Swollen Battery Information and Guidance

Why Batteries Swell

Modern Dell laptops use Lithium-ion Polymer batteries because they are slim, customizable, and give you longer battery life. Unlike older cylindrical batteries with metal casings, these batteries come in flexible multilayer pouches that can sometimes expand.

Common causes include:

• Normal aging of the battery
• Your usage patterns
• Environmental conditions like heat or humidity

The swelling of Lithium-ion Polymer batteries is not specific to Dell products. It is a known characteristic of this battery technology, which is the industry standard used by all major manufacturers.

How to Spot a Swollen Battery

Check your laptop for these warning signs:

• Bulging or swelling of the battery compartment
• Gaps or separations in your laptop's case
• The trackpad or keyboard does not click properly or feels raised
• Laptop wobbles when placed on a flat surface
• Screen does not close completely or looks misaligned

If you notice any of these indicators, your battery may be swollen.

What You Should Do Right Now

1. Stop using the battery immediately.
2. Turn off your laptop and disconnect it from the AC adapter.
3. Let the battery drain completely.
4. Do not attempt to use the battery again.
5. Do not attempt to remove the battery yourself. Modern laptops feature non-removable batteries to maintain a sleek, lightweight design.
6. Contact Dell Technical Support to determine your replacement options. When your laptop requires a battery replacement, Dell-authorized technicians are ready to assist you and ensure that the process is handled safely and professionally.

Important Safety Information

While a swollen Dell battery does not pose a safety hazard, but it still requires immediate attention.

What it can affect:

• Your laptop's performance
• The physical enclosure of your device

See our official safety statement: Browse to www.dell.com/learn/us/en/uscorp1/safety for Dell's complete product safety information regarding swollen Lithium-Ion batteries.

Handling Guidelines

When dealing with a swollen battery, follow these precautions:

• Do not use the battery
• Do not apply pressure to the swollen area
• Do not try to puncture or damage the battery
• Do handle with care if you must move your laptop
• Do replace the battery as soon as possible
• Do not dispose of the swollen battery yourself the Dell-authorized technician ensures it is safely handled and discarded.

You can find detailed handling instructions in the Documentation section for your specific Dell product at www.dell.com/support or directly at www.dell.com/support/manuals/dell/swollenbattery.

Replacement and Prevention

Get a Genuine Dell Battery

Always purchase replacement batteries directly from Dell to ensure:

• Proper fit and compatibility
• Safety certifications
• Warranty coverage

Related Battery Issues?

If you are experiencing other battery problems, check these resources:

• Check Laptop Battery Health: Test Battery Condition on Windows
• Laptop Battery Not Charging: Resolve AC Adapter Issues