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Swollen phone or laptop battery: safe steps

A bulging battery can catch fire. Stop using it, keep it away from heat, and get it recycled properly.

19 items · 5 sections · tech, safety, home, fire

Start this checklist

Spot it (4)

  • Screen lifting, case gaping or the trackpad pushing up on a laptop
  • Device rocks on a flat table
  • Hot battery or a sweet or chemical smell
  • Battery drains very fast or the device shuts down at random

Do now (5)

  • Stop charging and switch the device off
  • Unplug the charger and any cables
  • Do not press, bend, cut or try to pierce the battery
  • Do not put it in a pocket or bag, or leave it in a car in the sun
  • Move it away from beds, sofas, paper and anything that burns

Store it safely (3)

  • Put it on a hard non-burning surface such as a ceramic tile or metal tray, away from flammable thingsIdeally outside, or by a window in a room you are not sleeping in.
  • Keep it away from children and pets
  • Do not throw it in the bin or in household recycling

If it smokes, hisses or gets hot (3)

  • Get everyone out and keep clear of the smoke
  • Call the fire service (101 in India, 999 UK, 911 US)
  • Do not try to put it out with water close up

Fix it (4)

  • Check if it is under warranty and contact the maker
  • Book a repair shop to swap the battery; do not open it yourself
  • Take the old battery to a battery drop-off or an electronics recycling pointMany shops and councils take them.
  • Back up your files before the repair

Written from www.epa.gov

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