No RAM access panel is the biggest clue.

Start by flipping the laptop over. If the bottom cover is one solid piece of metal or plastic with no small, removable hatch (usually labeled with a RAM or memory icon), that’s a strong sign the RAM is soldered. Most laptops with upgradable RAM have a dedicated access door held by a few screws.

If you’re comfortable, remove the entire bottom panel. Soldered RAM looks like small black chips (usually in pairs) sitting flat on the motherboard, not sticking up at an angle like a DIMM slot. You won’t see any metal clips or long rectangular slots. You’ll just see chips and maybe an empty slot if you’re lucky (some soldered boards still have one upgradeable slot).

Also check the product’s official spec sheet online—manufacturers are usually upfront about “soldered” or “onboard” memory. Visual inspection can be misleading on ultra-thin designs where the RAM is hidden under a heat sink or shielding.

If you don’t see any removable RAM door, don’t assume it’s upgradeable. Those laptops are designed to be thrown away when the RAM runs out.