How to replace a MacBook battery

With a critical decrease in a MacBook battery capacity, it is really possible to replace the battery by yourself. In this article, we will tell you when you need to change the MacBook battery most often and how to replace a MacBook battery.

To replace the battery yourself, you will need a precision bit screwdriver, a plastic card or a spudger. It is better to change the battery on a hard and even surface covered with a cloth, for example, on a table with a tablecloth.

Also: MacBook Pro A1707 Logic Board Replacement

When do you need to change MacBook battery

One of the biggest advantages of using a laptop is that you use it without having it to be plugged into a wall socket. You can use it when traveling, while sitting on a park bench, or in the café around the corner while having your morning brew. But there will come a time when even the most powerful laptop battery is worn. You don’t need to worry as it's normal. However, it is very important to identify the telltale signs that the MacBook battery is nearing the end of its lifespan, and to know how to replace it yourself.

Often asked question: does my MacBook need a new battery? Many people get flustered when it comes to changing a laptop battery, but it really couldn’t be simpler, particularly for Mac users. You just have to begin with identifying signs indicating that the battery wears down.

Battery Service Warning

This is quick and simple. Your MacBook is equipped with a battery monitoring feature that will let you know if you need a new battery. Go to the top menu bar and click on the battery icon, which will open a drop-down menu. The current condition of your battery will be clearly indicated right there at the top status bar. If you see the words, Replace Now, Replace Soon, Service MacBook Battery, or something very similar, then it’s time to buy a new battery. It’s as simple as that!

Shorter Battery Run-Time

You probably still remember the first time you used your MacBook and you were immensely impressed with how long it can work without having to plug it into the wall socket. The older a laptop battery gets, the fewer hours it can run without being recharged. If you notice that it takes less than an hour before the low-battery warning light flashes, then it's very likely that a MacBook battery replacement is required

Although there is no specific duration that you should look for, it is suggested that if the run-time is less than a quarter of how it was when the laptop was brand new, then you might start shopping for a replacement battery in a MacBook.

Sporadic Shutdowns

Although there are many possible reasons why your laptop suddenly shuts down unexpectedly, an old battery is definitely one of the common reasons. Do some troubleshooting to eliminate all other possible reasons. When everything else looks to be in order, and you know that you have had the laptop for a while, then it is likely that the battery is the cause of shutdowns

Overheated Batteries

This one might not only be an inconvenience but it can also be hazardous. Again, try to eliminate other issues by doing troubleshooting. But if you are not doing anything particularly intensive and power consuming and the laptop still overheats, the battery could definitely be the problem.

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Replacing a battery in a MacBook: 4 tips

If you do everything step-by-step, as described below, there will be no problems with replacing a battery in a MacBook. The new battery installation procedure is as follows:

1. Preparing the MacBook

Power down the laptop, hold down the back cover and undo the 10 screws. Make a note which goes where because they are different. Open the back cover using a plastic card or spudger, starting from the air vent area.

2. Dismantling the old battery

Pry up the connector on the motherboard and position it vertically to disconnect the ribbon cable leading to the battery. Bend the battery cable and undo the two screws that secure it. Remove part of the sticker from the top of the case and use the tab to remove the battery from the slot.

3. Battery replacement

Install a new battery, fix it with screws, connect the cable to the motherboard and refit the connector horizontally.

4. Assembly and diagnostics

Close the back cover and fix it with screws. Fully charge the battery and continue charging for another two hours. Unplug your laptop and test the new battery.

When you have indeed confirmed with the above signs that your MacBook battery needs a replacement, and you know how to change it, you should only go to an accredited shop that sells genuine Apple parts and accessories. Visit AppleParts.io and check out the large selection of batteries and other Apple accessories at very competitive prices.