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Searching for a power source to plug your MacBook in is frustrating, but here’s some good news! Replacing your MacBook Pro’s battery is straightforward and affordable. In this article, we’ll explore how much a battery replacement costs.
Key Takeaways:
- A MacBook Pro battery replacement typically costs $200-$300 through an Apple-authorized service provider, though costs vary by model and service provider.
- Your MacBook needs a new battery if it drains quickly, shuts down unexpectedly, and performs poorly.
- You can go to the Apple Store, an authorized service center, or a third-party repair shop.
- The battery typically lasts for 3-5 years.
How Much Does MacBook Pro Battery Replacement Cost?
On average, a battery Replacements for a MacBook Pro can cost anywhere from $200 to $300 if you go through an apple authorized service provider. This price typically includes the MacBook battery cost and the labor required to replace it.
However, the macbook battery replacement cost varies depending on your MacBook model and whether you have its battery replaced by an authorized Apple service provider or MacBook battery replaced by a third-party repair shop.
Also, the price may be lower if your device is covered under Apple Warranty. You can find a list of Apple’s Battery Services here.
If you choose a third-party repair shop, the MacBook battery replacement cost may be lower, but it’s important to research and ensure the shop is reputable and uses high-quality replacement parts.
Some third-party battery replacements may be lower in cost but may not offer the same level of performance or longevity as a genuine Apple replacement battery.
Does AppleCare Cover MacBook Battery Replacement?
Yes, AppleCare covers MacBook battery replacement if its capacity has fallen below 80% of its original capacity. AppleCare Plus extends the standard warranty of the MacBook and provides additional coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage. However, due to regular use, AppleCare Plus does not cover regular wear and tear or battery depletion.
The standard warranty with every MacBook includes one year of hardware repair coverage and 90 days of tech support. But what if your MacBook battery starts acting up? In some cases, Apple replaces your MacBook battery for free under the standard warranty. For example, if your MacBook has a defective battery or shows faster-than-expected degradation, its battery health drops below 80% within the first year.
If you’re looking for long-term peace of mind, AppleCare Plus is the way to go. With AppleCare Plus, you can enjoy extended coverage and a free battery replacement if the MacBook battery health drops below 80%. You can subscribe to AppleCare Plus within 60 days of buying a new laptop, with annual and three-year plans, and renew your AppleCare Plus protection for MacBooks with annual plans.
Signs That Your Mac Needs A New Battery
Here are some of the most common signs your Mac needs a new battery:
- Your Mac’s battery drains quickly: If your Mac’s battery drains faster than it used to, it could be a sign that the MacBook battery is no longer holding a charge as well as it should. You may notice the battery percentage drops rapidly, or your Mac shuts down unexpectedly when the battery level is still high.
- Your Mac runs slow: Your Mac runs slow: A slow MacBook Pro indicates that the battery no longer provides enough power to run the computer efficiently. As a battery ages, it loses its ability to provide the necessary voltage to run your Mac at full power. If you’ve noticed that your Mac is taking longer to load applications or webpages, or if it’s slower to respond to your commands, it may be time to replace the battery.
- Your Mac won’t turn on: If it doesn’t turn on even when plugged in, it could be a sign that the battery is no longer functioning properly. This can happen if the battery is completely dead or there is a problem with the battery’s connection to your Mac.
- Your Mac’s battery status says “Replace Soon”: If you go to the Apple menu and click System Settings > Battery, you may see a message that says Replace Soon or Service Battery. This is a clear indication that your battery needs to be replaced.
- Your Mac’s battery is swollen: If your Mac’s battery is visibly swollen or distorted, this is a serious sign that it needs to be replaced immediately. A swollen battery can be dangerous and even damage your Mac if left unchecked.
- Your Mac is several years old: Even if it still functions normally, the battery is likely starting to degrade if it’s several years old. In this case, replacing the battery can help extend the life of your Mac and prevent other problems from arising.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, taking your Mac to an authorized Apple service provider is a good idea to check the battery and replace it if necessary. But before you do that, check its battery cycles to confirm if it needs replacement or another issue.
Checking Your Mac’s Battery Cycles
All MacBook Pro batteries have a life cycle defined by the number of charges it goes through throughout its life. This is known as a battery cycle, and for a typical MacBook Pro, you should expect about 1000 battery cycles before it needs a new one.
