What to do if your phone battery is swollen

When buying a phone, every user enjoys its capabilities, functions, launches applications, games, takes photos and videos.

But at some point he discovers that the battery is swollen. And this causes outright panic, a lack of understanding of what needs to be done and how dangerous such a situation is.

Determining why the battery is swollen is not difficult. This occurs due to a disruption in the normal course of the chemical reaction in the battery banks. Modern smartphones run on lithium-ion batteries, and chemical reactions take place inside them. This is normal. But the bloating is already beyond the norm.

It is important to find out why this happens and what needs to be done in a given situation.

Possible reasons

First of all, it is important to understand why exactly phone batteries swell and who is to blame for what happened.

Be careful and careful if the battery is swollen. Having understood what this means and what consequences it can lead to for the phone and for the user himself, all subsequent actions will be clear.

Lithium-ion battery operation diagram

The combination of lithium and oxygen leads to irreversible reactions that form a dangerous and explosive mixture. As a result, the following situations may occur:

heat is generated;
internal pressure in the battery increases;
the battery seal is broken;
the body is torn.

There are several factors that can lead to bloating.

The main reasons that cause swelling of the battery of a smartphone or regular phone are as follows:

Manufacturing defects. It is absolutely possible that the battery may swell due to the fault of the manufacturer. Then the problem is diagnosed literally immediately after the device starts operating. Even if you follow all charging rules, a defective battery will not be able to work normally. Even if the battery is swollen quite a bit, this should not mean that you should forgive such an oversight to the manufacturer and solve the problem at your own expense. The device is under warranty, so contact the seller and demand that the situation be corrected.
A fall. When the phone is dropped and hits a hard surface, the battery case may become deformed. As a result, the seal of the battery is broken. The control board may also fail. One way or another, the normal course of processes inside is disrupted, and therefore bloating begins.
Long service life. On average, the resource of lithium-ion batteries is about 300-400 discharge and charge cycles. This usually takes about 3 years. And with careful treatment, even 5-6 years. If the resource is exhausted, the chemical reaction is disrupted and the body swells.
Inappropriate and incorrect charging. According to the rules, the phone must be charged using the original device. If we take an analogue, excess energy can accumulate inside, which leads to disruption of the normal chemical process inside the device. Excess gas is released, which inflates the body. Incorrect charging procedures also lead to similar phenomena, even with original equipment. You should not abuse fast charging, or leave the device connected to the network if the charge is already 100%. If you violate these rules, then bloating will become almost inevitable.
Exposure to moisture. For some reason, it is believed that batteries swell only when they get into water or come into contact with moisture. This is true, but moisture and water are only one of the reasons. But we must admit that it is the most dangerous. Despite the sealed nature of the battery, when the electrical contacts are exposed to water, the chemical reaction changes, and the process becomes irreversible. In fact, the battery can explode at any time.
Temperature changes. The phone should not be allowed to suddenly change the temperature conditions of its operation. For example, the phone got very hot, and then it found itself in -20 cold. Or the opposite situation happened. Sudden changes in temperature negatively affect the condition of the battery. And here, too, an explosion cannot be ruled out.

A battery rupture is not always accompanied by its ignition. Minor depressurization may occur. But there are much more dangerous situations. It was repeatedly observed how the phone exploded literally in the hands, or while in the pocket.

Can I use a smartphone?

According to most users, it is quite acceptable to use the phone with a swollen battery; the only inconvenience in this case will be that it will begin to discharge very quickly and actively.

In fact, in addition to the fact that a swollen battery itself can cause a fire or a small explosion, using a means of communication that can turn off at any moment is a very reckless and unwise decision.

It is also worth noting that the recycling of lithium-ion batteries installed in modern mobile devices is carried out in a special way. For this reason, throwing batteries in the trash is strictly prohibited. This is due to the fact that they continue to pose a danger to the environment due to the possibility of releasing harmful chemical compounds. Therefore, if a battery fails, it must be taken to a special organization that deals with the disposal of such waste equipment.

