How to Troubleshoot Dell Laptop Battery Issues

The AC adapter must be working correctly to ensure that the Dell battery is getting charged correctly. Verify that the laptop can recognize the AC adapter.

To verify that the laptop is recognizing the AC adapter correctly:

1. Restart the computer.
2. At the Dell logo appears, tap the F2 key several times until the message Entering Setup appears.
3. Verify the AC Adapter Type in the BIOS options.
   • If the AC adapter type is None - Verify that the AC adapter is connected to the laptop and the wall outlet.
   • If the AC adapter type is Unknown - Learn How to Troubleshoot AC Adapter Issues on a Dell Laptop.
   • If the AC adapter type is recognized correctly, go to the next step.

There are several settings in the operating system, like power management settings and device drivers, that may impact the battery's performance. Charging the laptop battery outside the operating system (when the laptop is powered off) helps isolate hardware-related issues.

1. Turn off the computer.
2. Try one of the following combinations:
   • When the laptop is turned off, charge the battery for some time.
   • Or, restart the laptop and tap the F2 key to enter the BIOS or System Setup. Allow the battery to charge.
3. Verify if the battery charge percentage has increased.
4. Restart the computer, and go to the next step.

Running a hardware diagnostic test helps identify what the issue may be and provide you with troubleshooting steps to help resolve the issue. Dell offers both integrated and online diagnostics. It is essential to run a hardware test on the laptop or the battery to identify which device is causing the issue.

To run an online hardware test on the battery using Dell SupportAssist, browse to the battery diagnostics page.

To run the Dell Pre-Boot System Assessment test:

1. Turn on the computer.
2. Tap the F12 key several times at the Dell logo screen until the One Time Boot Menu appears.
3. Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to select Diagnostics and press the Enter key.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts and respond appropriately to complete the diagnostics.
   1. If the test passes, go to the next step.
   2. If the test fails, ensure to write down the error code and validation code, and contact Dell Technical Support.

Checking the battery health status helps determine if the battery is operating correctly or if it must be replaced. Battery health status can be checked both inside and outside the operating system. Learn How to Check Battery Health Status on Dell Laptops.

If the battery health status is normal, go to the next step.

The BIOS is firmware that is embedded onto the system board (motherboard) of the computer. Updating the BIOS to the latest version helps the computer recognize the AC adapter correctly. Updating the BIOS to the latest version requires the laptop to be powered by the AC adapter and battery.

If the AC adapter type is not recognized by the laptop, Force a BIOS Update without the AC adapter attached on a Dell Laptop. Before trying to force the BIOS update, read the disclaimer below.

Dell Quickset

Dell Quickset is a suite of software applications that provide enhanced functionality to your Dell computer. The Dell Quickset utility provides access to configure settings for power management, the battery health meter, and other functions on most Dell laptops. It provides access to several functions that would normally require several steps. Some of the features that you can access using Dell Quickset include:

• Disable or enable battery charging.
• Change Function (Fn) key behavior.
• Configure the wireless shortcut key.

Installing or updating the Dell Quickset application can help resolve issues with battery charging. Download and install the Dell Quickset application from the Dell Drivers & Downloads website. Dell Quickset application can be found under the Application category.

You can run the Windows Hardware and Devices troubleshooter which is built into Microsoft Windows. The Hardware and Devices troubleshooter is available in Microsoft Windows 10, Windows 8 or 8.1, and Windows 7.

To run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter:

1. Press the Windows key + R key.
2. In the Run dialog box, type Control and press the Enter key.
3. On the top-right corner, in the Search box of Control Panel, type Troubleshooter and then click Troubleshooting.
4. Under System and Security, click Power.

If running Windows Troubleshooter did not resolve the issue, go to the next step.

1. Press the Windows key + R key.
2. In the Run dialog box, type devmgmt.msc and press the Enter key.
3. In Device Manager, click > or + sign next to Batteries.
4. Right-click Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery and click Uninstall.
5. Click OK to confirm uninstalling the driver.
6. Restart the computer.

Dell Product Bulletin website helps check if your battery model may be affected. Check if the specific battery PPID (Dell Part Piece Identification) is affected. This step is necessary to identify if your Dell laptop battery is affected. If the battery is subjected to a recall, you are automatically connected to a replacement order form.

You need the Dell laptop Service Tag or the battery PPID (serial number) for this process. You may also be required to provide your contact information and a shipping or service address.

1. Browse to the Dell Product Bulletin website.
2. Click Lookup.
3. Type the Battery PPID (Figure 1) and enter the Security Code.
4. Click Next to check if the battery is under recall.
5. If the battery is under recall, you must provide your contact information.

If these troubleshooting steps did not resolve the battery-related issue, contact Dell Technical Support for further assistance.

When the replacement battery you bought from Dell is not recognized, perform the following steps.

1. Turn the computer off.
2. Remove the AC adapter from the computer.
3. Remove the replacement battery.
4. Press and hold the computer power button for 20 secs.
5. Reseat the battery cable and install the replacement battery.
6. After replacing the bottom cover back on, try to turn on the computer.
   NOTE: When the battery charge is too low to turn on the computer, you must reconnect the AC and check to see if the battery is recognized. See Dell Knowledge Base article How to Check Battery Health Status on Dell Laptops for information about how to check the battery health status in the BIOS.
   NOTE: When the replacement battery is still not recognized, reinstall the old battery to see if it is recognized (if available). This tells you if the circuitry on the motherboard still works.

If these troubleshooting steps did not resolve the battery-related issue, contact Dell Technical Support for further assistance.