Trackpad or keyboard lifted or bulging from a swollen battery

Symptoms

• Trackpad no longer sits flush and rocks or bulges upward
• Keyboard deck feels puffy or raised in the center
• Bottom case doesn't sit flat on a table anymore
• Case seams near the battery area have separated

Likely causes

• CommonBattery has swollen from age-related chemical breakdownThis is the leading cause of a laptop's internal components physically bulging.
• CommonHeat exposure accelerating battery swellingCharging on soft surfaces or leaving the laptop in hot environments speeds this up.
• PossiblePhysical damage to the battery from a dropA cracked cell can swell quickly after an impact.

What to do

1. Stop using the laptop immediately and unplug the charger.
2. Do not press down on the trackpad or keyboard to try to flatten it.
3. Power the laptop off completely if it's still running.
4. Place it on a hard, non-flammable surface away from anything that could catch fire.
5. Do not attempt to remove the battery yourself unless you are trained to do so.
6. Contact a certified repair shop immediately to have the battery safely removed and replaced.

Tools and parts

• None — do not attempt DIY work

When to call a pro

Take it to a certified repair shop or the manufacturer right away; if you notice active swelling, heat, smoke, or a hissing sound, move it to a safe outdoor area away from people immediately.

Safety