Signs of bloating

It is not difficult to determine that the battery on your phone is swollen. It changes its size and the original shape of the product is disrupted.

All this is a consequence of the disrupted normal flow of chemical reactions inside. Excessive gas released puts pressure on the internal walls of the housing, ensuring tightness. Due to the strong pressure, the walls cannot withstand it and begin to inflate.

ATTENTION. To minimize the threat of a battery explosion, its outer shell is made of elastic film.

This allows you to retain gases inside for some time, promptly notice this and dispose of the battery.

It's pretty easy to tell if the battery on your phone is even slightly swollen. To do this you need to look at it from different sides. The back wall may also partially bend and the fasteners may break.

In the most serious situations, swelling leads to breakage of the display and its complete failure. Here, simply replacing the battery is no longer enough.

Return form

After the gases have been released from the battery, you need to get rid of the bloating. To do this you will need a heavy object with a smooth surface. They can be used to align the battery case with little effort. You can take a couple of plates made of metal, wood or plastic. They are applied to the battery, and this structure is lightly clamped in a vice. You need to leave the battery in this state for several hours to completely align the case. After straightening the case, it needs to be sealed. The hole that was made to release gases is filled with glue or sealant, after which the controller is installed in place. Now you need to charge the battery either in the phone or with a charger.

What to do first

Once you discover that your battery is swollen, it is important to understand the full potential risk. Therefore, the main task here is not to harm yourself.

The algorithm of actions should be something like this:

Turn off your smartphone. If the battery continues to lose energy, it could have dangerous consequences. The bloating will continue to increase. And then an explosion is almost inevitable.
If possible, remove the battery. Alas, not on all phones it can be removed simply by removing the back cover.
Place the phone or battery in a tight container. If the battery is removable, then only the battery. If it doesn't come off, then the whole phone does. Even a regular saucepan with a lid will do. This is protection against fire and explosion.
If the situation is not critical, try transferring all important data to your computer and copying it to a memory card. Still, it would be a shame to lose the phone with all its contents.
Try to hand over the phone to specialists as soon as possible. Don't assume that the battery is just a little swollen and the process will stop there. This is already an irreversible process. It only gets worse.
If the battery is removable, it is best to recycle it.

Only recycling means that it is enough to throw the battery in the trash. This is a device containing many dangerous components.

Moreover, if the swelling continues and the integrity of the casing is compromised, the subsequent release of gases may poison other people. If it catches fire, it can cause a whole fire.

Therefore, the only correct decision here is to hand over the battery to a recycling point. Many cities have them. Also, containers for collecting old batteries are often present in stores that sell such products.

Disposal of a swollen battery

Few users know exactly how to properly dispose of a swollen battery. Meanwhile, the procedure is no different in complexity. The following aspects are worth noting:

This battery should not be left at home. There is no need to hide it in a closet or put it in a box, leave it in the garage or somewhere else “in reserve.”
A swollen battery must be removed from the device. Carefully place in a sealed, non-flammable container and take to a service center.

It is impossible to throw such a battery or any other battery, even a functional one, into a simple trash can or tank for energy-saving lamps. Such devices are very dangerous for the environment and humans. That is why they must be disposed of.

Disposing of a swollen, faulty battery is not an easy task. But for the average device user, it is enough to take faulty batteries to service centers. After this point, they are sent to factories, where they are already disposed of. It is for this reason that batteries have special markings that tell users that they should not throw this element in the trash.

Interesting! In service centers that have battery collection points, special tanks are installed. In the event of a battery explosion, they will be able to withstand all the negative consequences of this action and protect the people around them.

Also, such batteries can be returned at almost any household appliances supermarket. It is better to hand over all faulty power sources there, even the most ordinary batteries from the remote control. For everything to be absolutely safe, you should take the batteries in immediately, and not wait until several dozen have accumulated.

Further actions

The next question is what to do if the battery in your phone is swollen.

