Lithium-ion battery suddenly bursting off their bounds with a bulge is perhaps one of the most common problems faced by most modern-day smartphone users. There are number of reasons why your smartphone’s lithium-ion batteries can swell. It could be due to overheating, over-usage or even a defected charger. While most users believe that a swollen battery is a minor problem, it can turn out to be really dangerous.

Over the years, lithium-ion batteries have become the standard type of battery to power most modern technological equipment. But the sad part is that like most other type of batteries, lithium-ion batteries too have their own fair share of advantages and disadvantages.

Talking about the advantages, lithium-ion batteries are light-weight and can contain high energy density in relatively smaller size. They have long cycle durations and shelf-life as against other types of batteries. And that’s not all: lithium-ion batteries can be charged quickly, and they tend to offer low self-discharge rates.

Now for the disadvantages: lithium-ion batteries aren’t feasible to be used in high temperature. In addition, lithium-ion batteries can easily catch fire, especially when under stress. Fortunately, most modern-day smartphones contain circuits that shut the battery down in the event of entering a thermal runaway cycle.

What Causes Bulging of Lithium-ion Batteries?

Swollen lithium-ion batteries could prove to be dangerous and a potential risk to the users. Bulging of lithium-ion batteries occur due to too much current inside a cell of the battery causing a build-up of heat and gas. This can happen due to a lot of factors. Some of them are overcharging, damage to the battery, deep discharge state, or a manufacturer defect.

How To Avoid Lithium-ion Batteries from Getting Swollen?

With the number of potential dangers of a swollen lithium-ion battery, it makes sense to get acquainted to a few basic tips to ensure that you and your devices are safe and out of danger. While you may not be able to tackle the manufacturing defects on your own, there is a slew of things you can do to minimise and even mitigate the risks associated with bulging of lithium-ion batteries.

1. This is perhaps the most important tip – don’t leave your lithium-ion battery powered device plugged in unnecessarily. Remember, lithium-ion batteries are meant to cycle – discharge and recharge back again. Therefore, keeping them plugged in unnecessarily means that they would gradually lose their high-performance capabilities. This tip is especially important for most modern-day smartphone devices that are powered by lithium-ion batteries.

2. Always use proper power charger. Often, people buy new chargers to charge their smartphone devices in case the original charger gets damaged or lost. But when buying a replacement charger for your smartphone device, remember not to go with the cheapest available option. Instead, buy original charger or ensure buying a charger that offers the same power output as incompatible chargers may damage the battery and make it bulge.

3. It makes sense to quickly replace the lithium-ion battery if it is damaged or is no longer offering the specified performance. When buying a replacement lithium-ion battery for your smartphone, do well to ensure that you’re buying a high mAH, original battery to ensure optimum performance of your smartphone device. We, at Total Lithium Batteries, offer a wide range of high-performance, original mAH, and pocket-friendly lithium-ion batteries for all smartphone brands. In case, you’re looking for a replacement battery for your smartphone device, click here to search for the original battery for your smartphone, without having to break a bank.

4. It makes sense to always store your smartphone device in a cool, dry environment. Remember, high-temperature may cause damages to the lithium-ion battery.  Remember, not to leave your smartphone in the car when it is hot and humid. Also, refrain from charging your device in sunlight or near heated areas.

What to do with a Swollen Battery?

1. Remember not to ignore if your smartphone’s lithium-ion battery gets swollen. It may prove to be dangerous and, in some cases, fatal too. Replace your battery immediately. In case, you notice bulging in your smartphone battery, don’t leave your device connected to a power source.

2. Don’t ever try to puncture the bulge in your lithium-ion battery. Bulging of lithium-ion batteries is caused due to heat and build up of gases, which make it vulnerable. Puncturing a swollen lithium-ion battery may lead to explosion.

3. Don’t just throw your swollen lithium-ion battery in garbage. Be careful of taking it to an authorized battery disposal facility. Lithium-ion batteries require proper and safe recycling.

Over to You!

Now that you know everything about swollen batteries. Remember to take your lithium-ion battery powered smartphone to an authorized service centre in case you notice any indications of swelling. The longer you’ll wait, the chances of damages to your device and life will grow. Don’t try to get rid of the swelling yourself by pricking a hole in the battery as it could prove to be fatal.

To know more care and safety advice for your lithium-ion powered smartphone device or to buy original mAH replacement Smartphone Batteries, simply click here.