MacBook Battery Swelling: What It Means, What to Do, and Whether Apple Will Fix It Free

The keyboard is usually the first place you'll notice it. When a lithium battery swells, it pushes outward — and in a MacBook, that force has nowhere to go but up through the trackpad and keyboard.

Signs to look for:

- **Keys that feel raised or uneven** — especially in the middle rows, not the edges - **Trackpad that's hard to click or feels stiff** — the swollen battery pushes against it from below - **MacBook that rocks on a flat surface** — the bottom case is bowing outward - **Case seams separating** — the aluminum chassis is being forced apart - **Lid that won't close flush** — the display meets resistance before fully closing

Any one of these is enough to take seriously. If you're seeing two or more, stop using the laptop now.

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Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time through a process called electrolyte decomposition. As this happens, gases form inside the battery cell. Those gases have nowhere to go, so the cell physically expands.

Two main causes:

**Age + charge cycles.** Every charge cycle degrades the cell slightly. MacBook batteries are rated for around 1,000 cycles before hitting 80% capacity. Once you're well past that, gas buildup becomes more likely. A MacBook that's 6–8 years old has almost certainly been through 1,000+ cycles.

**Manufacturing defect.** This is what triggers a recall. In the 15-inch MacBook Pro Mid 2015, Apple identified a specific battery defect where cells could overheat and potentially catch fire — not just swell. This is distinct from normal age-related swelling and is why Apple issued a formal recall through the CPSC.

The gases inside a swollen lithium battery are flammable and potentially toxic. This is not cosmetic damage.

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Follow these steps in order. Don't skip ahead to the "check your warranty" part before you've done the safety steps.

**1. Stop using it immediately.** Don't finish what you're working on. Save anything you can and close the laptop.

**2. Unplug it.** Disconnect the charger. Charging a swollen battery accelerates the problem and increases fire risk.

**3. Move it somewhere safe.** Put it on a hard, non-flammable surface — tile floor, concrete, metal table. Keep it away from papers, fabric, or anything that could catch fire. Don't leave it in a bag.

**4. Back up your data.** If the laptop still turns on, plug in an external drive or use Time Machine. Once you take it in for service, you may not see it for 3–5 business days.

**5. Shut it down.** Power it off completely. Don't let it sleep — actually shut it down.

**6. Don't try to remove the battery yourself.** Modern MacBooks have the battery glued to the chassis. Puncturing or improperly removing a swollen lithium battery can cause a thermal runaway — which is exactly what you're trying to avoid.

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Apple has an active battery recall for one specific model: **MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015).**

These units were sold primarily between September 2015 and February 2017. Apple identified a defect where the battery could overheat and pose a fire safety risk — independent of normal swelling from age.

**To check eligibility:**

1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen 2. Select **About This Mac** 3. Confirm your model shows as "MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)" 4. Note your serial number (it's listed in the same window) 5. Go to support.apple.com/15-inch-macbook-pro-battery-recall and enter your serial number

If your unit is eligible: Apple will replace the battery for free. Service takes approximately 3–5 business days. Options include Apple Authorized Service Providers, Apple Stores, or mail-in repair.

**Important:** If your MacBook is eligible, stop using it immediately. Apple's own guidance says to stop use until the battery has been replaced.

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Most MacBooks with swollen batteries won't be the recalled 2015 model. That doesn't mean you're stuck with a repair bill.

**Check if you have AppleCare+ first.** Battery service is covered under AppleCare+ if your battery health has dropped below 80% — which it almost certainly has if it's swelling. A Genius Bar appointment confirms this for free.

**Out-of-warranty flat fee.** Apple charges a flat rate for out-of-warranty battery service. As of 2025, this runs $129–$249 depending on the MacBook model. It's done by Apple technicians with genuine parts.

**Third-party repair.** iFixit-certified repair shops can replace MacBook batteries, often for less. Make sure they're using genuine or OEM-equivalent cells, not generic replacements — a cheap replacement battery can swell again.

**What not to do:** Don't use a MacBook with a visibly swollen battery while waiting to book a repair. Don't charge it overnight. Don't put it in a bag where heat can build up.

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Before the battery gets to the swelling stage, you can monitor its health in macOS.

1. Hold the **Option** key and click the battery icon in the menu bar 2. It will show your battery's condition: Normal, Service Recommended, or Service Battery

Or go deeper: 1. Hold **Option** and click **About This Mac** 2. Click **System Report** 3. Under Hardware, click **Power** 4. Look for "Cycle Count" and "Condition"

A cycle count above 1,000 on an older MacBook means the battery is past its rated life. "Service Battery" is the warning sign that precedes swelling.

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If your MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015) is eligible for the recall: recallradar.co/recalls/apple/macbook-pro-15-battery-2019

To check all active Apple service programs: support.apple.com/service-programs

To register your MacBook and get alerts when new recalls or service programs are announced: recallradar.co/alerts

For the MacBook Pro 15" specifically, RecallRadar tracks this recall and can notify you if Apple extends or modifies the program: recallradar.co/recalls/apple