Display omitted •High pressure (greater than 3 MPa) on the electrode causes deterioration.•An anode failure mode caused by high pressure was established.•Severe pressure blocks electrolyte ion conduction in the electrode.•High polarization due to pressure causes Li metal deposition. Pressure on electrodes in cells is crucial for improving their active material density and electronic conductivity. A single-layer pouch cell (60 mAh) was fabricated to study the electrochemical effects of external pressures ranging from 0 to 3 MPa. The high-pressure cell at 3 MPa presented poor capacity retention owing to Li plating and pore-clogging on the graphite electrode. However, the optimized pressed cell did not hinder Li-ion transport in the graphite anode and underwent 200 cycles with 82 % capacity retention. External pressure impacts the contact between the electrodes and electrolyte; however, excessive pressure makes it difficult to supplement Li ions from the electrolyte into the graphite anode, resulting in increased polarization, electrolyte side reactions, and Li-metal deposition.