How to remove the battery from a Dell Latitude D610 laptop

Sometimes a laptop battery goes bad and you need to replace it.  Or maybe you've upgraded to a better, longer-lasting battery and you need to install it.  Or maybe you just want to take the battery out to put it in the freezer for a while.  Whatever the reason, if you need to remove the battery from a Dell Latitude D610 laptop, here's how.

First, turn off the computer.  Shut it down completely -- don't just close the lid or put it into sleep mode.  Disconnect it from any external power source, such as an AC adapter or car charger.

Next, flip the computer over so you're looking at the underside.  (Make sure the laptop is closed before flipping it over.)  The battery is located in the lower left corner (diagonally opposite from the fan vent).  Push in the tab with the arrow on it (on the right side of the battery) and pull up (away from the laptop). The battery should pop right out.  If you don't push the tab in all the way, the battery won't pop out.

Be careful with the battery -- don't drop it, put it in the oven, or throw it at anyone (even if it's someone you don't like).  If you plan to use the laptop without the battery, either for troubleshooting purposes or to save battery life, be careful when moving the laptop, because jostling it even slightly could dislodge the power cord and cause the computer to shut down immediately.

When reinstalling the battery (or installing a new battery) slide it in toward the left side and then push it down.  Once it's all the way in where it should be, the tab will snap into place.  Make sure you hear it snap -- if it's not locked in it could fall out when you turn the laptop back over.

Over time, the battery's life and performance will start to degrade.  If you need to purchase a new D610 battery, Amazon sells a bunch of them, typically for $15-20. Be sure to read the description before purchasing a battery online; some are rated for longer life than others.  Also confirm whether you're buying a new or used battery.  A used battery will be cheaper, but the quality can vary greatly.


(Originally published on Helium.com, 2010)