iPhone battery swelling

Symptoms

• Back glass or screen appears to be lifting or bulging
• Phone no longer sits flat on a table, rocking on a raised spot
• Case suddenly feels tight or hard to remove
• Screen separates slightly from the frame at one edge

Likely causes

• CommonBattery cell degradation producing gas buildupAging lithium-ion batteries can swell as internal chemistry breaks down, especially after years of use.
• PossibleDamage from a drop or impactPhysical trauma can puncture or stress battery cells, leading to swelling.
• PossibleProlonged exposure to high heatRepeated heat exposure, like being left in a hot car, accelerates cell breakdown.
• Less commonManufacturing defect in the batteryRarely, a battery cell is defective from the start and swells prematurely.

What to do

1. Stop using and stop charging the phone immediately once swelling is noticed.
2. Do not press on, puncture, or try to flatten the swollen area.
3. Place the phone on a non-flammable surface, away from anything combustible, in a well-ventilated area.
4. Do not attempt to remove the battery yourself.
5. Back up any critical data over Wi-Fi or cellular if the phone still functions, without charging it.
6. Turn the phone off if it's still swelling or getting warmer.
7. Take the phone directly to Apple or an authorized repair shop as soon as possible.
8. If you notice smoke, a burning smell, or the swelling worsening rapidly, treat it as an emergency.

When to call a pro

Take a swollen phone to Apple or an authorized repair shop right away; do not continue using or charging it in the meantime.

Safety