When and how to replace your MacBook battery yourself

You can replace a MacBook battery yourself if your model has a removable battery — but most modern MacBooks do not. Batteries in MacBooks from 2016 onward are glued to the case and require disassembly by someone with the right tools and experience. If your MacBook is older, the battery may be held in by screws and can be swapped out in under five minutes. The first step is to find out which MacBook model you have and whether Apple or a repair shop should do the work.

If you do have an older MacBook with a removable battery, the process is straightforward: shut down the computer, unplug all cables, flip it over, locate the battery release tabs or screws, and slide or unscrew the battery out. A replacement battery costs between $50 and $100 depending on the model. If your MacBook is newer and the battery is glued in, you will need to contact Apple, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or an independent repair shop — the cost typically ranges from $129 to $199 plus labor.

Key Takeaways

  • MacBooks made before 2016 usually have removable batteries held by screws or tabs; newer models have batteries glued to the case and require professional disassembly.
  • To identify your model, click the Apple menu, select "About This Mac," and note the year and model name.
  • If your battery is removable, shut down completely, unplug all cables, flip the MacBook over, and slide or unscrew the battery out in the direction indicated by the arrows on the case.
  • Replacement batteries for older MacBooks cost $50 to $100; professional replacement for newer models costs $129 to $199 plus labor.
  • Before replacing the battery, back up your data and check whether your MacBook is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare.

Identify your MacBook model and battery type

Open the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and click "About This Mac." Write down the model name (for example, "MacBook Pro 13-inch, 2015") and the year. This tells you whether your battery is removable or glued in. Models from 2015 and earlier almost always have removable batteries. Models from 2016 onward have batteries bonded to the case with adhesive.

You can also check the battery itself. Shut down your MacBook, unplug it, and let it cool for a few minutes. Flip it over and look at the bottom case. If you see battery release tabs (usually red or orange plastic tabs sticking out from the sides) or a row of screws along the battery edges, your battery is removable. If the battery appears to be glued flat to the aluminum case with no tabs or screws visible, it is not designed for user replacement.

Steps to remove a removable battery

Make sure your MacBook is completely shut down and unplugged from power. Wait at least two minutes after shutdown to let any residual charge drain. Unplug any external devices — USB cables, chargers, external drives — and flip the MacBook over so the bottom case faces up.

Locate the battery release tabs on either side of the battery. These are usually colored plastic tabs with arrows printed on them showing the direction to pull. Grasp both tabs firmly and pull them toward the edge of the MacBook in the direction the arrows point. The battery will slide out of its slot. If your model uses screws instead of tabs, use a Phillips head screwdriver (size #00 or #000, depending on the model) to remove the three to five screws along the battery edges, then lift the battery straight up and out.

Once the old battery is out, inspect the slot for any debris or adhesive residue. If there is dried adhesive, use a plastic spoon or soft plastic scraper to gently remove it — do not use metal tools, as they can scratch the case. Slide the new battery into the slot, making sure the connector at the end of the battery aligns with the port on the case. If your model uses screws, insert them in the same holes and tighten them by hand first, then use the screwdriver to snug them down — do not over-tighten.

What to do if your battery is not removable

If your MacBook has a glued-in battery, you have three options: contact Apple directly, visit an Apple Store, or take it to an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Apple Stores can usually schedule a repair within a few days. You can also mail your MacBook to Apple's repair center if no store is nearby — they will handle shipping both ways, though the turnaround is typically one to two weeks.

Independent repair shops can also replace glued batteries, often faster and sometimes cheaper than Apple. Search for "MacBook repair near me" or ask for recommendations from local tech groups. Before choosing a shop, ask whether they use genuine Apple batteries or third-party replacements, and whether they offer a warranty on the repair. Genuine batteries cost more but are less likely to cause problems later.

Check your warranty and battery health first

Before you buy a replacement battery, check whether your MacBook is still under warranty. If it is, Apple will replace the battery for free if the battery has degraded below 80 percent of its original capacity. Click the Apple menu, hold the Option key, and click "System Information." Go to the "Power" section and look at the "Condition" field. If it says "Normal," your battery is still healthy and may not need replacement yet. If it says "Replace Now" or "Service Recommended," you are covered under warranty.

