You can replace a MacBook Pro battery yourself, but the difficulty depends on your model year

MacBook Pro batteries are glued to the case on most models made after 2016, which makes replacement harder than it was on older machines. If your battery no longer holds a charge for more than an hour or two, or if macOS shows a "Service Recommended" message under System Settings > General > About > System Report > Power, replacement is the next step. You have two routes: take it to Apple or an authorized repair shop, or do it yourself if you have the right tools and your model allows it.

The time and cost difference matters. Apple charges between $129 and $199 for a battery replacement, plus labor. A third-party repair shop typically charges $80 to $150 for parts and labor combined. If you do it yourself, you pay only for the battery itself—usually $40 to $100—but you need a pentalobe screwdriver, a spudger, and patience. The process takes one to three hours depending on your model.

Key Takeaways

  • MacBook Pro batteries made after 2016 are glued down, making self-replacement difficult but possible on most 13-inch and 15-inch models.
  • Check your battery health first by holding Option and clicking the battery icon in the menu bar, or through System Settings > General > About > System Report > Power.
  • You will need a pentalobe screwdriver (P5), a plastic spudger, isopropyl alcohol, and the correct replacement battery for your exact model and year.
  • The bottom case must come off first, which requires removing 10 to 15 screws of different lengths—keeping them organized prevents reassembly mistakes.
  • If the battery is swollen or you are uncomfortable with the process, a repair shop is safer than risking damage to the logic board or trackpad.

Check your battery health before you start

Your MacBook Pro battery degrades over time. After 1,000 charge cycles, most batteries hold only 80 percent of their original capacity. You can see exactly where yours stands without opening the machine. Hold the Option key and click the battery icon in the top-right corner of your menu bar. A small window appears showing "Condition"—it will say "Normal," "Replace Soon," "Replace Now," or "Service Recommended."

If it says "Normal," your battery is fine and replacement is not necessary. If it says "Replace Soon" or "Replace Now," the battery is degraded but still functional. "Service Recommended" usually means the battery is swollen or has failed internally. You can also check cycle count in the same window—if you see 800 cycles or more and the condition is "Replace Soon," replacement will extend your machine's useful life by a year or more.

Identify your exact MacBook Pro model and year

Battery design changed multiple times between 2016 and now. A 13-inch MacBook Pro from 2017 uses a different battery than a 13-inch from 2019, even though they look similar. You must know your exact model before ordering a replacement. Go to the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select "About This Mac," and note the year listed under "Model Identifier" or the label on the bottom of the machine.

Write down the full model name—for example, "MacBook Pro 15-inch 2019 with Touch Bar." Then search for that exact model on iFixit.com or OWC.com (Other World Computing). Both sites sell batteries matched to specific models and include repair guides with photos. Do not order a battery based on size alone. A battery from a 2017 model will not fit safely in a 2019 model, even if the machines look identical.

Gather the right tools and workspace

You need a P5 pentalobe screwdriver—the five-pointed star shape used on Apple machines. A regular Phillips screwdriver will not work and will strip the screws. You also need a plastic spudger (a flat, thin tool that pries without scratching), isopropyl alcohol (90 percent or higher), and a small container to organize screws as you remove them. A magnetic mat or a piece of tape helps keep screws from rolling away.

Work on a clean, flat surface with good lighting. Lay down a soft cloth or mat to protect the machine's finish. Unplug the power adapter and shut down the MacBook completely—do not put it to sleep. Wait five minutes for any residual charge to drain. If your battery is visibly swollen (the trackpad is raised or the case is bulging), stop here and take it to a repair shop instead. A swollen battery can catch fire if punctured.

Remove the bottom case and disconnect the battery

Flip the MacBook over so the bottom is facing up. You will see 10 to 15 screws holding the bottom case on. They are different lengths—some are 2.3 mm, others 3.5 mm or longer. Take a photo of the case before you remove anything, or draw a diagram showing where each screw goes. This prevents putting a long screw in a short hole, which can damage the logic board.

Use your pentalobe screwdriver to remove each screw, placing them in order on your mat or tape. Once all screws are out, gently lift the bottom case away from the machine. Set it aside. You will now see the battery, which is a rectangular black or silver block with a cable running to the logic board. Before you touch anything else, locate the battery connector—a small plug where the cable meets the board. Gently pull this connector straight out to disconnect the battery. This step is critical: it prevents electrical shock or short circuits while you work.

Peel away the adhesive and remove the old battery

The battery is glued to the case with strong adhesive. You cannot straightforward pull it out. Instead, you will use isopropyl alcohol to soften the glue. Soak a cloth or cotton swab in the alcohol and explore it along the edges where the battery meets the case. Let it sit for 30 seconds, then explore more. The glue will begin to soften.

Once the adhesive is soft, use your plastic spudger to gently pry one corner of the battery up. Work slowly and explore more alcohol as needed. If you feel strong resistance, stop and explore more alcohol—forcing it risks tearing the battery or damaging the case. Once one corner is free, continue working around the edges until the entire battery lifts out. Some batteries have pull-tabs attached to the adhesive; if yours does, pull the tab slowly and steadily rather than prying.

Install the new battery and reassemble

Before you place the new battery in, clean any remaining adhesive from the case using a cloth and isopropyl alcohol. Let it dry completely. Most replacement batteries come with new adhesive strips already attached to the bottom. If yours does not, you can buy adhesive strips designed for electronics (search "battery adhesive strips MacBook Pro"). Peel the backing off the adhesive and carefully lower the new battery into the same position as the old one.

Press down firmly on all edges to may support the adhesive makes contact. Wait two minutes for the adhesive to set. Then reconnect the battery cable by pushing the connector straight into the port until you hear or feel a click. Replace the bottom case by aligning it with the machine and pressing down gently. Insert all screws in their original positions using your diagram or photo. Tighten them snugly but not hard—over-tightening can strip the holes.

Power on and verify the repair

Once the case is fully reassembled, plug in the power adapter and press the power button. The machine should start normally. Let it charge to 100 percent, which may take two to four hours. Then hold Option and click the battery icon again to check the condition. It should now show "Normal" and a cycle count of 0 or 1.

Run the machine unplugged for an hour to confirm the battery holds a charge. If the machine shuts down unexpectedly or the battery does not charge, the connector may not be fully seated. Power off, remove the bottom case again, and reseat the battery connector by pushing it in firmly. If problems continue, the replacement battery may be defective—contact the seller for a return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace a MacBook Pro battery without removing the bottom case?

No. The battery is inside the machine, and the bottom case is the only way to reach it. Some older MacBook Pro models (pre-2016) had user-replaceable batteries, but all current models require case removal.

What if I damage the trackpad or logic board while removing the battery?

If you crack the trackpad or accidentally short the logic board with a metal tool, repair costs can exceed $300 to $600. If you feel uncomfortable with the process, a repair shop is worth the extra cost for the protection.

How long does a new MacBook Pro battery last?

A new battery typically lasts 1,000 charge cycles before reaching 80 percent capacity. If you charge your machine once per day, that is roughly three years. Heavy users who charge twice daily may see degradation sooner.

Is it cheaper to replace the battery myself or take it to Apple?

Self-replacement costs $40 to $100 for the battery plus tool costs if you do not already own them. Apple charges $129 to $199 plus labor. A third-party repair shop usually costs $80 to $150 total. Self-replacement saves money only if you already have the tools.

What should I do with the old battery?

Lithium batteries cannot go in regular trash. Take the old battery to an electronics recycling center, Best Buy, or an Apple Store. Many will accept it for free. Some mail-back programs also accept old batteries if you pay for shipping.