Short answer: Yes, a swollen battery is dangerous, and you should not keep using the laptop. Swelling means the lithium-ion cells have degraded and are off-gassing; continued charging, discharging, or mechanical pressure can lead to venting, smoke, or fire. Power down, unplug, and plan a safe replacement.
How to recognize swelling
- Trackpad feels tight, clicks unevenly, or sits raised.
- Keyboard or palm rest bowing; bottom cover no longer flush.
- Visible seam gaps, wobble on a flat table, or case “creak.”
- Sweet/solvent smell, unusual heat, or hissing (rare but critical warnings).
Immediate steps (do this now)
- Shut down the laptop and unplug the AC adapter.
- Do not charge, puncture, compress, or try to “flatten” the case.
- Move the laptop onto a non-flammable surface (ceramic/metal) in a ventilated area.
- If the battery is hot, let it cool naturally. Do not put in a fridge/freezer.
- Arrange replacement and proper recycling as soon as possible (see below).
Emergency note: If you see smoke, rapid heating, or hear hissing, move away and contact local emergency services. Do not handle a venting pack.
Why batteries swell (and why you shouldn’t keep using them)
- Age & cycles: Electrolyte breakdown over hundreds of cycles creates gas in pouch cells.
- Heat stress: Prolonged high temps (gaming, blocked vents) accelerate decomposition.
- Deep discharge/overcharge events: Can trigger chemical instability.
Swollen cells push on the trackpad/keyboard and chassis. Any pressure or puncture risks a short circuit. Keeping the laptop in service can escalate the hazard—do not continue using it.
Safe handling & removal tips
- Back up data before any service.
- If you DIY, use plastic tools only; never pry or bend the pack.
- Disconnect the battery cable before touching other internals.
- If the pack resists removal due to light adhesive, work slowly with a plastic card—no heat guns.
- If you feel any warmth, stop and let it cool; avoid sharp force at all times.
If you are not fully comfortable, choose professional service. For under-warranty systems, contact Razer first, as opening the chassis can affect coverage depending on region/policy.
Storage, transport & disposal
- Place the removed pack in a non-conductive container (e.g., original antistatic bag or a plastic box) on a cool, dry shelf away from flammables.
- Do not mail or ship casually; follow local rules for damaged lithium batteries.
- Recycle through an authorized e-waste/battery program—never put in household trash.
Replacing the battery (best practice)
- Match the exact model/SKU and connector for your Blade/Book generation.
- Choose a pack with proper protections (over-current, over-temp, short-circuit, cell balancing).
- After installation, perform a calibration cycle (100% → 5–10% → 100%) to normalize the gauge.
Find model-specific options here:
Razer laptop batteries.
FAQ
Can I press the case closed to stop the bulge? No. Compression can damage cells and increase fire risk.
Is it okay to use the laptop on AC without the battery? Many models can power on with the battery disconnected, but behavior varies. This is a temporary workaround only—replace the battery promptly.
Will a reset fix swelling? No. EC resets and calibration only affect readings; swelling is a physical cell failure.