Alienware Laptop Battery Issues: Fixes and Replacement Guide

Table Of Contents

1. Error Message "Plugged in, not Charging"
2. The battery does not hold charge
3. How to extend your battery life?
4. How do I get a battery replacement?

1. Error Message "Plugged in, not Charging"

Before troubleshooting it is important that this error is likely to happen on batteries over a year old and also when the customer uses the battery plugged in most of the time.

1. Ensure that Desktop Mode is Disabled

   Desktop mode is only available when the OSD driver is installed, on Dell systems is part of the Quickset application

   To disable, do the following:

   • Right-click the icon at the System Tray.
   • Click Desktop mode battery charge.

     

   • Click Disable.
   • Click Apply.
   • Click Ok.

     

2. Run an ePSA test on the battery only

   • Restart the system
   • Start pressing the F12 key while the system turns on
   • Select Diagnostics from the menu and press Enter
   • The diagnostics run automatically

3. You can also run an On-line Diagnostic by Clicking Here.

4. Go to the BIOS and confirm that the AC Adapter is properly detected under the Main tab.

5. If the AC Adapter is not being detected properly disconnect it and reconnect it while in the BIOS.

6. Check the battery health under the Advanced tab in the BIOS (All revs of 13, 14, 15, 17 and 18).

7. Update the BIOS to the latest available at Dell.com/Support/Drivers.

8. Unplug the AC Adapter from the system.

9. Unplug the power cable from the AC Adapter and from the wall outlet.

10. Remove or Disconnect the battery from the system.

11. Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds.

12. Reconnect the battery.

13. Plug the AC Adapter back to the wall and to the system.

14. If the issues persist ask the customer to use the system on battery until the battery runs out, and then charge it for 4 hours with the system off.

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2. The battery does not hold charge

The first step in case your system battery is draining quickly is run a battery diagnostic.

Click Here to run a diagnostic On-line.

The test lets you know if your battery needs replacement or not.

If you have an Alienware 13 R1/R2, Alienware 15 R1/R2 or Alienware 17 R2/R3 follow our article: Disable Express Charge on Alienware Systems and Improve Battery Life.

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3. How to extend your battery life?

Batteries need regular usage to maintain healthy charge levels. To keep your battery healthy follow these recommendations:

• Do not leave your system plugged for extended periods of time.
• Drain your system battery completely and then charge it while it is of at least once a month.

We also have the following additional articles providing advice:

• Alienware, Precision, and Dell G Series Laptop Performance Issue or Battery Drain While AC Adapter is Connected

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4. How do I get a battery replacement?

Alienware system batteries have a 1-year limited warranty. If your system has more than one year warranty, your battery will only be covered in warranty for the first year.

You can check your system warranty online at Dell.com/Support.

If the above tests indicate, you may contact technical support for further assistance.

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