⚠️ Before we begin, a warning ⚠️
Swollen or bloated batteries can be dangerous. If your phone battery has swollen, do not charge your phone. You will need to repair or replace your phone as soon as possible.
This guide will cover:
- What is a swollen battery / bloated battery?
- What should I do if my phone battery has swollen?
- Why does it matter?
- Causes of a swollen battery?
- How can I prevent my battery from swelling?
What is a Swollen Battery?
Smartphones rely on lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries for power. When these batteries become damaged or start to degrade, they can swell, causing the phone’s casing to bulge or even crack. This swelling is a serious issue that shouldn’t be ignored.
Early Signs of a Degraded Battery
One of the first signs of a failing battery is a noticeable decrease in your phone’s charge capacity—it runs out of power much faster than usual. Other red flags include your phone overheating frequently while charging, or you might even hear a faint ‘fizzing’ sound coming from the battery. These are all signs that your battery is deteriorating.
What can Happen if my Battery has Swollen?
A swollen battery is a significant safety hazard. Damaged lithium batteries can leak toxic chemicals into your phone, and charging a swollen battery can even lead to a fire. It’s crucial to address this issue immediately to avoid potential dangers.
What Should I do if me Phone Battery has Swollen?
If you notice your battery is swollen, do not charge your phone. The safest course of action is to stop using the device and seek professional repair or replacement.
What Causes a Swollen Battery?
While lithium batteries naturally degrade over time, certain factors can accelerate this process, leading to swelling. Common causes include exposure to extreme temperatures, liquid damage, and physical impact.
How do I Prevent Battery Damage?
Here’s how you can protect your phone’s battery and avoid potential issues:
- Charge on a hard surface: Leave your device uncovered on a hard surface when charging to prevent overheating.
- Avoid using a warm phone: If your phone feels warm to the touch, turn it off and let it cool down.
- Keep your phone at a safe temperature: Avoid leaving your phone outside or in very cold environments, as extreme temperatures can damage the battery.
- Be cautious with fast charging: Avoid fast-charging your phone to 100% regularly, as it can accelerate battery degradation.
- Use the right charger: Stick to using the charger provided with your phone or a manufacturer-approved one. Third-party chargers can sometimes cause overcharging and other issues.
- Limit intensive app usage: Using processor-heavy apps for long periods can overheat your phone, so give it a rest if it gets too hot.
- Protect your device: Use a protective case and avoid using your phone in wet or humid conditions. Handle your device with care, and avoid putting it in your back pocket where it could be damaged.
How Can I Avoid a Degraded Battery?
Here at The Big Phone Store, most of our refurbished devices guarantee 85% Battery Health, not only that, but all batteries sold by us come with a 3-month warranty against faults arising from normal levels of use. We provide safe, professionally tested batteries and battery health checks, as your safety is our priority!
