How to Check the Charge of a Dell Laptop's Battery

Last Updated: November 18, 2022

Do you have a Dell laptop but don't know how much charge it has? Can't turn the laptop on? Just about to go outside and wait for the taxi? This is help you with that task!

Steps

1
Take the laptop out of its case.
2
Make sure it is off and not in sleep mode.

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3
Flip it over onto it's top so you are looking at the bottom.
4
To identify the battery: Newer models have it underneath. Look for a gray or black rectangle. Older models may have it at the front, where you put CD drives and such.
5
For the newer ones that have the battery on the bottom, look on the battery for a little white rectangle with 5 lights on it. There will be a button next to them. Push it. The lights will come on. The number of lights will give you an estimation on how much it has left.5-Full. 4-80%. 3-60%. 2-40%. 1-20%. None-0%. If it is a half, the lights will stay on and the last one will blink. 4+1=90%. 3+1=70%. 2+1=50%. 1+1 =30%.
6
For the older ones, take out the battery and look in the inside, where the connector is. There should be the same as above, a little pad with 5 lights on it. Do that same as above.

Expert Q&A

Question

Why is my Dell laptop battery draining so fast?

Ken Colburn
Consumer Electronics Expert
Ken Colburn is a Consumer Electronics Expert and the Founder & CEO of Data Doctors Computer Services. With more than 34 years of experience, he specializes in computer checkups and repairs, data recovery, and teaching others about technology. Ken also provides one-minute tech tips through his broadcast, Data Doctors Tech Tips.

Ken Colburn

Consumer Electronics Expert

Expert Answer

Charging in an overheated state can reduce battery life, and a lot of people charge their devices on soft surfaces—like bedspreads, blankets, pillows, etc—, blocking the vents that take the heat from inside the laptop. Heat is the enemy number one of a battery, so try to avoid that to keep your battery healthier.
Question

Why would a Dell laptop not work without a charger?

Community Answer

Most probably the battery is dead. Try getting a replacement battery.
Question

How can I tell if my laptop's battery is faulty?

Community Answer

If the battery can not go without a charge for long, if the battery percentage drop is more than 2% per minute on idle condition on average then you may need to change it. Also check for physical signs (is it swollen?).