Battery swollen

[rjack22]

When I took my case off to change to a different one I discovered that the back of my phone had separated from the side. Phone was working correctly. Evidently the case was holding it together. I estimate I was using it that way for perhaps two weeks. I was lucky it didn't catch fire or explode! Turns out the battery had swollen separating the back of the case from the side.

Researching this issue I discovered it is a known issue with this S6 phone. What is it with Samsung and batteries?? This S6 Edge was my 3rd S6 phone. The 1st and 2nd had issues with screen rotation. I originally got my S6 in October 2015, two years ago. I replaced it twice in July 2016 (first replacement had the same issue as the original). So now I am waiting on S6 number 4 to arrive. Fortunately after the first issues with the rotation I had a chance to buy an extended warranty policy from Verizon for $3 a month. I did so. That saved me yesterday. Replacement phone is FREE. Although I am eligible for a new phone on Oct 12 (so close), I hadn't planned on getting a new phone for at least another year.

So here we are, waiting for S6 Edge number 4. I hope this one is the charm and it will last me at least another year or two. Oh BTW, I had to go back to my Droid Maxx for two days. I miss my S6 Edge!!! Droid Maxx is only running KitKat.

My biggest concern at this point is shipping the old phone back when the replacement comes which I am required to do. How can this be safe? The battery is like a ticking time bomb. Any suggestions on how to do this?

 

[Karin Fletcher]

I had the same thing happen to my phone. A few days ago I was buying a new phone, the galaxy 8 and I was g going to trade in my s6 edge. When the salesman removed the case from my phone he said uh oh, I cant trade this in. The back of the phone had separated from the.phone due to the swollen battery!! He said it could have exploded! I was shocked. The phone wad always very warm, especially after charging.My new phone doesn't get hot at all, thank goodness!

 

[rjack22]

Scary isn't it?

Update: My old phone made it safely back to Verizon without exploding or catching fire, or so I assume since nothing was ever said. Shipped it normally.

 

[chanchan05]

Swelling batteries is a known possibility for all lithium ion batteries regardless of brand. I've had Nokias and Motorolas that had that.

It's rather a bit unpredictable since it occurs as a sequel to some of possible reactions that happen in the battery under certain circumstances like excessive heat, build up of static electricity, faulty or uncertified chargers (although this is a bit rare since we now have chips in the phone to regulate charging), using your phone with battery intensive tasks while charging, like playing games, streaming, even navigation for very extended periods can cause this. Of course there's manufacturer defect, but considering the usual practice of people nowadays of nearly always on the phone even while charging, and the increasing graphic intensity of games, I'm leaning to bad usage patterns as a more common cause. Can't say that about your case definitely since I don't know your usage pattern, but I personally won't be quick to blame the manufacturer.

 

[Karin Fletcher]

I am not a gamer but I leave my phone on the charger even after 100% charge. Maybe that's a bad habit, I ddont know. However, much phone was hot from the beginning. It was always very warm and sometimes actually hot. Without my case my fingers would have been hurt. I just assumed it's somewhat normal for the s6 because I read other people had the same problem. Over time it damaged the phone and battery. Now I do not keep my phone on the charger longer than necessary. Being overprotective now! Lol My new phone is the s8.