Symptoms
- Phone doesn't sit flat on a table
- Gaps appear between screen and frame
- Screen may show pressure lines or discoloration
Likely causes
- CommonSat on or bent in a back pocketThin metal or aluminum frames can bend under body weight.
- PossibleLeft in a hot carHeat can soften internal adhesives and battery casings, contributing to warping.
- PossibleImpact from being stepped on or crushedA direct crushing force bends the frame and can crack internals.
What to do
- Stop using the phone if the bend is severe or the screen is separating from the frame.
- Check for battery swelling, which can accompany or cause a bent case.
- Avoid pressing the screen back into place — this can crack the display or damage the battery further.
- Back up your data as soon as possible in case the phone stops working.
- Take it to a repair shop to check the frame, screen seal, and battery before continuing to use it.
When to call a pro
Have a professional inspect a bent phone before continuing to use it — a bent frame can compromise the battery seal and become a safety issue.
Safety
Use caution
A bent frame can pinch or crack the battery; avoid squeezing or trying to flatten it yourself.