Stop
A swollen lithium battery can leak, catch fire, or rupture. Stop using and charging it immediately, keep it away from heat and flammable materials, and take it to a battery or e-waste disposal site rather than opening or disposing of it in regular trash.
Symptoms
- Device case bulges or feels puffy
- Battery drains within minutes of a full charge
- Device gets unusually hot while charging or idle
Likely causes
- CommonLithium battery degradationBatteries naturally swell as they age and their internal chemistry breaks down.
- PossibleOvercharging or leaving on the charger constantlyConstant trickle charging can accelerate battery wear in some devices.
- PossibleExposure to heatLeaving devices in hot cars or direct sun speeds up battery degradation.
- Less commonManufacturing defectRarely, a battery cell defect causes early swelling.
What to do
- Stop using and stop charging the device immediately if the case is visibly swollen.
- Do not puncture, bend, or apply pressure to a swollen battery.
- Move the device away from flammable materials and monitor it in a safe, open area.
- Place it in a fireproof container or on a non-flammable surface if possible.
- Contact your local hazardous waste or e-waste program for proper disposal.
- Do not throw a swollen battery device in regular household trash.
- Replace the device rather than attempting any battery replacement yourself.
When to call a pro
Never attempt to open or replace a swollen lithium battery yourself; take the device to an authorized battery recycling or e-waste facility.
Safety
Stop
A swollen lithium battery can leak, catch fire, or rupture. Stop using and charging it immediately, keep it away from heat and flammable materials, and take it to a battery or e-waste disposal site rather than opening or disposing of it in regular trash.