You use your laptop every day, but you’ve noticed it doesn’t hold its charge like it used to, overheats or won’t turn on unless it’s plugged in? Don’t worry. It’s probably time to replace the battery. Here’s how to do it easily.
Why change your battery?
Wear and tear over time is inevitable
The typical lifespan of a battery is around 18 months to 2 years. But this depends a lot on how you use your laptop: the more intensively you use it, the faster the battery will age.
Here are the most common symptoms:
- Needing to recharge very often (every two hours or less)
- Battery temperature becoming too high
- Unable to start without the mains adapter connected
These are clear signs of a battery reaching the end of its life cycle.
Diagnostic tools
If your laptop runs a recent version of Windows, a battery health indicator is built in. It can give you recommendations and check the overall health of the battery.
Lenovo battery replacement: step-by-step guide
Step 1 – Switch off and unplug everything
Make sure the laptop is completely powered off, with no power cable connected.
Step 2 – Open the case
- On older models, the battery is easy to remove: just turn the laptop over and release two catches.
- On recent models, you need to remove the bottom cover: undo the visible screws, remove the rubber feet if necessary, and avoid any magnetic tools.
Then lift the keyboard to reach the last internal screws, remove the optical drive if needed, and access the battery under the cover.
Step 3 – Identify your battery’s specifications
Locate the battery next to the cooling system. Note down the key information: part number, capacity in mAh, voltage in volts.
It’s recommended to choose an identical model, but you can go for a slightly higher-capacity battery as long as it is fully compatible.
Step 4 – Install and close up
Connect the new battery, put everything back in place and carefully close the case. Your laptop is now ready to run with a brand-new battery.
Optimising the first charges
What you should do
- Fully charge the battery before using it for the first time.
- After that, avoid completely draining the battery: start charging again from around 10%.
- It’s best not to force it to 100% every single time, to help preserve its lifespan.
What if you get a system error?
If the laptop reports that the battery is not recognised, check compatibility, go into the system settings or BIOS, or remove and refit the battery.
If that still doesn’t solve the issue, contact the seller to arrange an exchange.
Recycle, don’t bin it
A worn-out battery contains polluting components. Never throw it away with your general household waste: take it to a dedicated recycling point, often available in supermarkets or large stores.
In conclusion
Replacing the battery on a Lenovo laptop is simple and within everyone’s reach with a bit of patience. It’s also an excellent way to restore reliable battery life to your laptop while extending its overall lifespan.
