If your laptop’s trackpad comes out, stop using it immediately

Trackpads on modern laptops are generally flat. But maybe you’ve noticed that yours is starting to come loose, as if something is pushing it from the inside. The glass covering it may even crack. If this happens to your laptop, you could have serious problems on your hands. The battery may be the culprit and you should stop using your laptop immediately. But don’t throw away your laptop just yet: there are ways to repair it so you can use it safely again.

To understand why, you need to start by learning how batteries work. Almost all modern laptops contain lithium-ion batteries. They are responsible for providing power when the laptop is unplugged. Overall, these batteries are quite safe if used correctly. But they can put you at serious risk if you ignore certain safety precautions. A battery depends on many chemical reactions to function. And when it’s overloaded or physically damaged, the internal chemical components can produce harmful gases.

The result is disastrous for your laptop. The battery begins to swell and pushes against all the components around it. And when it comes to laptops, the battery is usually located under the trackpad. Surface laptops and MacBooks are no exception. And you can imagine where this leads. A swollen battery causes the trackpad to pop out. A sticking trackpad is usually a sign that your battery is nearing the end of its life. And it’s not hypothetical: Apple has already had to launch replacement programs for MacBooks with swollen batteries.

Your laptop stopping working wouldn’t even be the worst case scenario. A faulty battery can swell to the point of exploding. The risk of it catching fire is very real. Of course, there are situations where a trackpad may become detached due to other hardware malfunctions. Perhaps an internal screw has become loose or your laptop has suffered a shock. But it’s still worth taking every precaution to make sure it’s not a battery problem.

Have you noticed anything unusual with your laptop’s trackpad? Does it pop or does the laptop case appear bulging? If the answer is yes, stop using your laptop immediately. Turn it off and unplug it. For most people, the best advice is to take your laptop to a repair shop. Working with swollen batteries can be very dangerous: one wrong move and they could catch fire. Hiring a professional to take care of your laptop is probably the right choice in this case.

The good news is that laptops in this situation can be easily replaced in most cases. The trackpad snaps back into place once the new battery is installed. Prices for such repairs may vary. Apple, for example, charges between $149 and $249 to replace a MacBook’s battery, depending on which model you have. The price may be higher if the trackpad was damaged by a swollen battery. Most laptop manufacturers will repair a faulty battery for free if the device is still under warranty. It’s worth checking if yours is still covered.

Additionally, certain habits can help preserve your laptop’s battery and prevent it from overcharging. Avoid leaving your laptop in extreme temperatures or direct sunlight for long periods of time. Using original and certified chargers is also a good way to prevent accidents. And if you plan to store your laptop without using it for long periods of time, keep it at around 50% charge. Try turning it on and checking it every three months to make sure everything is okay. Changing certain settings on your laptop can also help reduce battery wear.