How do I replace the RTC Battery in my Framework Laptop?

July 12 2022 6:35pm

The RTC Battery (sometimes called CMOS Battery) is a tiny coin cell battery on the Mainboard that preserves the system clock and hardware state.  It's designed to last for many years, but in the event it ever wears down (one symptom of this would be the system clock being frozen or reset when shut down) or you enter a state that requires resetting the CMOS state, you can remove and insert the battery.

You can use the Input Cover Replacement Guide instructions to get into the system to access the Mainboard and RTC Battery.  Note that the coin cell receptacle is extremely fragile, so you should use the procedure below with a pin or SIM card eject tool while the system is shut down.  The battery should only ever be replaced with a rechargeable 3V ML1220 Lithium manganese dioxide coin cell battery, like the KTS BML1220.

This product’s coin/button cell battery may contain perchlorate and may require special handling when recycled or disposed of. For more information, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.

Do not ingest battery, Chemical Burn Hazard.  If the coin/button cell battery is swallowed it can cause severe internal burns and can lead to death. After the internal parts have been installed, remember to replace all covers securely. If the coin/button cell battery is not secure in the holder, stop using the product and keep away from children.  If you think the batteries may have been swallowed or placed inside any part of the body, seek immediate attention. 

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