There are actually 2 main options here.

Repair. In some cases, the battery can be restored. But this doesn't always help. Typically, this measure helps only with minor deviations.
Replacement. The most correct and common option. Violation of the geometry and especially the tightness of the housing can have serious consequences. Therefore, trying to restore such a battery is not the best idea.

Many people are interested in whether it is dangerous if the battery on the phone is swollen. If the changes are minor, then the consequences will not be the most serious and dangerous. Moreover, the device will last for some time. Only here it is important to adhere to the rules of safe charging.

It is difficult to say whether it is possible to use a phone if its battery is swollen without knowing the intensity of this process. If the device literally inflates before your eyes, then it is better to stay away from such a battery.

If the battery has had a slightly deformed case for several weeks, then the remaining service life can be calculated in weeks, and sometimes months.

It has already been said whether the battery can literally explode in the hands of the phone owner if it is swollen. Without triggers, it is unlikely that anything will happen. But it's not worth the risk.

Having realistically assessed whether your particular mobile phone battery can explode because it is swollen, make an appropriate decision. If the deformation is serious, you should contact a service center and, before visiting them, if possible, do not charge the device, do not drop it, or overheat.

Many manufacturers write a warning on the body of the device about the inadmissibility of disassembling and piercing the battery.

It is unlikely that you should count on possible repairs. But since many smartphones have non-removable batteries, you will still have to contact a service center, where they can dismantle the back wall and at least minimize further risks of rupture of the case and damage to the display of the mobile gadget.

If the battery is removable, then it is recommended that you remove it, put it in a safe place, and then dispose of it.

Is the warranty covered?

Does the warranty cover battery swelling? Definitely, but it’s worth considering the nuances of our trade. A phone warranty and a battery warranty are two different things. The first is provided by the phone manufacturer, the second by the battery manufacturer. The term of the first is usually longer than the term of the second, so if the battery is swollen on a phone under warranty, then it is not at all a fact that you will get it replaced under warranty - it could simply have run out.

That's what salespeople teach us, but that's what they do - the battery is dead, but the phone is under warranty - go for a walk. How should it really be? We open the “Law on the Protection of Consumer Rights” and read:

Article 19, paragraph 3. Warranty periods for components and components of the goods are considered equal to the warranty period for the main product, unless otherwise established by the contract. If the contract establishes a warranty period for a component product and component part of the product that is shorter than the warranty period for the main product, the consumer has the right to make claims related to defects in the component product and component part of the product if they are discovered during the warranty period for the main product , unless otherwise provided by the contract.

That is, theoretically, we can replace a swollen battery if the warranty for the main product (phone) has not expired. Sellers will almost certainly resist, citing the battery manufacturer's warranty, but that's their problem.

A trial with all the red tape and expenses? Not necessary. Almost every city has a consumer protection department. We collect all the documents for the gadget and for them. The issue will be resolved in a matter of days and without financial expenses - no store wants problems, especially since it is wrong. Hard? Yes. How could it be otherwise with them? They are simply taking advantage of our ignorance of the laws!

Expert opinion

Alexey Bartosh

Specialist in repair and maintenance of electrical equipment and industrial electronics.

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Important! The same paragraph states: “... unless otherwise provided by the agreement.” Therefore, when buying a phone, be sure to read and look for this “other”. As a rule, this “other” is not observed.

Repair procedure

Many people are interested in knowing how to fix the battery if it suddenly swells in their phone, because they don’t want to spend money on buying a new battery.

In fact, repairs, especially DIY ones, are an extremely risky undertaking that can lead to serious and dangerous consequences.

ATTENTION. Repairing swollen batteries is not recommended. They should be discarded and replaced.

But some masters still do it. The essence of the repair is to pierce the swollen film. In theory, this allows the removal of accumulated gases.

To the question of whether it is even possible to pierce a swollen battery installed in a phone, the answer is ambiguous. It is believed that it can be pierced. Moreover, there is even a special point on the body where the puncture should be made. This allows the gas to escape from the housing. The resulting hole is filled with sealant.

