MacBook Battery Recall: Is Your MacBook Affected?

If your MacBook's trackpad feels raised, the screen won't close properly, or you see a visible bulge under the keyboard, your battery is swelling. This is dangerous. The lithium-ion cells inside are expanding and could rupture or catch fire. What swelling looks like: The trackpad sits higher than usual or feels "springy", the bottom case appears warped or bulged, the screen won't close flat (gap between keyboard and screen), keyboard keys feel uneven or raised in the middle. Stop using it immediately. Don't charge it. Don't try to force the lid closed — that puts pressure on the swollen battery and increases fire risk. Shut down the MacBook and unplug it. Keep it on a hard, non-flammable surface (tile, concrete) away from beds, couches, or curtains. Call Apple Support at 1-800-275-2273 and say "My MacBook battery is swelling".

Apple has issued multiple battery-related programs over the years. MacBook Pro 15" (2019) Battery Recall: Battery may overheat and pose a fire safety risk. Models affected: MacBook Pro 15" Retina sold between September 2015 and February 2017. Status: Active recall (CPSC recall number 19-138). Remedy: Free battery replacement at Apple Store or mail-in. Eligibility check: support.apple.com/15-inch-macbook-pro-battery-recall. MacBook Pro Battery Service Program (2016-2017): Battery not charging beyond 1%, battery drains quickly. Models affected: MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports). Status: Still active for qualifying units within 3-year window. Remedy: Free battery replacement. MacBook Air Battery Replacement Program: Battery swelling in certain MacBook Air models. Models affected: MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015). Status: Check eligibility — some units may still qualify.

Every Apple repair program uses your serial number to verify eligibility. On your MacBook (if it turns on): Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select "About This Mac", your serial number appears below the macOS version, click to select it, then press Command+C to copy. If your MacBook won't turn on: Check the bottom case — some models have the serial number printed near the hinge, check the original box — serial number is on the barcode label, sign in to appleid.apple.com, click Devices, and select your MacBook. Once you have your serial number, visit checkcoverage.apple.com and enter it. This shows your warranty status, AppleCare+ coverage if applicable, and eligibility for active repair programs.

If your MacBook qualifies for a battery program, here's how to get it fixed. Option 1: Apple Store (Genius Bar). Book an appointment at apple.com/retail or via the Apple Store app. Bring your MacBook, charging cable, and government-issued ID. Back up your data before your appointment (they may erase it during repair). Repair time: 3-5 days for most battery replacements (they need to order parts). Option 2: Mail-in Repair. Contact Apple Support at 1-800-275-2273. Request a mail-in repair for the battery program. Apple sends you a prepaid shipping box with protective packaging. Ship it back and they return it repaired in 5-7 business days. Option 3: Apple Authorized Service Provider. Find one at locate.apple.com. Many Best Buy locations offer same-day service for battery replacements.

If you have a MacBook Pro from 2015-2019, you might qualify for multiple programs simultaneously. This was the "butterfly keyboard" generation, and Apple ended up admitting both the keyboard design and some battery batches had defects. The butterfly keyboard program covered keys that stuck, repeated characters, or felt "sticky." Free keyboard replacement (worth $400-700). Many units no longer qualify because the 4-year coverage window has closed, but it's worth checking if you bought your MacBook in 2019 or 2020. If your MacBook has both keyboard issues and battery issues, you can get both fixed in the same repair visit.

If your MacBook isn't covered by a program and your warranty expired, here's what you'll pay: MacBook Air: $129 battery replacement, MacBook Pro 13": $199 battery replacement, MacBook Pro 14": $199 battery replacement, MacBook Pro 16": $249 battery replacement. These are Apple's official prices (2025). Third-party repair shops may charge less ($99-150), but you lose warranty coverage if something goes wrong. If your battery started failing just after your warranty expired, ask Apple for a "goodwill exception." Phrase it like this: "My battery started swelling 3 months after AppleCare ended. This seems like a manufacturing defect, not normal wear. Can you make an exception?"

Here's a frustrating truth: having an iCloud account doesn't mean you're signed up for recall or service program notifications. Apple's recall notification system requires you to: (1) Register your device with Apple (most people skip this step), (2) Provide an email address specifically for service notifications, (3) Keep subscribed to Apple marketing emails (many people unsubscribe). If you bought your MacBook from Best Buy, Amazon, or a carrier and never registered it with Apple, there's no connection between your device's serial number and your email address. Apple announces programs on their website, but unless you manually check support.apple.com/service-programs, you won't know about them.

If your MacBook battery is swollen and you need to dispose of it safely, never throw it in the trash. Lithium-ion batteries can cause fires in garbage trucks and landfills. Best Buy: Most Best Buy stores have a battery recycling kiosk near the entrance. They accept MacBook batteries, phone batteries, and other lithium-ion devices free of charge. Apple Store: If you're getting a replacement, Apple will dispose of the old battery for you as part of the service. Call2Recycle: This nonprofit runs a network of battery drop-off locations across the US and Canada. Visit call2recycle.org and enter your ZIP code to find the nearest location. What NOT to do: Don't puncture or disassemble the battery (fire risk), don't put it in regular recycling bins (contamination hazard), don't store it indefinitely — dispose within 30 days of removal.