Can a cell phone battery explode? How real the risk is and the warning signs that should not be ignored

Although the risk exists, this type of situation is infrequent between devices Apple and those that have an operating system Android. Manufacturers assure that when these events occur they are usually related to certain circumstances: a damaged battery, extreme temperatures, the use of low quality chargers or accessories or incorrect repair.

One of the clearest warnings is visible and may go unnoticed by many users is in the screen or the rear glass, when starts to separate from the frame of the phone.

According to Belén Sierra, service manager of maximstoreofficial licensee of Apple in Argentina, this may indicate that the battery swelled and requires immediate review. In that case, the recommendation is to stop using the device and go to an Authorized Service Center as soon as possible.

“A damaged battery can deform and put pressure on other components of the phone. Therefore, try pressing the screen back against the frame, gluing it, or opening the device to check what is happening “It’s not a solution,” remark.

The recommendation also applies to phones Androideternal rivals of the iPhone: in the event of a damaged battery, the intervention should be left in the hands of a approved service center by the manufacturer.

Today’s cell phone batteries are designed to operate safely within certain parameters. The problem appears when the component suffers damage or is subjected to conditions for which it was not designed.

In the case of the iPhone, Apple points out that incidents of this type They are very rare and that, in most cases, are related to improper use or previous damage to the device.

Among the factors that can increase the risk are chargers or accessories that are not original or are not approved by the brand, are of very low quality and are exposed to extreme temperatures, such as leave the phone in direct sun for a prolonged period.

It can also be decisive unauthorized repair that affects the battery.

Motorolaamong Android, warns that attempting to remove or replace the battery, disassembling the phone, breaking it, bending it, or exposing it to temperatures above 60°C (140°F) can damage the phone and cause burns or injuries.

In other words, the problem is not simply that a cell phone heats up occasionally. The important thing is andavoid extreme situations and pay attention when the device’s behavior suddenly changes.

Las home repairswhich are usually a rising trend these days, can become a risk factor precisely because the battery is integrated into a set of very small components.

Apple warns that many damaged batteries are the result of unauthorized repairs or incorrect handling of the device. During an intervention carried out without the appropriate tools or procedures, small fragments of glass or other elements may remain inside the equipment.

“If these elements come into contact with the lithium battery, they can damage it and generate a risk for both the device and the user,” says Sierra.

Therefore, changing a battery should not be treated like replacing a conventional battery. If there is any sign of damage, the recommendation is to go to an authorized service center, where a technician can carry out a diagnosis with specific tools and procedures.

Batteries, which are usually the main protagonist in these types of incidents, are designed and manufactured to meet certain quality, performance and safety standards and work in conjunction with the iPhone’s hardware and software.

In the case of resorting to a generic batteryquality can vary considerably depending on the manufacturer. Some may offer good performance, but not necessarily meet the same standards design, quality and safety controls established by Apple.

For its part, Motorola technical sources recommend purchasing smartphones through official channels. In this way, the user is certain that the equipment, charger and cable included are adapted and certified for the corresponding market, in addition to having an official guarantee.

We must also take into account the impact of the passage of time. A battery accumulates charging cycles and discharge and its capacity changes as it ages and this directly affects performance. Reduced autonomy after a prolonged period of use does not, in itself, mean that there is a safety risk.

The condition of the battery is also an important piece of information when purchasing a used phone.

In the most recent models of iPhone With an updated version of iOS, the user can view parts and service history from settings. There it is possible to check whether certain components, such as the battery, screen or camera, have been replaced and, in many cases, whether the system can confirm that they are original parts.

However, this information alone does not allow you to determine whether a computer is refurbished (reconditioned). There are different forms of reconditioning and not all of them are necessarily reflected in the same way.

If you have any doubts about the condition of the device or its components, the safest alternative is to request a technical inspection.

While manufacturers seek to improve the safety and lifespan of current batteries, they are also developing new technologies to achieve something that seems contradictory: more power without increasing component size.

For example, Motorola, Xiaomi and Redmi are incorporating into your devices silicon-carbon batteries in a large part of its catalog. A technology that allows more energy to be stored in less space, which favors slimmer designs and greater autonomy.

“These types of batteries offer greater resistance to charge and discharge cycles, with the aim of prolonging their useful life,” Motorola highlights.

However, Samsung y Apple They have not yet adopted this technology for their devices.

The decision, according to technical data, is linked to the level of degradation that the cells have. In their first three years of life they lose more capacity than traditional lithium batteriessomething that is directly related to the strategy of both brands, who usually launch equipment with a longer renewal time.