Charge cycle count. Hold Option, click the Apple menu and choose System Information, then Power. 'Cycle Count' shows how often the battery has been fully charged and drained. Many recent MacBooks are designed for about a thousand cycles; older models for fewer.
- What you notice yourself. A battery that drains fast, a percentage that suddenly jumps, a Mac that shuts down as soon as you unplug it, or a laptop that only works on mains power.
Recognising a swollen battery
A lithium-ion battery can build up gas and swell. It is rare, but it is the one problem on this page you should not put off. Watch for these signs:
- The trackpad sits higher or no longer clicks properly. The swelling battery pushes the trackpad up.
- The case bulges, or a gap appears. The device no longer lies flat on the table or rocks.
- The screen comes away from the bottom half or the keys sit crooked.
- A strange smell, or a device that gets hot without you doing anything heavy.
If you see this, stop charging the MacBook and stop using it. Do not press on the trackpad and do not try to remove or puncture the battery yourself. Put it somewhere safe, not on a sofa or bed, and have it checked as soon as possible. A swollen battery is a fire risk.
When replacing it makes sense
- Your battery status says 'Service Recommended'.
- You no longer get through the day without the charger, although your use has not changed.
- The Mac shuts down while there is still charge left.
- The battery is swollen or bent: then replacing it is no longer a choice but a necessity.
Replacing a worn battery is usually the cheapest way to make an otherwise healthy MacBook useful again. If nothing else is wrong, there is no need to buy a new laptop for it.
What a battery replacement involves
In a MacBook the battery sits inside the case, on most models glued in or held with pull tabs. On some older models it is so tied to the top half of the case that the job is bigger than swapping a loose part. That is why we first look at the exact model, check for damage to the case or trackpad, and explain what is needed. You can see what we offer per model on the MacBook battery page and on the model pages under MacBook repairs.
How to keep a new battery healthy
- Turn on optimised charging. In the battery settings macOS can delay charging past 100 percent if you often leave the charger plugged in.
- Avoid heat. Do not leave your MacBook in the sun or in a closed bag, and do not use it on a pillow where the vents get blocked.
- Use the right charger. One that suits your model, with a cable that is not kinked.
- No calibration needed. Apps that promise to 'improve' your battery do nothing macOS does not already do.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a MacBook battery last?
It depends on use and heat. Many recent MacBooks are designed for about a thousand charge cycles before the capacity has dropped noticeably; with daily use that is a matter of years, not weeks.
Can I leave my MacBook plugged in?
Yes, the charger stops charging at 100 percent. Heat is the real problem, so make sure it can cool properly. Optimised charging helps with that.
Is a swollen battery dangerous?
Yes, which is why you stop charging and using it the moment you see it and have it checked. Do not try to deal with it yourself.
Can I keep using my MacBook if it says 'Service Recommended'?
Often yes, but each charge lasts less and the Mac can shut down unexpectedly. Do not wait until it swells before you look into it. For other common faults, see MacBook repair in Amsterdam.
