How to Replace a MacBook Pro Battery
Depending on the model of the MacBook Pro you own, replacing the battery can be either super easy or incredibly difficult and time-consuming. The best, least stressful (but more expensive) choice is to take it in for servicing—especially if it’s still under warranty—but it is possible to do it yourself. The specific steps you’ll follow to replace a MacBook Pro battery depend on which model you have. Newer versions of the laptop tend to have their batteries glued inside the casing, and you’ll have to remove that adhesive to get the part out and then replace it when you install the new one. After you identify your MacBook Pro model, you can search for “MacBook battery replacement” on a site like iFixit for the instructions. If you decide to do this job yourself, you should carefully review the directions for your specific model to avoid damaging any other components. Doing so may also convince you that it’s easier to have someone else do it.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a MacBook Pro Battery?
If you decide to replace your MacBook Pro’s battery yourself and have the tools necessary to make the repairs, the only cost is for the replacement battery. Again, you’ll see a range of prices depending on the type of battery you buy and where you purchase it, but you should expect to spend around $100 for the new one. With servicing, you may also have the cost of labor. If your MacBook Pro is still under warranty, you won’t have this concern; the warranty will cover the entire repair. But you can expect to pay either a flat fee or per hour if you’re out of warranty. The total will be several times the cost of the battery alone, but for that money, you can be reasonably sure the repair will be done correctly and safely.
Is it Worth Replacing a MacBook Pro Battery?
With all this talk of Authorized Service Providers and battery glue, you may wonder if it’s easier to replace the entire MacBook Pro instead of repairing it (or having it done). It is, but a faulty battery alone probably isn’t reason enough to replace your computer. Instead, you should ask yourself if the battery is your only issue with the MacBook Pro. If it’s an older model, can you still update all of the applications you use? Does the screen still work? Do newer models have features you’d like to have, like a Touch Bar, a faster processor, or more memory? If you’re otherwise happy with your MacBook Pro, it makes more sense to spend a few hundred dollars replacing the battery instead of over $1,000 to get a new laptop.
