Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Swollen Laptop Battery
You notice your laptop’s trackpad bulging a little. Maybe the base isn’t sitting flat on the desk anymore. It still turns on, so you carry on. But that swelling isn’t cosmetic — it’s a red flag, and you shouldn’t ignore it.
What causes a swollen battery?
Most laptops use lithium-ion batteries. Over time, especially when exposed to heat or damage, these batteries can start to degrade. One outcome is gas build-up inside the battery cells. That pressure causes the battery to swell, pushing against the laptop’s chassis.
It’s not rare — I’ve seen this in everything from MacBooks to cheap supermarket specials.
Why it’s a problem
A swollen battery can:
Crack your trackpad or lift the keyboard
Warp or split the chassis, damaging internal components
Overheat, posing a fire risk
Fail suddenly, leaving you with no working machine
It’s not just inconvenient — it’s dangerous. If left unchecked, a swollen battery can become unstable or even catch fire, especially during charging.
Signs your laptop battery might be swollen
Trackpad no longer clicks properly or sits flush
Laptop case bulging or not closing properly
Screen or base lifting on one side
Hotter-than-usual running temps
Battery life suddenly worse than normal
If you’re unsure, don’t try to open the laptop yourself. Puncturing a swollen cell is risky. I’ve had customers come in with batteries puffed up like a balloon inside — one knock away from disaster.
What to do next
Stop charging it if you suspect swelling
Back up your data in case it fails completely
Bring it in to be safely assessed and replaced
Battery replacements are usually straightforward if caught early. The sooner you act, the less chance of further damage.
Prevention tips
Avoid leaving your laptop plugged in all the time
Keep it away from direct heat or sunlight
Don’t ignore signs of battery health warnings
Use proper chargers — not cheap knock-offs
A swollen battery isn’t something to leave for “later.” If your laptop doesn’t sit flat anymore, or something feels off with the shape, based in Essex? Drop me a message. A quick check might save you from a much bigger issue.