Even though a swollen phone battery can potentially be punctured, and the manufacturer shows you where to do this, the procedure is still potentially very dangerous. The gas inside the housing is poisonous. If it gets on the skin or in the respiratory tract, you can be seriously poisoned, get a chemical burn, and face the need for expensive treatment. That is, independent repairs can potentially result in significant consequences. Both for health and for the user’s wallet.

We have decided whether it is possible to pierce a used but swollen battery on a phone. In theory, this can be done. In practice, it’s not worth it unless you have the necessary experience and basic means of protection against the released gas.

For some reason, many are sure that it is enough to release the gas, patch the hole with sealant, and the battery will work again. In fact, the likelihood of the battery returning to service is negligible. Even if it does function, it will not last long. And it is possible that the first time you connect the charger, the case will not explode or catch fire.

The puncture points provided by battery manufacturers are designed to release gas, protecting the product by minimizing the likelihood of case rupture and fire. But only for the purpose of recycling the device. There is no talk of any restoration of performance.

ADVICE. We can safely conclude that repairing swollen batteries is a very bad idea. It should be categorically rejected.

The best solution would be to replace the battery.

What not to do

In mobile phones, tablets or players, battery swelling occurs due to a change in the initially established chemical reaction. Gas is released, which literally inflates the sealed battery.

It is not always possible to immediately see that the battery is swollen. After all, the battery inside the equipment is located near an area that owners do not always pay attention to. Also, most portable equipment is kept inside cases. As a result, swelling becomes noticeable only with a strong increase in battery volume.

Swollen phone battery

If this happens, you should understand that some actions can greatly affect the condition of a still stable battery. Under no circumstances should the following actions be performed:

Try to charge the equipment.

This can cause the element to increase in size even further and damage nearby components. The stability of the battery may also be disrupted; reactions will become more active, with an increase in temperature and swelling. As a result, the battery may simply explode.

Disassemble, pierce the battery.

Such actions are unacceptable not only for a non-working swollen battery, but also for a normal one. This will not restore its functionality, but it can harm a person.

It is impossible to repair a swollen battery.

If the integrity of the battery is compromised, it loses its ability to accumulate and release electricity. Any attempts to recharge a damaged cell or disassemble or repair a swollen battery will lead to its explosion.

Important! If, for example, after a fall the battery begins to actively heat up and swell, then it is better to quickly remove it from the phone and place it in a ventilated place on a non-flammable base or stand (as an option - a saucepan, which you don’t mind on the balcony). This needs to be done quickly. Such symptoms indicate that the battery may soon explode. Under no circumstances should you fill a swollen battery with water - lithium is a highly active alkali metal. And placing any alkali metal in water causes an explosion.

Due to the fact that gas has accumulated under the body, the plates, which are supposed to be in close contact with each other, move away. Because of this, the battery loses capacity and cannot hold a charge. Bringing the battery back to life is almost impossible. It is important to understand that a swollen battery has already been thoroughly degraded; this is irreversible.

Based on advice from the Internet or from friends, you should not put a swollen battery in the freezer overnight.

A sharp change in temperature can play a cruel joke. Moreover, you should not use such a battery later. The only thing to do if the battery is swollen is to simply replace it and dispose of it.

What not to do

When the battery in the phone is swollen, many people for some reason react somewhat inadequately to the situation and make hasty and incorrect decisions.

Here's a short list of things you definitely shouldn't do:

Place the battery or the entire phone in the refrigerator to cool the battery. Sharp cold will only worsen the situation. You will poison everything in the refrigerator.
Ignore the fact of bloating. Even if the battery is discharged, it can still continue the growth process, followed by rupture and fire.
Pierce the body. Especially in places not intended for this. The user is strongly discouraged from performing punctures on their own.
Continue using the phone. It's a mini time bomb. We need to get rid of it.

Avoid making other people’s mistakes so as not to cause harm to yourself and others.

