Don’t Ignore a Swollen Phone Battery
Most phone problems fall into the “annoying but not immediately serious” category. A swollen battery is different. It’s not a cosmetic issue, and it’s not something to put off. Here’s what you need to know and what to do.
What a Swollen Battery Looks Like
Iphone 15 pro with a swollen batteryThe signs vary by phone:
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- On a phone with a curved back, it may feel like the back is bowing outward more than it should
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- The screen may be lifting slightly off the body of the phone — a gap between screen and frame that wasn’t there before
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- The phone may feel thicker than it used to
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- The case may no longer fit properly
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- In more advanced cases, the screen may crack from the pressure of the battery pushing against it from behind
What’s Happening Inside
Lithium-ion batteries swell when the internal chemistry is compromised — usually due to age, heat exposure, physical damage, or charging irregularities. The swelling comes from gas produced during an abnormal internal reaction. The battery casing expands as gas accumulates inside.
The risk: continued use of a swollen battery means continued pressure on surrounding components. In rare but real cases, a significantly swollen battery can rupture, leading to a chemical spill or thermal event. This doesn’t happen often — but the risk is real enough that it warrants immediate attention.
What to Do
Stop using it for extended periods. If the swelling is visible, minimize use.
Do not charge it. Charging a compromised battery adds energy to an already unstable situation.
Do not try to remove the battery yourself. Modern smartphones don’t have easily removable batteries. Puncturing a lithium-ion battery during removal is extremely dangerous. Leave this to a technician.
Bring it in as soon as possible. Battery replacement is a routine repair that takes under an hour. The battery is the problem — everything else in the phone is usually fine.
At Mobile Lizard, we replace swollen batteries with urgency. We’ll handle disposal of the old battery properly as well — lithium-ion batteries require specific disposal and cannot go in regular trash.
Battery Replacement at Mobile Lizard
We replace batteries on all iPhone models and Samsung Galaxy devices. See iPhone battery replacement and Samsung battery replacement. Call ahead if you can — 443-863-9738 — so we can have your part ready.
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Walk-Ins Welcome — Come in Today if Your Battery Is Swollen
2621 Eastern Ave, Patterson Park, Baltimore. Tuesday–Friday 11am–6:30pm, Saturday 11am–5:30pm. This one really shouldn’t wait.