So, checking how many battery cycles your computer has completed is an easy first step to determining if it needs a new one. Here’s how to do it:
- Click the Apple icon on the top left of your screen and select About This Mac in the drop-down menu.
- A diagnostic screen will appear. Click the More Info button on this screen.
- Click on the System Report button at the bottom of the about page.
- Now click on the Power listing tab, and a screen will appear with the total number of battery cycles your MacBook Pro has gone through over its lifetime.
- If this Cycle Count number is approaching 1000 and your Mac is acting slow, it might be time to replace the battery.
Where To Go For MacBook Pro Battery Replacements
If you need to replace the battery of your MacBook Pro, there are a few options. You can take it to an Apple Store, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or a third-party repair shop. You can also do it yourself if you have the expertise.
Each option has pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh them carefully before deciding. Below, we will discuss each option in detail to help you make an informed choice about where to go for your MacBook Pro battery replacements.
Before You Decide
Before you take your MacBook Pro for battery replacement, the first step is to check your Apple warranty. If the warranty still covers your MacBook Pro, you may be able to get the battery replaced for free.
Apple provides a one-year limited warranty for MacBook Pro, which covers manufacturing defects and other hardware issues. You may be covered for up to three years if you have AppleCare Plus.
You can check your warranty status by visiting the Apple website or contacting Apple support. If your MacBook Pro is covered, taking it to an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider would be the best option.
Option 1: Apple Store
If you decide to go to an Apple Store to have your MacBook Pro battery replaced, you can schedule an appointment with an Apple Genius. During the appointment, the technician will examine your device and provide an estimate for the repair. If your MacBook Pro is covered under warranty or Apple’s macbook battery replacement program, you may not need to pay for the repair.
Apple offers a one-year warranty on their batteries, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. If your battery fails within the first year of ownership, Apple may replace it for free. Additionally, Apple has a battery replacement program for eligible models, offering discounted macbook battery replacement pricing.Bonus tip: Your MacBook may qualify for Apple’s MacBook Pro Battery Recall Program. Go to the link and enter your MacBook Pro serial number to check eligibility.
Option 2: Authorized Service Provider
Authorized Service Providers (ASPs) are third-party repair shops certified by Apple. These providers are authorized to perform repairs and offer genuine Apple parts.
If you take your MacBook Pro to an ASP, they will examine your device and provide you with an estimate for the repair. If your MacBook Pro is covered under warranty or Apple’s battery replacement program, you may not need to pay for the repair.
Option 3: Third-Party Repair Shops
Choosing a reputable shop that uses high-quality, genuine parts is important if you choose to go to a third-party repair shop. You can research online for reviews and recommendations for repair shops in your area.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to ask the repair shop about their experience with MacBook Pro battery replacements and what kind of warranty they offer on their repairs.
Some good third-party options are as follows:
- Amazon: You can go to Amazon and search for your MacBook Pro model and replacement battery. This will show a bunch of results, but you can pick and choose which option is the best for you. On Amazon, you can find most batteries.
- iFixit: They have batteries available for most MacBook Pro models and also offer complete replacement kits that allow you to do the job yourself with the right tools and instructions. Prices for macbook battery replacement here range from $59 to $149, depending on your model.
- LaptopBatteryExpress: This is a discount battery site with batteries for all MacBook Pro models at a cheaper price. Select the Apple MacBook Batteries button on their main page and find the right battery for your Mac. Prices for macbook battery replacement here range from $69 to $129, depending on your model.
Option 4: DIY Replacement
If you’re comfortable working with electronics and have the necessary tools, you can replace your MacBook battery yourself. You can find replacement batteries online from various retailers, including Apple. Just make sure you purchase the correct battery for your specific MacBook Pro model.
Replacing your MacBook Pro’s battery is not that hard. But before you do that, check out our in-depth guide on replacing your MacBook Pro battery to do this repair in about half an hour.
Remember that performing a DIY battery replacement can be challenging and may void your warranty if not done correctly. If you’re not confident in your ability to perform the repair, it’s best to take it to a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AppleCare cover MacBook Pro battery replacement?
