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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FDX LITE

To offer our customers an affordable option, we introduce FDX Lite. These screens have an HD resolution and provide the best quality within this price segment. While we conduct strict quality controls, we have no influence on the production process. FDX Lite screens come with a factory warranty, but damage to the interior of the screen is not covered by the warranty.

Features	FDX LITE
Pixel resolution	High Definition (HD)
Refresh rate	Fast response
Includes	Camera holder, earpiece mesh and proximity bracket
Temperature	Low and controlled
360° Polarized	Supported
Oil resistant coating	Supported
Anti-glare	Supported
Front Glass	Anti-dust and fingerprint oil
Inspection	Tested before shipment
Warranty	Covered

Service Pack

These parts are original and manufactured in a certified environment by the original manufacturer of the device.

Pulled

These parts are 100% authentic and undergo rigorous testing and inspection after being removed from an original pre-owned device.

Refurbished

These parts have been removed from an original pre-owned phone, but the front glass has been replaced with a glass equivalent to the original, while all other materials have remained authentic.

OEM-Equivalent

These parts are professionally assembled by a third party using equivalent components and materials to the original manufacturer.

FDX ULTRA

Soft OLED is a high-quality LTPS-OLED solution offering excellent value for money. Thanks to its flexible COP design, the display is thin, lightweight, and less prone to breakage, while delivering bright and vibrant visuals close to OEM-level quality. The touch response is fast and precise, and each batch is carefully tested for color, stability, and performance. This allows professional repair technicians to rely on consistent quality, high compatibility, and a dependable display that looks premium without the premium price tag.

FDX PRO

Hard OLED is an affordable OLED solution that combines bright, sharp image quality with strong price positioning. The rigid COF panel provides a solid construction that performs well in everyday use. Colors are vibrant, brightness is strong, and touch response remains accurate. Each batch is checked for stability, uniformity, and sensitivity, ensuring technicians can rely on consistent quality. Hard OLED is ideal for customers who want a competitive price without sacrificing reliable performance and visual clarity.

FDX ELITE

FDX Elite is our premium product, where we work closely with the manufacturer to optimize quality. We make improvements based on customer feedback and our own expertise. Due to our direct influence on the production process, we have full confidence in the quality. Therefore, we offer extensive warranty coverage on these screens: even damage inside the screen (which is normally not covered) is included. However, if damage is visible to the naked eye, whether inside or outside, the warranty becomes void. Our FDX Elite screen has an FHD+ resolution and will be the most expensive option due to its added value and extensive warranty. With this quality and service, we aim to provide a worry-free experience for our customers.

FDX PRIME

FDX Prime represents the standard in-cell quality, purchased directly from the manufacturer, just like other suppliers in the market. The choice of manufacturer depends on the quality of the production batch, and the products meet the highest in-cell quality standards in the market. FDX Prime screens have an FHD resolution and come with a regular factory warranty. This means that damage to the interior of the screen is not covered.