How to Check Battery Health Status on Dell Laptops

Is your Dell laptop battery draining too fast, not charging, or showing signs of wear? Wondering if your battery is still in good shape? This guide helps you understand battery health indicators, run diagnostics, check your warranty and know when it is time for a replacement.

Before you begin:

Ensure that you have already checked your battery health and tried the basic charging steps outlined in our Battery Health Check guide and Battery Not Charging guide.

What you must know:

Your Dell laptop relies on two power sources: the AC adapter and the battery. When battery issues occur, they can disrupt your workflow and productivity.

Why Battery Health Matters:

Your laptop's battery is a consumable part—it wears out over time. Checking its health helps you:

• Avoid unexpected shutdowns
• Maintain optimal performance
• Know when it is time for a replacement

Troubleshooting Battery Error Codes:

If you receive an error code while using your computer, see Dell Knowledge Base article Error Codes on Dell Commercial and Consumer Products for troubleshooting and resolving error codes on your Dell computer.

What if Your Battery is Swollen?

Swollen batteries can happen due to age or heat. While not immediately dangerous, they should not be used.

If you suspect swelling:

1. Stop using the battery immediately.
2. Disconnect the AC adapter.
3. Let the battery drain completely.
4. Don't attempt to use the battery again.

For more information, see Dell Knowledge Base article Swollen Battery Information and Guidance

Verify Your Dell Warranty Online:

To check if your Dell battery is still under warranty, perform the following steps:

1. Browse to the Support Services & Warranty site.
   Either:
   • Enter your laptop's Service Tag and select Search, and then select Device Details. (your laptop's warranty is shown.)
     Or:
   • Select detect this PC automatically, and them select the Explore product support. (your laptop's warranty is shown)
2. Select Product specifications located in the upper right corner.
3. Check your product specifications to see which warranty covers your battery (look for battery).
   Look for these indicators:
   • 1-year coverage: No special warranty notation appears in the description.
   • 3-year coverage: Your battery description includes "3 Years Limited Hardware Warranty" or shows LL, or Long Cycle Life.

When to Replace Your Battery:

Consider replacing your battery when you notice:

• Battery health status showing "Fair" or "Poor."
• Significant reduction in runtime (less than 50% of original capacity).
• Frequent diagnostic error codes during testing.
• Unexpected shutdowns even when the battery shows charge remaining.
• Physical swelling or damage to the battery.
• Battery age exceeding 2-3 years with heavy use.

How to Purchase a Replacement Battery:

When you are experiencing issues with your battery and it is no longer in warranty, it is necessary to purchase a new Dell battery.

To purchase a Dell laptop battery, perform the following steps.

1. Browse to the Dell Support site.
2. Identify your Dell laptop by entering your Service Tag, or selecting detect this PC automatically (and then Explore product support).
3. Once on your laptop's product support page, select Parts & Repairs.
4. Select Power & Power Supplies to view available batteries for your system.
5. Identify the wanted battery and select Add to Cart.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your purchase.

Batteries not available in your region? Contact your local Dell authorized Parter Program or reseller for assistance.

Helpful videos