Is it time for a new MacBook battery? Here are the signs to look for

If your Mac® starts overheating for no reason or it's dying faster than usual—you may think you need a new computer. But don't worry—you probably just need to replace the battery. We'll walk you through how to find out for sure.

At Asurion, we help you take care of or fix your favorite tech. Here's how to check the battery health of your MacBook®.

Signs your MacBook may need a new battery

Laptop batteries last a long time, but they won't last forever. The good news: When a battery starts to fail, it'll let you know. Here are some clues to look for:

• Your MacBook shuts down abruptly.
• Your MacBook battery doesn't last as long as it used to.
• Your MacBook charges slowly or not at all.
• Your MacBook only works when you plug it in.
• Your MacBook is hot to the touch.
• Your MacBook battery is swollen.
• Your MacBook displays a battery replacement alert

How to test your MacBook battery health

Your computer monitors the condition of its battery, so checking your MacBook battery health is easy. Here's how:

1. On the top right of your screen, click the battery charge icon, then select Battery Settings.
2. Look for the Battery Health tab and the status displayed: Normal, Replace Soon, Replace Now, and Service Battery.

If your battery status is “Normal," you're good to go. If it says, “Replace Soon" that'sa warning, but not urgent. If you see “Replace Now" or “Service Battery," it's time to have an expert check your battery or install a new one right away.

Is it OK to replace your MacBook battery yourself?

Removing and installing a MacBook battery can be tricky. Not only will it void your warranty, but if your battery is built-in, like it is on most MacBook models, you'll need special tools to open the back of your machine. If you're not an experienced repair technician, you could easily damage it.

If you're not comfortable swapping out your battery yourself, contact a repair expert. Getting help is the smart thing to do to make sure your new battery is installed correctly and keeps your MacBook running for a long time.

Battery replacement can be affordable—and fast. For repair as soon as the same day, visit your nearest uBreakiFix® by Asurion store.

Don't let a dead battery slow you down

Schedule a device battery replacement or repair at one of our stores to fix it fast.

Schedule a repair

Back up the data on your MacBook

Any updates or repairs on your MacBook—including a battery replacement—could cause the loss of important information, like your contacts, videos, and apps. Make sure to back up the data on your computer before swapping out your battery.

How to make your MacBook battery last longer

Once you replace the battery on your Mac, you'll want to make sure it lasts as long as possible. Here's how to extend the life of your MacBook battery:

Use the charger that came with your MacBook

When you plug in your computer, make sure to use the charger that came with it. Cheap, third-party chargers don't always work as well and can even damage your battery.

Adjust your screen brightness

Lower your screen's brightness—and help save your battery—by pressing the key with the sun logo (or something similar), then using the slider to turn brightness down.

Keep your MacBook cool

Charge your MacBook in a cool (but not too cold), well-ventilated place, and keep it out of direct sunlight to keep your battery healthy.

Unplug any accessories you're not using

When you connect a mouse, headphones, or an external drive to your MacBook, they draw power from the battery. Unplug these accessories when you're not using them so they don't drain your battery life.

Close unnecessary apps and programs

If too many apps or programs are running at once, your MacBook battery will be working overtime. If you're not using an app or program, close it.

Unplug your MacBook

It's a good idea to unplug your MacBook during the day, even while you're working on it. A 50–80% charged battery is an ideal range.

Turn off your laptop

Make sure to turn off your device daily to help preserve your battery.

Update your operating system

Regular software updates are a must-do to keep your battery in good shape. Here's how to check for updates:

1. Click the Apple® icon in the top left corner of your screen.
2. Click System Preferences > Software Update.
3. Click Upgrade Now to install any desired updates.

To make sure your MacBook stays updated, check the box for Automatically keep my Mac up to date at the bottom of the menu.