What should I do about a swollen iPhone 13 battery?
Asked by
MellowPine47
My iPhone 13 is about two years old and its battery health has been declining for some time. I planned to replace the battery in a couple of months, but it suddenly started swelling, so I turned the phone off immediately. I'm concerned about the fire risk and possible damage to the phone, especially because I can't reach an authorized repair center right away. Is it safe to store the phone temporarily, and what should I do if I need to travel by bus or ferry before I can get it repaired?
Answers
Get it handled as soon as you realistically can. Swelling can continue and damage the display or other internal components, which may make the repair more expensive. Until then, leave the phone powered off and avoid handling it unnecessarily. I would not take it on an airplane, bus, or ferry; contact the carrier or a local hazardous-waste service for safe transport guidance instead.
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It doesn’t have to be repaired by the manufacturer. A reputable independent phone-repair shop can usually replace the battery, and many electronics or hazardous-waste services can advise you about swollen batteries. Call ahead, explain that the battery is swollen, and ask how they want you to store and bring it. Don’t mail it or put it in regular household trash.
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A swollen lithium-ion battery should be treated as a fire hazard. Don’t charge or use the phone, press on the screen, puncture the battery, or try to flatten the swelling. Keep it away from heat and anything flammable, and arrange professional service or hazardous-battery disposal as soon as possible.
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MellowPine47: I understand the urgency, but I can’t reach a repair center immediately. I won’t fly, though I may need to travel by bus or ferry, so I’ll look for local disposal or transport advice before moving it.