How to extend service life

To ensure that the key element of your phone works longer and better, follow the tips below:

Turn off unused applications immediately to save energy costs.
Discharge and charge the power source according to the battery type and manufacturer's recommendations. For some models, a complete discharge is preferable, while for others it is necessary to avoid completely bringing the battery discharge to 0%.
Try to protect your phone from falls or damage. Do not carry the device in trouser pockets and always place it in a case.
Use original chargers and batteries created by the manufacturer specifically for a specific phone model.
Check the condition of the battery once every 3 months.

By following these tips, you can increase the battery life, thereby preventing unexpected costs of effort, time and money.

How often does this happen

Provided that there is no manufacturing defect and the device is operated as usual, there is no need to worry about possible swelling.

Before the user reaches the average 500 charge-discharge cycles, there is almost no chance of encountering a case rupture due to escaping gases.

This is quite a rare occurrence. But it is potentially very dangerous, which is why attention is so often focused on it. The percentage of swollen batteries is minimal.

But to protect yourself, strictly follow the charging rules, and also buy phones from trusted leading manufacturers.

There is always a risk. Regardless of device. But it's minimal. Therefore, you definitely shouldn’t give up your smartphone for fear of the battery exploding.

If your phone battery is swollen, can it explode?

You can try to restore a swollen battery in 2 ways. This procedure must be carried out very carefully, because the power source sometimes ignites. You can fix a swollen battery by releasing the gases from it. To do this, a foil window is pierced under the board with the main elements. In the iron case, the window replaces the ball. After getting rid of gases, the hole is carefully soldered or sealed with sealant.

The aluminum body requires a lot of force. It is pierced with a needle at a certain angle. If you make mistakes in performing such work, you can damage the plates from which the battery is made. This will cause a fire. To protect yourself and avoid sad consequences, it is better to purchase a new battery.

Preventing bloating

There are a few simple rules and recommendations that will help minimize the likelihood of such a situation occurring. Namely:

do not overheat or overcool the phone during operation;
If possible, use the original charger;
if it is an analogue, then focus on the same characteristics as the original;
do not let the battery discharge completely;
remove the device from charging when the level reaches 80-90%;
put it on recharge when the charge is not lower than 10-15%;
do not keep the device discharged for a long time;
as soon as the phone charges, immediately disconnect the charger;
Avoid contact with water and moisture;
Use protective covers and bumpers to minimize the consequences of a fall.

These are simple, but very effective and useful measures.

Yes, it is impossible to protect your phone 100% from possible swelling and battery rupture. Nowadays, even among famous manufacturers, there are factory defects, and the batteries themselves are not always highly reliable.

But if you minimize all risks by simply following the rules for using your smartphone, the chances of seeing a swollen battery in front of you will be extremely insignificant.

Have you ever encountered swollen batteries? What was the reason? Was it just a manufacturing defect or user error? What did you do in such a situation?

Write your answers, tell interesting stories from your life, share your personal experience.

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Proper use of your phone to ensure long battery life

Battery capacity is the charge level between 0 and 100%. Everyone knows about this, but not everyone knows that sometimes these boundaries can be violated. And this greatly reduces the life of the battery. The most optimal charge level is considered to be - 45%

. But it is almost impossible to maintain a constant charge level at half the capacity mark. After all, we are often away from home for a long time without the opportunity to recharge our phone.

All phones have a mark or critical charge level on their battery icon.

Critical charge level on the phone

It is strictly not recommended to lower the level below this mark. Modern lithium-ion batteries are not afraid of frequent recharging. Therefore, if possible, leave it for 20 minutes during the day to recharge. And in the evening at home you can fully charge it. Overcharging also has a very bad effect on its performance. Do not leave your smartphone charging for a long time.

Return form

It is worth saying that part of the battery capacity will be lost, but performance will return. Well, if after many years of service the battery on your mobile phone is swollen, what should you do? Throw away and replace with a new one.