If your MacBook is out of warranty but you have AppleCare+, battery replacement is usually covered. Check your AppleCare status by going to apple.com, signing in with your Apple ID, and looking at your coverage. Write down your MacBook's serial number (found in "About This Mac") before you contact Apple — they will ask for it.

Buying the right replacement battery

Order a replacement battery that matches your exact MacBook model. The model name and year matter — a battery for a MacBook Pro 13-inch 2015 will not fit a MacBook Air 13-inch 2015, even though they look similar. Search for your model number plus "replacement battery" on Amazon, eBay, or the manufacturer's website (OWC and Anker both make MacBook batteries). Prices range from $50 to $100 depending on the model and whether you choose a genuine Apple battery or a third-party option.

Third-party batteries are usually cheaper and work well, but genuine Apple batteries have a longer track record and come with Apple's warranty. If you buy a third-party battery, read the reviews carefully and look for sellers who offer a return period of at least 30 days. Avoid batteries listed as "refurbished" or "used" unless the seller explicitly states they have been tested and come with a warranty.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not force the battery out if it seems stuck. If the release tabs do not slide smoothly, the battery may be glued in — forcing it can damage the case or the connector. Stop and take your MacBook to a repair shop instead. Do not touch the battery connector with wet hands or allow it to get wet — the connector is metal and can corrode. Let your hands dry completely before handling the battery.

Do not over-tighten screws when reinstalling. Hand-tighten first, then use the screwdriver to snug them down until they stop — one more quarter-turn is enough. Over-tightening can strip the screw holes or crack the case. Do not leave your MacBook unplugged and powered off for more than a few hours before installing the new battery. If the MacBook sits too long without power, the system clock may reset and you may lose some settings.

What to do after installation

Once the new battery is in place, flip your MacBook right-side up and plug in the power adapter. Press the power button and let the MacBook start up normally. The first boot may take longer than usual — this is normal. Once the system is fully loaded, go to "About This Mac" and check the battery information again. The "Condition" field should now say "Normal" and the "Current Charge" should show close to 100 percent.

Charge the battery fully before using the MacBook on battery power for the first time. Leave it plugged in for at least two hours. After the first full charge, use the MacBook normally — modern MacBook batteries do not need to be fully drained before recharging, and doing so actually shortens their lifespan. If the new battery does not hold a charge or the MacBook does not recognize it, the connector may not be seated properly. Shut down, flip it over, and check that the battery connector is pushed all the way into the port.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a MacBook battery last before it needs replacement?

Most MacBook batteries are designed to hold 80 percent of their original capacity after 1,000 charge cycles. Depending on how often you use your MacBook, this typically takes three to five years. You can check your battery's current health by going to "About This Mac," clicking "System Information," and looking at the "Power" section.

Can I replace a glued-in battery myself with tools from a hardware store?

You can, but it is not recommended. Glued batteries require heating the case to soften the adhesive, then carefully prying the battery out without damaging the case or the logic board. One slip can cost hundreds of dollars in repairs. A repair shop has the right tools and experience to do this safely.

Is a third-party battery as good as an Apple battery?

Most third-party batteries work well and cost less, but they may not last as long or come with the same warranty. Genuine Apple batteries are tested to Apple's standards and carry Apple's warranty. If you plan to keep your MacBook for several more years, a genuine battery is worth the extra cost.

What should I do with the old battery after I remove it?

Do not throw it in the trash. Lithium batteries contain materials that can harm the environment. Take the old battery to an Apple Store, Best Buy, or a local electronics recycling center. Many of these places will take it for free. Some will also accept it by mail if you do not have a location nearby.

Will replacing the battery void my warranty?

If you replace a removable battery yourself, it will not void your warranty. If you take your MacBook to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for replacement, the repair itself is covered under warranty or AppleCare. If you use an independent repair shop, ask them whether the repair comes with a warranty on their work.