Uh-oh, My Laptop’s Bulging… Now What?
You’re working from your favorite coffee shop. Laptop open, latte in hand, typing away until you notice your trackpad is sitting weirdly high. You press down and it doesn’t click. The keyboard feels arched. The bottom casing isn’t sitting flush.
What you’re looking at? A swollen laptop battery and it’s a bigger deal than most people realize.
At ITGuys, we specialize in boulder computer repair and have seen this problem more often than you’d think. And while it’s tempting to shrug it off as “just aging hardware,” a bulging battery is a serious red flag both for your laptop’s health and your own safety.
Let’s walk through what’s going on inside your device, what not to do, and how ITGuys can help you fix it quickly and safely.
Why Do Laptop Batteries Swell?
Most modern laptops from MacBooks to Dell XPS and everything in between run on lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries. These are powerful, rechargeable, and compact. But they’re not invincible.
Over time, or under certain conditions, lithium batteries can degrade and start producing gas inside their cells. This gas builds pressure, causing the battery to inflate, pressing outward against the internal casing. That’s what creates the bulge you’re seeing whether under your keyboard, pushing on your trackpad, or cracking the bottom panel.
Common Causes:
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Overcharging or extreme heat
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Poor-quality third-party chargers
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Long-term wear and tear (typically 2–4+ years)
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Manufacturing defects
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Leaving a laptop plugged in 24/7
Once a battery starts swelling, there’s no turning back it must be removed and replaced. Fast.
How Dangerous Is a Swollen Battery, Really?
It’s not just cosmetic damage. A swollen battery is a fire risk.
Here’s what can go wrong:
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The gas pressure can rupture the battery, releasing toxic chemicals.
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A puncture or crack can trigger a fire or explosion.
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Internal components can get crushed or shorted out.
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Your screen could crack, trackpad could fail, and ports could misalign.
So yeah not ideal.
We’re not saying you need to sprint out the door in a panic. But you also shouldn’t keep using it. Swollen batteries are classified as hazardous waste. And like all safety issues, the sooner you address it, the cheaper and safer the fix.
What NOT to Do With a Swollen Battery
Before we get into next steps, let’s talk about what you shouldn’t do:
❌ Don’t charge the laptop.
This adds heat and voltage both of which increase risk.
❌ Don’t try to press the bulge down.
It’s not a popped Tupperware lid. You could puncture the battery.
❌ Don’t toss it in the trash.
Swollen batteries must be disposed of as e-waste not landfill.
❌ Don’t ignore it.
Even if your laptop still “works,” you’re gambling with fire literally.
What to Do Next (The Safe Steps)
Step 1: Power Down
Turn off the device completely. Unplug any power adapter. Leave it powered down until it’s professionally serviced.
Step 2: Move to a Safe Surface
If the bulge is significant, move the laptop to a flat, fire-resistant surface think tile or concrete. Keep it away from heat sources and flammable items like paper or fabric.
Step 3: Call ITGuys Support
Here’s where we come in. At ITGuys, we’ve handled dozens of battery emergencies across Denver, Boulder, Austin, and beyond. We can:
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Diagnose battery health and confirm the issue
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Safely remove swollen batteries
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Source and install OEM or high-quality replacements
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Check for any collateral damage inside
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Clean up warped hardware or bloated casing
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Recycle hazardous materials responsibly
We offer both in-shop and on-site service, and in many cases, we can provide same-day battery replacement.
Can I Replace the Battery Myself?
We don’t recommend it.
Laptops these days aren’t like older models where you could pop the back off and swap a battery in 30 seconds. Today’s machines often have glued-in, soldered, or deeply embedded batteries. Improper removal can:
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Tear internal cables
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Crack the logic board
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Trigger a fire if tools puncture the cell
Unless you’re an experienced technician with anti-static gear, leave it to the pros.
How Long Does a Repair Take at ITGuys?
Most swollen battery replacements can be completed in a few hours, depending on the model and parts availability. Here’s a typical process:
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Drop-Off or Pickup – Bring your laptop in, or we can come to you.
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Assessment – We confirm battery swelling and check for damage.
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Quote & Approval – Transparent pricing, no surprises.
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Repair – We remove and replace the battery, check internal components, and clean up any case distortion.
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Safe Disposal – The old battery is processed through certified e-waste recycling.
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Test & Return – We ensure everything works as expected before we send it home.
You’ll get a fresh battery, a safe device, and peace of mind.
How Much Does It Cost?
It varies based on the make and model of your laptop but most replacements fall between $125–$275, including labor and certified parts. For newer MacBooks with integrated batteries, the cost may be higher due to how complex the disassembly is.
But remember: The cost of ignoring it is much higher damaged screens, melted internals, or worse.
Why ITGuys?
When something’s bulging out of your laptop, you want someone who knows what they’re doing and fast.
At ITGuys, we offer:
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Certified, local technicians
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Transparent pricing
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No pushy upsells
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Fast turnaround
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E-waste compliant disposal
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Friendly, human support
Whether you’re a small business, remote worker, student, or just someone who loves their tech we’ve got your back.
Prevention Tips: Avoiding the Bulge
A swollen battery isn’t always preventable, but you can reduce your risk.
Pro Tips:
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Avoid extreme heat. Don’t leave your laptop in a car on a sunny day.
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Use official chargers from the manufacturer.
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Unplug once full. Don’t leave it at 100% forever.
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Run battery health checks every few months.
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Replace aging batteries every 2–4 years depending on usage.
And if you’re not sure whether your battery is healthy? ITGuys can run a battery diagnostic check in minutes.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Sit On It. Literally.
Swollen batteries are the kind of problem you can’t push down physically or mentally.
They’re a warning sign from your device that something’s wrong. And the longer you wait, the more dangerous it becomes.
So if your laptop is bulging, bowing, or just behaving weirdly, trust your gut and trust ITGuys.
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