Lithium-ion batteries are consumable items with a limited lifespan. While they are safe under normal operations, ignoring warning signs can lead to swelling, fire risks, or damage to other system components. In this guide, we outline the top 5 warning signs that your laptop battery is failing.
1. Drastically Decreased Runtime
If your laptop once lasted 8 hours but now barely makes it to 45 minutes, the battery capacity has degraded. This is natural, but when it drops below a usable threshold, replacement is the only solution.
2. Unpredictable Shuts Downs
Does your laptop shut down at 20% or 30% battery remaining? This happens because the internal battery controller can no longer accurately gauge voltage drops, causing sudden power loss.
3. Trackpad Lifting or Case Bulging
This is the most critical warning sign. If your keyboard feels warped or your trackpad is hard to click, the battery underneath is swelling. Stop using the laptop immediately and have it removed by professionals to avoid chemical fires.
