When to replace, and when it's something else.
Not every "battery problem" is actually a battery problem. Sometimes it's a charging circuit issue, a bad adapter, or a driver problem. Free diagnosis identifies the actual cause.
Definitely time to replace
- Battery is swollen — safety risk, replace immediately
- Less than 30-45 minutes of use on full charge (used to be 4+ hours)
- Laptop shuts off suddenly at 30-40% shown
- Battery reports "Replace battery" in Windows or macOS
- Battery cycle count above 500-800 (consumer laptops) or 1000+ (business/premium)
- Battery health below 60% in system reports
Might not be battery — check first
- "Plugged in, not charging" — often a charger port or charging IC issue, not battery
- Laptop only works with adapter plugged in — could be battery or charging circuit
- Random shutdowns unrelated to battery percentage — usually thermal or power issue, not battery
- Won't turn on at all — usually motherboard or adapter, not battery
- Battery drains fast in sleep mode — often a settings issue or wake-timer problem
Take swollen batteries seriously.
Swollen (puffy, bulging) lithium-ion batteries are a real safety hazard. They can leak, catch fire, or damage other laptop components from internal pressure. Don't wait, don't attempt to charge, don't put the laptop in your bag.
Immediate steps
Power off the laptop, unplug the adapter, don't attempt to charge or use it. If possible, disconnect the battery. Keep it in a fireproof location (metal container, ceramic surface) away from flammable materials.
Don't do this
Don't puncture the battery (leaking electrolyte). Don't attempt to "deflate" it. Don't dispose of it in regular trash. Don't submerge in water. Don't try to continue using the laptop hoping it will resolve — it will get worse.
Bring it in
Bring the laptop to our Navrangpura workshop or arrange pickup. Same-day service is available for swollen batteries — safety concern. We handle safe disposal and install the replacement.
Standard, internal, and integrated.
Removable batteries
Older laptops with a battery you slide out from the bottom. Simplest to replace. Install time 15-30 minutes.
Internal batteries
Most laptops made after 2016 — battery is inside, requires opening the laptop. Business laptops (ThinkPad, Latitude, EliteBook), ultrabooks. Install time 30-90 minutes.
Integrated / bonded batteries
MacBook, Surface, some ultrabooks — battery glued/bonded to chassis. Requires specialist tools and technique. Install time 1-2 hours.