How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Laptop Battery

Having a functional laptop is essential for many, whether it’s for work, studies, or entertainment. One of the most common issues with laptops is battery degradation over time. But how do you know when it’s time to replace the battery? In this article, we will go through the clearest signs that your battery needs replacing, how you can test its capacity, and what to consider when replacing it.1. Signs that the battery needs to be replaced

Batteries have a limited lifespan and can lose their capacity after a certain number of charge cycles. Here are some of the most obvious signs that your battery is nearing the end:

a) The laptop discharges faster than usual

If you used to be able to use your laptop for several hours without charging it, but now only get a fraction of that time, it is a clear sign that the battery is worn out.

b) The battery percentage fluctuates or is inconsistent

If your laptop suddenly shuts down despite showing battery life remaining, or if the battery meter jumps back and forth, the battery may be damaged.

c) The laptop refuses to charge or only charges up to a certain percentage

A faulty or old battery may sometimes stop accepting charge or only charge up to, for example, 50% and then stop.

d) The battery has swollen

A dangerous sign is if your battery starts to swell. This can cause damage to your laptop and pose a fire risk. If you see that the bottom of your laptop is bulging or if the keys feel raised, you should immediately stop using the battery and replace it.

e) Warning messages from the operating system

Modern operating systems like Windows and macOS can provide warnings about battery status. If you receive a message such as "Battery needs service" or "Battery needs replacement," you should consider replacing it.

2. How to test your battery

If you are unsure whether your battery is on the verge of dying, you can test its health in several ways.

a) Using built-in tools in the operating system

• Windows: You can generate a detailed battery report by opening Command Prompt and typing: 
  powercfg /batteryreport
  The report is saved as an HTML file and shows how the battery's capacity has deteriorated over time.

• Mac: Go to "About This Mac" > "System Report" > "Power" and look for "Cycle Count" and "Condition." If it says "Service Recommended," it's time to replace the battery.

b) Using third-party programs

There are programs like BatteryMon (Windows) and coconutBattery (Mac) that provide detailed information about battery health.

3. How long does a laptop battery last?

An average battery lasts between 300 and 1000 charge cycles, which equates to about 2-5 years depending on usage. Using the laptop on battery power frequently and charging it when it is nearly empty can accelerate degradation.

4. What to consider when replacing the battery?

a) Original or high-quality replacement battery?

High-quality replacement batteries can offer just as good performance and long lifespan as original batteries. Additionally, they are often significantly more affordable. Be sure to purchase from a reliable supplier to avoid compatibility and performance issues. At Repono, we only provide high-quality replacement batteries with a 2-year warranty. You can easily find your battery using our search function or navigation. If you need help or are unsure, we are happy to assist you. You can contact us here >>

b) Can you replace the battery yourself?

Some laptops have easily replaceable batteries, while others require disassembling the device. If you are moderately skilled with electronics, it should not be a problem. If you encounter issues, we are here to provide instructions on how to do it.

Conclusion

Replacing the battery in a laptop is often necessary after a few years, but by paying attention to signs of degradation and taking proper care of the battery, you can extend its lifespan. If your laptop suddenly shuts down, does not hold a charge, or displays warnings about battery issues, it is time to consider a replacement. A new or high-quality replacement battery can make your laptop feel like new again and significantly improve its performance.