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Swollen batteries are the result of two things: energy density and heat. The swelling is the result of too much current coursing, in a noncontrolled fashion, inside a cell of the battery, which causes a build-up of heat and gas. The most common cause of a swollen battery is overcharging.
Can a swollen battery Be Fixed?
There is no way a swollen battery can be repaired. The only options are to replace the battery, or to replace the entire device. This is the main reason why it is a good idea to buy a phone or smartwatch with a removable battery.
Why do batteries swell up?
Batteries can swell for a number of different reasons – such as overheating. In extreme cases, they can even double in size, so that your device’s cover may start to bulge. The phenomenon occurs mainly with lithium-ion and lithium polymer batteries.
How do you treat a swollen battery?
How to Remove and Dispose of a Swollen Battery Do Not Charge or Use the Device. Remove the Battery. Dispose of the Battery at an Authorized Recycling Center. Keep Your Batteries Cool. Use a Quality Charger. Replace Old Batteries. Don’t Leave It Plugged In.
How likely is a swollen battery to explode?
The swollen battery will get worse and eventually catch fire. It’s not a matter of if, but when. Generally speaking, the risk of fire is relatively low while not being charged or discharged (used), and if caution is used to avoid handling which might cause the swollen casing to crack.
What is overcharging a battery called?
This is called thermal runaway and it can destroy a battery in as little as a few hours.
Can you put a swollen battery in the freezer?
Do not put the battery in the freezer. Freezing may cause already-damaged metal components to contract and could cause a short, leading to fire.
Can I use a phone with a swollen battery?
A SWOLLEN LITHIUM-ION BATTERY MAY CATCH FIRE OR EXPLODE. Removing a swollen battery can be hazardous, but leaving a swollen battery inside a device also poses risks. To prevent potential device and bodily harm, a device should not operate with a swollen battery.
Is it OK to charge my phone overnight?
So it’s perfectly safe to charge your phone overnight, just make sure it doesn’t suffer from overheating. That said you’ll be surprised how quick phones can charge today, so you don’t really need to leave it charging for 8 hours. One solution to slow down the charging is to use a wireless charger.
Can swollen battery Be Fixed?
Can a swollen battery be fixed? Once a battery becomes swollen, it no longer works properly and you should replace it. Do not try to put a swollen battery in the freezer—it won’t help and could put your home at risk.
Why my battery is swollen?
Swollen batteries are the result of two things: energy density and heat. The swelling is the result of too much current coursing, in a noncontrolled fashion, inside a cell of the battery, which causes a build-up of heat and gas. The most common cause of a swollen battery is overcharging.
How much does it cost to fix a swollen battery?
You can contact your manufacturer, use a local repair shop, or replace the battery yourself. Expect to spend somewhere between $50 and $150, depending on how much shopping around you plan to do. A swollen battery is a major inconvenience, and a potential health hazard.
Will Apple replace a swollen battery?
Apple will replace a swollen battery for free if the device is under warranty, including AppleCare+. If the device is not under warranty, Apple will replace a swollen battery for a fee.
Can an iPhone battery explode?
Exploding iPhones are rare, and normally occur because of user-caused damage to a device after it has been sold. There is no rash of exploding iPhone batteries now, or in 2019, when the plaintiff’s battery burst.
Does Apple cover swollen batteries?
While Apple does have some free repair programs to deal with swollen batteries (both public & secret) those programs only apply to systems less than three years old so your laptop is well past being able to qualify for those other free battery repair programs. You will need to pay to have the battery replaced.
What happens to a battery if you overcharge it?
Overcharging a battery causes excessive gassing — the electrolyte gets hot and both hydrogen and oxygen gas are generated. On older vented batteries, the electrolyte could cook away, leaving the plates exposed and ruining them. On sealed batteries, the buildup of gases could cause the battery to burst.
What will happen if the battery charging rate is too high?
The energy delivered as overcharge causes gassing. In open batteries this results in water loss. In sealed batteries overcharge results in heat being generated inside the battery. Gassing starts before full charge is reached and increases as charging progresses.
What part keeps the battery from charging too much?
A voltage regulator is usually part of the alternator, and is used to keep a steady flow of voltage to the battery. If the voltage regulator is defective, it will send either too little or too much charge to the battery. If it sends too much, the car battery will overcharge.
Does Best Buy take swollen batteries?
Best Buy accepts a variety of batteries for recycling, but they warn they won’t accept ones that “present a health or safety hazard.” Call ahead wherever you go to make sure the place you’re dropping the battery off can accept a swollen battery.
