Battery Swelling
A degraded lithium battery that produces gas and physically expands. A safety issue — stop using the laptop immediately and do not attempt to remove it yourself.
Lithium polymer batteries contain electrolyte that, as the battery degrades, breaks down and produces gas. This gas has nowhere to go inside the sealed battery pouch, so the battery physically expands.
Swelling is more common in Singapore’s heat. A swollen battery is a fire and chemical hazard. Treat it as urgent.
- Keyboard feels raised or uneven
- Trackpad feels raised or is physically difficult to click
- Bottom cover bulging or no longer sits flat
- Laptop wobbles on a flat surface when it didn’t before
- Battery drains extremely fast or won’t hold any charge
- Stop using the laptop immediately
- Do not press, puncture, or crush the battery
- Do not attempt to remove it yourself
- Keep it in an open, cool area away from flammables
- Bring it in for professional removal as soon as possible
Is a swollen laptop battery dangerous?
Yes — the gas is flammable. If punctured or crushed, it can ignite. Stop using the laptop and have it professionally removed.
Why do laptop batteries swell?
Electrolyte breakdown produces gas. Accelerated by heat, overcharging, age, and deep discharge cycles.
Can a swollen battery be repaired?
No — always replaced. The cells are permanently degraded.
Safe professional battery removal and replacement. Do not delay.
