DON’T miss the danger signs that your iPhone is at risk of catching fire.
A confused Apple fan posted to the iPhone forum on Reddit asking about their handset.
They posted: “Two-month-old iPhone 15 Plus got this bulge. It dies randomly. Why this happened?”
The picture that went along with it showed a slight bulge at the back of the iPhone’s rear casing.
Apple followers were quick to point out that this is a dangerous sign that the lithium-ion battery inside the iPhone has swollen.
One replied: “Your battery is swelling and failing, need to get it replaced.”
Another said: “You should take that phone back to where you bought it immediately for a swap. Those are high fire risks.”
One added: “Please turn it off until your get it swapped or fixed.”
And another warned: “Do not charge this phone. Take it to have the battery replaced. If you can’t quickly, store it somewhere where it’s not a fire risk.”
Most modern smartphones run on lithium-ion batteries, which are cheap, efficient at holding charge, and last for years.
But sometimes a design fault or damage caused by a user can lead the battery to swell.
It’s not a guarantee that the smartphone will catch fire, but it’s a warning sign that you should never ignore.
“Swelling of lithium-ion batteries is caused due to heat and build-up of gases, which make the battery vulnerable,” the University of Reading explains in a memo.
“Puncturing a swollen lithium-ion battery may lead to fire and explosion.
“Even if your device still works, if the battery is swollen, the battery must be replaced immediately, using the device or leaving it connected to power can be dangerous.”
Official advice from the UK’s London Fire Brigade warns users to act fast if they notice a swollen phone battery.
Here are some of the battery signs that you should stop using your phone, according to the USA's National Fire Protection Association...
Picture Credit: Unsplash
“If your battery starts swelling or expanding, stop charging immediately. Turn off the device,” the London Fire Brigade says.
“Do not remove the casing or tamper with the equipment. Contact the manufacturer or certified technician.”
If you want to avoid ending up with a swollen battery, you should follow Apple’s official advice for charging.
Try to avoid doing anything that would physically damage the battery, like dropping it or getting it very wet.
Make sure you only get the iPhone repair by trained technicians – and only use official cables and plugs.
“Using damaged cables or chargers, or charging when moisture is present, can cause fire, electric shock, injury, or damage to iPhone or other property,” Apple explains.
“It’s important to keep iPhone, the charging cable, the power adapter, and any wireless charger in a well-ventilated area when in use or charging.”
Apple also says you should avoid using the power adapter if it has damaged prongs or cables, or has been exposed to excessive moisture.
