The main signs of a swollen phone battery
It is quite easy to understand that the device’s battery has become deformed. After all, the back cover of the phone fits tightly to it, and even a beginner can detect the bulge. The main features are as follows:
- the back panel of the device has lost its shape;
- the lid does not close completely or opens by itself;
- The smartphone runs out very quickly;
- The device randomly reboots.
Despite the fact that we have identified several reasons at once, it is visually easiest to determine bloating. If the phone has a non-removable battery, then you do not have to disassemble it. The defect can be detected by the deformation of the cover.
Rapid battery discharge is caused not only by a swollen battery, but also by simply using the gadget for a long time. As a rule, the battery is designed for 3-4 years of active use. This is a critical threshold, after which it is recommended to replace the device.
Is it possible to use a smartphone with a swollen battery?
Some people are accustomed to turning a blind eye to the occurrence of certain problems. Oddly enough, this also happens with a deformed battery. Having noticed the swelling of the back cover, a person continues to use the device, because this does not affect the interaction experience in any way.
However, a swollen battery poses a serious danger to both the phone owner and others. Bloating is only the initial stage of battery deformation. Ultimately, the battery may simply explode. This happens especially often in environments with high pressure. For example, in the mountains or on an airplane.
Therefore, if you notice signs of bloating, you should not use your smartphone. And this is not a recommendation, but a safety requirement. The same applies to external batteries, which are also subject to deformation during prolonged and active use.
Why does my phone battery swell?
A swollen battery is a fairly noticeable deformation of the smartphone, which is quite easy to notice. By identifying the defect, the user can avoid problems for his health and the environment. But at the same time, the question remains open as to why the swelling occurred in the first place.
Here are the main causes of the defect:
- manufacturing defects;
- contact with water;
- falling from height;
- incorrect charging;
- Using the smartphone for too long.
To determine the specific reason, some explanation is necessary. In general, a swollen battery is a defect that both the owner of an iPhone and a cheap Chinese smartphone can encounter. A large number of charging cycles leads to the loss of battery energy capacity, and “overcharged” ions change the environment.
Of course, exactly when swelling occurs depends on the quality of the materials. The owner of a cheap Chinese device may encounter a problem after only one and a half to two years of use, and the owner of an iPhone may continue to use the device for 5, or even 6-7 years.
However, accidental contact with liquid or a fall from a height can negate all the advantages of high-quality assembly. Deformation will occur regardless of how much money you paid for the mobile device.
If your smartphone has been dropped, has come into contact with water, or has simply been used for a long time, then even without signs of battery swelling, it is recommended to carry out routine diagnostics.
The final reason is improper charging. This problem is typical for inexpensive devices that do not have a built-in power blocking function. A smartphone left connected to a power source for a long time will quickly lose battery capacity. And perhaps the battery will even become deformed or explode.
The main reasons why batteries swell
A battery can swell for several reasons. But there are the most common ones that can lead to unexpected swelling of the battery in the equipment. You need to know them, this will help you understand why the battery failed, and also prevent it.
Factory defective phone
It happens that the battery in a completely new gadget begins to swell. It’s not entirely correct to think that this is due to a faulty phone. The fact is that the defect most likely relates specifically to the battery. Simply replace the battery and the equipment will work normally again.
This can often be seen. Lithium ion batteries do not tolerate overcharging very well. This has long been known, and it is for this reason that battery manufacturers began to build a charge controller inside them. It prevents the accumulation of excess energy.
But in some cases such an important element is simply missing. The battery may also be defective; perhaps it initially had problems that appeared during operation. In this case, it is impossible to say exactly why the battery swells.
Gadget falling
Compact gadgets fall quite often. Many users of this technology do not see anything wrong with this. They first pay attention to the screen of their phone or tablet. It's worth checking the battery.
When the phone falls on the body and insides, the load increases and they suffer a blow. This may cause the battery to become deformed. A slight deformation can lead to complete failure of the battery.
Even dropping your phone from a small height can cause the battery to swell and heat up. It’s worth checking it right away; it’s enough to just examine it superficially and feel the temperature. It should not feel higher than the heating of the equipment itself.
Long-term operation of the device
Compact lithium-ion batteries can last for 3-4 years. This accounts for approximately 300-400 charge-discharge cycles. Old batteries may swell.
Advice! If you use the battery carefully and correctly, eliminating all risks of falling, strong discharge and overcharging, you can extend its service life to 5-7 years.
