How to Deal with a Swollen Phone Battery: The Best Tips

As a repairman, you sometimes encounter surprises when you open a device. One of the most worrisome situations is finding a swollen battery, as it can have dangerous consequences if not handled correctly. In this blog, we will discuss what to do when you find a swollen battery in a phone. Keep reading to learn how to handle this potentially dangerous situation professionally and safely.

The dangers of a swollen phone battery

It is important to know the dangers of a swollen phone battery, especially if you plan to remove it. This is because a swollen battery poses quite a few risks. The gases that accumulate inside can cause a fire or even lead to an explosion if the battery is damaged or punctured. In addition, there may be dangerous chemicals inside the battery that are harmful to your health and the environment. If the battery leaks, these harmful chemicals can be released.

Furthermore, a swollen battery can damage internal parts of the device, such as the screen and motherboard, which can lead to irreparable damage.

How do you identify a swollen battery?

Fortunately, there are several ways to recognize a swollen battery. The most obvious sign is the deformation of the battery. On most iPhone models, the swollen battery presses against the screen, causing the screen to rise. In other cases, it is visible at the back of the phone, where the battery is located. In that case, the battery will appear bloated. Also, if the device has difficulty opening or cracks appear in the device, this may indicate a swollen battery.

Another sign is that the device feels warmer than normal. Sometimes swollen batteries emit a chemical or burning smell. Finally, a swollen battery can cause the device to be slow to respond, crash frequently or the screen to flicker.

Points to consider when removing a swollen phone battery

As a phone repair technician, it is important to exercise extreme caution when removing a swollen phone battery because of safety concerns. Here are some important points to consider:

1. Ensure that the battery charge is as low as possible and that the device is completely turned off and disconnected from a power source.

2. Work in a well-ventilated area and use protective equipment such as special ESD gloves and safety glasses. This will protect you from any harmful chemicals and prevent injuries.

3. Work on a non-combustible surface such as an ESD mat. An ESD mat is specially designed to slow or prevent flame spread. 

4. Avoid applying pressure to the swollen battery, it may cause leakage or explosion. Therefore, use as little force as possible.

5. Use a pryer card to carefully disconnect the battery when it becomes difficult to disconnect. Avoid using metal tools that may puncture or damage the battery.

6. Do not expose the battery to water or moisture - the lithium in the battery may react with water and cause more problems.

What to do with the swollen battery?

Once you have removed the swollen battery from the device, it is important to dispose of it safely. Store the battery carefully until you can take it to a recycling point. You do this by placing the swollen battery in an anti-static bag or a designated container and storing it in a cool, dry place. An authorized recycling point you can use to recycle the swollen battery in the Netherlands is WeCycle. WeCycle organizes the collection and recycling of discarded electrical appliances and energy-efficient lighting, including batteries, and has many drop-off points. In some cases, you even get a refund for it. See here to see where the nearest drop-off points are.

For other countries within Europe, you can contact the European Recycling Platform to recycle the battery. Enter your information here and they will contact you for further instructions!

Conclusion

It is very important to be aware of the dangers of a swollen phone battery and to exercise extreme caution when removing and handling it. A swollen battery can cause fire or explosions, release harmful chemicals and cause internal damage to the device. It is important to take proper precautions during removal, such as working in a well-ventilated area, using protective equipment and avoiding pressure on the battery. After disposal, the battery should be stored safely and taken to an authorized recycling point, such as WeCycle or ERP, be brought for safe handling and recycling.

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