bulging keyboard on a chromebook

[Rluongo]

My wife recently brought me her chromebook to look at, and the keyboard is definitely bulging. I am guessing it is a swollen battery based on other readings.  Any idea how to fix it, or is it trash and how to dispose of it?

thanks

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Rluongo 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I understand how concerning it must be to see the keyboard bulging on your Chromebook—it’s unsettling when a device you rely on shows such a physical change. 

You’ve already taken the important step of identifying that it could be a swollen battery, and I appreciate the care you’ve shown in checking into it.

 

What’s Happening

A bulging keyboard is almost always caused by a battery that has expanded. This can happen when the battery cells degrade, and it’s important to handle the situation carefully because swollen batteries can pose safety risks if pressed or punctured.

 

Steps to Take

Stop Using the Device Immediately

• Power down the Chromebook and disconnect it from the charger.
• Avoid pressing on the bulging area or trying to force the keyboard back into place.

Do Not Attempt to Repair the Battery Yourself

• Swollen batteries should not be punctured, squeezed, or disposed of in household trash.
• Attempting to open the casing without proper tools and training can be dangerous.

Contact HP's Phone Support.

These requests are best addressed over the phone with our dedicated support team for your region. 

I'm sending you a private message to guide you on the next steps.

To access it, click the private message icon in the upper-right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your name.

If this resolves your issue, kindly mark this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" if it was helpful.

Take care and have a great day!

Regards,

Hawks_Eye