Incorrect charging of the device
The device comes with a charger. This is done for a reason. The fact is that when charging a battery with a non-original charger, excess energy may accumulate. Each time it will become more and more and the battery will swell, or, even worse, begin to heat up and explode.
It is also worth charging strictly according to the rules. It is necessary not only to use the original charger, but also not to leave the phone charging for a long time. Owners of gadgets continue to use the device while the battery is accumulating current. This is not worth doing. Handling the battery this way will result in loss of capacity. The battery will simply stop holding a charge.
Contact with moisture and substances
Contact with water or other liquid substances may cause immediate battery damage. This happens even if the water does not get on the battery.
The battery case is sealed, moisture will not get inside it. The breakdown is due to moisture getting on the battery contacts. This may cause a violent chemical reaction inside the housing.
But batteries rarely fail due to moisture. First of all, the equipment itself suffers, but the battery remains operational. But contact with moisture can cause a number of negative performance issues for the battery.
Using the device in different temperature conditions
Using equipment in sudden temperature changes can lead to battery failure. This is especially true in winter, when the gadget moves from the warmth of the house to an environment with sub-zero temperatures. You can even notice that, for example, the phone will start to work slower during such a shift. And also its battery will lose charge faster.
In addition, you should make sure that the device does not overheat. This outcome can happen if you use your phone or tablet too much. Overheating often happens when several applications and programs are open on the laptop at once.
In this case, you need to let the battery cool down. It is advisable to put it in a cool place. There the temperature will drop a little faster and the battery will cool down. After which you need to probe the battery for signs of swelling. It is not recommended to leave the gadget in the heat.
The battery on your phone is swollen - what to do?
Understanding that the battery is deformed does not mean protecting yourself and others. Every person faced with a similar problem should take into account a plan for further action.
You can do this in three ways:
- release excess gas;
- replace the battery;
- buy a new smartphone.
Each option will require different costs from the user and, at the same time, different skills. The first method is the most economical. But it is he who will require the greatest effort from the smartphone owner.
The swelling of the battery itself occurs due to the fact that gases accumulate in the battery housing. So, it’s easy enough to release them. To do this, you will need to remove the battery and pierce the window of their foil.
It is not recommended to “blow out” the battery yourself. It is better to seek help from professionals or use another way to solve the problem.
The second option is to replace the battery. Perhaps he is the most rational. After all, a new battery does not cost that much, and on models with a removable cover, even an inexperienced user can replace it.
If the battery is not removable, you will have to try. The main problem is disassembling the smartphone. You will also have to seriously prepare, because on this type of device the battery is attached to double-sided tape. This means you will need to purchase additional consumables. But if you firmly decide that it is better to replace the battery, then check out the video instructions.
Finally, the easiest way to solve the problem seems to be buying a new smartphone. In addition to significantly more serious financial expenses, this approach to business has many advantages. Firstly, you don't have to dig around inside the device for fear of completely breaking it. Secondly, you will still have to update the device sooner or later. Therefore, if swelling occurs after several years of use, it is better to completely replace the device.
What not to do
Users make many mistakes when trying to fix the problem. For example, the most frugal people try to disassemble the gadget themselves and blow off the “battery,” although they do not have such experience and the necessary skills. You can't do that. Use this method of solving a problem only if you are confident in your own abilities. Otherwise, return the device for repair.
Also, you should not continue to use a smartphone with a swollen battery. He still poses a danger. An explosion can happen at any moment. Agree, your own health is more valuable than any device, be it an iPhone or the most sophisticated Samsung.
Some people think that they will solve the problem if they put their smartphone in the refrigerator for a while. Under no circumstances should this be done, since such devices are not intended for use in conditions of extreme temperature changes.
Why is a swollen battery dangerous?
To consolidate all the previously provided information, we will highlight several main risks when further using a smartphone with a swollen battery:
- possible damage to other elements of the device (display, processor, etc.);
- release of harmful toxic substances;
- high probability of explosion.
Perhaps this is quite enough to once and for all give up the idea of continuing to use a faulty phone. Contact the service, replace the battery or buy a new device. But under no circumstances neglect safety requirements.
Does the warranty cover battery swelling?
As a rule, battery deformation occurs in people who use the device for a long time. But at the same time, there are situations when a problem arises during the warranty period.
Of course, swelling of the battery is a warranty case, but only if the deformation was not due to the user’s fault. That is, if the smartphone did not fall, was not disassembled and did not come into contact with water. If these requirements are not met, the smartphone will not be accepted under warranty.