Yes, AppleCare covers MacBook Pro battery replacements if its capacity has fallen below 80% of its original capacity. AppleCare Plus extends the standard warranty of the MacBook and provides additional coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage. However, AppleCare Plus does not cover regular wear and tear or battery depletion due to regular use. If you’re looking for long-term peace of mind, AppleCare Plus is a good option to consider.
Can I replace the MacBook Pro battery myself?
Yes, you can replace the MacBook Pro battery yourself if you have the necessary tools and expertise. However, performing a DIY replacement can be challenging and may void your warranty if not done correctly. It’s recommended that you take your device to a professional if you’re not confident in your ability to perform the repair.
How often do I need to replace my MacBook Pro battery?
The lifespan of a MacBook Pro battery depends on several factors, including usage and the model of the device. On average, a MacBook Pro battery lasts about three to five years. However, if you use your device heavily, you may need to replace the battery sooner. You can check your battery’s health by going to the “Battery” section in your device’s “System Information.”
Final Thoughts
The cost to replace the battery in a MacBook Pro can vary depending on where you go for the repair. You can visit an Apple Store, authorized service provider, or third-party repair shop, or even attempt a DIY replacement. The cost of these methods varies but is still less than buying a brand-new computer.
If your MacBook Pro is still covered under warranty or macbook battery replacement program, you may not need to pay for the repair. However, if you need to pay out of pocket, prices can range from $100 to $299 or more, depending on the model.
About Eric
Linda
Third party repair shops generally offer lower prices than Apple, ranging from $100-150 for the part and service. However, going through unauthorized channels carries some risk and quality uncertainty versus utilizing Apple’s network of authorized service providers.
Peter
You can attempt to replace the battery yourself, but it requires technical skill and tools. If done incorrectly, you risk damaging your computer and voiding any warranty coverage. It’s generally recommended to have an authorized service shop handle the replacement unless you’re very comfortable working inside electronics.
Kathy
Thanks Eric. Your directions are so much more clear than on many other sites (that expect a certain level of familiarity with the technology). The images are a great help and the fact that you researched and provided all those options for repair or replacement is really valuable assistance. Thank you!
Cristen
I just purchased. 2019 MacBook Pro from Amazon refurbished. The machines looks and functions. However, the battery life is less than 2 hours and per your blog I checked the life cycles and it’s at 245. I emailed the seller on Amazon and they said I may need to take it to a service provider to have the system looked at. Thoughts?
Anthony
It seems that Apple charges *significantly* more (512,50 EUR instead of 209 EUR in Europe — all models) if a customer decides to have them replace a battery out of warranty i.e. of a vintage MacBook that had relatively low recharge cycles and thus wear; but 6+ years of duty all the same. Is that unpublished nuance a fair service practice do you think?
Mind you: Vintage products cannot be services for original parts by other companies at all. One or two years further down the road you run the risk of having an “Obsolete” product with poor battery that won’t be serviced at all due to corporate policy; that you otherwise have kept charging and running just fine.
So much for being a sustainable “green” company…
PS. They rather have you buy a new device of course
PS2. And yeah, if you do the math: You can never have 700+ recharge cycles causing to go below their 80% health threshold within the two year warranty period, can you?
Tom Graham
The instructions to change a battery for a 2015 Macbook Pro includes a whopping 97 steps. I am handy but this looks like too much for me.
Jack
Apple now glues their batteries inside their computers so customers cannot repair them themselves. Ever since Steve Jobs died, Apple has done lots of things to increase their profits at the expense of their customers’ satisfaction. Special screws so cases can’t be easily opened. Memory is no longer upgradeable. Storage is no longer upgradeable. Batteries cannot be replaced easily. Getting rid of Magsafe causes MacBooks to fail far sooner. Getting rid of headphone jacks gets customers to buy expensive battery operated headphones which will wear out; you can’t replace the batteries in those either. Newly designed keyboards which Apple knows will fail sooner than than their previous designs. The list goes on and on.
Kathy
Jack, I agree. Apple has everything set up so that it is made to be obsolete. The upgrades on my MacBook Pro have made some of my made-for-Mac software programmes obsolete. If I want the upgrade, I have to subscribe to monthly payment for the use of programmes I already owned! If Apple sells products made by another company FOR Apple devices, then they should be required to ensure that those products can function with Apple upgrades.