A laptop battery has a lifespan of around 2 to 3 years, which is the equivalent of about 3,000 charge cycles. Once this limit is reached, the battery stops holding charge. You then have to keep your laptop plugged in all the time to power it.
Various issues such as overheating, overvoltage or improper use can speed up battery wear. In any case, it is important to recognise a failing battery so you can replace it in time.
How do you know when a battery is dead?
Spot the physical signs
Here are the signs that let you know the battery in your Asus laptop is faulty:
- The battery has completely lost its runtime and the laptop only works on mains power;
- The battery charges, but its runtime drops very quickly once you unplug the mains adapter;
- The battery icon at the bottom right of the screen shows a red cross;
- The laptop will not switch on when the power supply is unplugged.
Confirm the diagnosis
Be aware that start-up problems with your Asus may be caused by other faults. To confirm that it is really a battery issue, here is what you should do:
- Remove the battery, plug the laptop into the mains and switch it on. If the laptop works, the battery is indeed at fault. If the laptop still does not work, move on to the next test.
- Find another power cable in good working order (test it first). Put the battery back in place. Plug in the laptop with the new cable. If the laptop turns on and the battery charges, it is simply a power cable problem.
Anticipate the end of the battery’s life
From around the 18th month of use, the battery in your Asus laptop will start to weaken. You should then buy a new replacement battery with the same specifications as the original. You can use this new battery as a backup at first, then use it exclusively once the old battery is dead.
There are software tools you can install on your laptop that show the health of your battery. They also let you compare your battery’s current capacity with its original capacity.
If the loss of capacity is too great, buying a new battery becomes necessary. Here are two examples of tools you can use: BatteryViewInfo and HWInfo64.
How do you replace the battery in an Asus laptop?
Replacing an Asus battery is fairly straightforward, even for someone with no experience. Here are the steps you need to follow.
Disconnect the battery
First place the laptop on a clean, clear work surface. Shut it down and unplug it.
- Remove the battery. If it is removable, turn the laptop over and release the battery by sliding back the catches that hold it in place.
- If the battery is not removable, turn the laptop over and undo all the screws on the bottom casing. Take photos as you go so you do not forget anything when it is time to reassemble everything.
- Insert a rigid, flat plastic tool (a bank card–type tool) between the bottom cover and the keyboard section.
- Work your way around the laptop with the card to unclip the bottom cover from the keyboard section.
- Carefully disconnect any ribbon cable connectors you come across before fully opening the bottom of the machine.
- You will usually find the battery under the keyboard. It is also connected with ribbon cables that need to be disconnected. Then unplug the battery.
Buy a new battery
Read the information printed on the battery. Note down the key details you need to find a model compatible with your Asus laptop: model, capacity in milliampere-hours (mAh), voltage in volts (V), power in watt-hours (Wh). Go to www.batterylaptop.co.uk to find a powerful, long-lasting replacement battery.
Fit the battery and reassemble the laptop
Fit your new battery in its slot, then repeat all the dismantling steps in reverse order to put everything back. Use the photos you took earlier to help you complete the process correctly.