What not to do
The battery on your mobile phone swells due to the fact that the chemical reaction in it is not proceeding correctly. This releases gas and, as a result, increases pressure. The battery case is deformed.
No need to panic. Panic caused by the fact that the battery in the gadget is swollen can lead to erroneous actions, from which the smartphone can simply “die”.
Actions that should never be taken if you notice a swollen battery in your device:
- Charge the phone . Instant death of the display module is guaranteed. If you recharge the device for a long time, the glass will crack, and you will need to replace not only it, but also the entire module. And it’s not a fact that something else in your device won’t suffer during a failure.
- Try to repair the battery yourself . In order not to get into details, we will answer right away - this is unrealistic! In addition, during any action of this kind the drive may simply explode.
Not everyone notices the fact that their drive is swollen. The battery is located in an area of the smartphone that is not subject to daily inspection. In other words, it is extremely difficult to notice that your battery is swollen, because every day is usually hectic, and your smartphone is often carried in a case.
How to dispose of a swollen battery
Any battery poses a serious danger to the environment. Even if it is absolutely fine. Therefore, a whole set of rules has been developed for the disposal of various batteries and accumulators.
Unfortunately, in our country the hazardous waste disposal system is not yet 100% established. Ideally, special boxes for receiving and recycling equipment are located in communication shops or even in residential areas. However, this is a situation that is typical only for large cities.
Residents of small settlements have to contact companies that service their premises. In extreme cases, disposal occurs directly through the plant.
Although there are currently no ideal conditions for hazardous waste disposal, always consider the health of those around you. By all means, try to take your swollen battery to a collection center. This way you will protect nature and all people who, one way or another, may encounter the release of harmful gases from the battery.
What to do if the battery is swollen
There are several options to solve the problem. You can take the battery to a service center. There they will check it and, if possible, try to restore it. You must understand that a visit to specialists and subsequent repairs will cost you money. There is no point in carrying an element that has already worked for 4-5 years in active mode. This will only waste your money and time. Even with a successful development of events, the “reanimated” element will not last long, because it has almost exhausted its service life. It’s another matter if the energy source is only a year or two old. In this case, paying for the services of specialists is entirely justified; we must try to correct the situation.
How to avoid a swollen mobile phone battery
Having assessed the danger and complexity of solving the problem on your own, you need to take into account all the precautions when using a smartphone. Our specialist is ready to answer all your questions and also talk about how to avoid battery swelling.
Hermann
Expert in the field of digital technologies and the activities of mobile operators. I am engaged in constant monitoring of industry changes in Russia and abroad.
Ask a Question
Question to the expert
Are only falls and contact with water dangerous for the battery?
No. There are many other reasons that lead to battery deformation.
How then to secure your smartphone?
Try to follow the recommendations specified in the device instructions. Charge your smartphone from zero to 100%. And do not use the gadget while energy is being restored. Also, do not allow the case to overheat.
Does the temperature environment affect the performance of the device?
Yes. Even though some manufacturers indicate support for operation in the temperature range from -10 to +50 degrees. Firstly, the developers do not take into account direct sunlight on the case. Secondly, sudden temperature changes are not taken into account. For example, when you come indoors from the street in winter.
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Author
Hermann
Expert in the field of digital technologies and the activities of mobile operators. I am engaged in constant monitoring of industry changes in Russia and abroad.
Claim to return the battery to the store
A refund claim is a written request to the seller to refund money or replace a product of inadequate quality. Like all documents, it has a “header” that contains information about the consumer and the defendant. The following is a brief description of the conditions under which the product was purchased. Here you should indicate the date of purchase, the cost of the product and shipping costs.
In the next paragraph, the consumer notifies the seller of detected defects in the product, citing specific facts indicating the poor quality of the battery. To confirm the fairness of his claims, the buyer can also indicate the provisions of the PPA on which his claims are based.
Next, specific requirements should be set out - exchange of goods, reimbursement of its cost and delivery services, compensation for the difference in price, etc. It can also be noted that in case of refusal to return the product, the consumer will defend his rights in court. Finally, the document is signed and dated.
Attention
The application should also be accompanied by a copy of the warranty card, sales receipt, and delivery payment document. The loss of a receipt or coupon is not grounds for refusal, because the buyer can confirm the completed purchase and sale agreement in other ways (attach a card statement, witness statements, etc.). A correctly drafted claim is an important condition for the successful resolution of a dispute.
Claims to return the battery to the store can be found here.
