Swollen battery on the Alienware Area-51 18: what to do (and what never to do)
Why a lithium battery can swell over time, and the safe way to get it replaced.
A known trait of lithium-ion batteries
Like most laptops, the Area-51 18 uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery — a technology chosen for its thinness and battery life, but one with a known risk of cell swelling over time, tied to age, number of charge cycles, or prolonged exposure to heat. A swollen battery can affect the device's performance and damage the chassis or internal components.
Stop using it at the first signs
Stop using the computer and discharge it by unplugging the AC adapter until the battery can no longer power the device on. A swollen battery should never be used again: contact Dell Support to arrange a replacement under warranty or an applicable service contract.
What you should never do
Never crush, drop, puncture, or bend the battery, expose it to excessive heat, disassemble it, apply pressure to its surface, or use a tool to pry against it. If the battery gets stuck inside the device due to swelling, don't try to force it out — puncturing, bending, or crushing it can be dangerous. Never try to reinstall a damaged or swollen battery into the laptop.
Returning it and recycling
Under warranty, a swollen battery must be returned to Dell in an approved shipping container, provided by Dell, to comply with transport regulations. Out of warranty, it should be dropped off at an approved recycling center. Never use a non-Dell or incompatible battery: the risk of fire or explosion is real — only a genuine Dell battery designed for this exact model should ever be used as a replacement.