A simple detail can put your cell phone at risk, as well as your health: when the battery can explode ‘because’ of us.
Cell phones, in 2024, are real technological jewels, but when their batteries explode, the situation becomes decidedly less fascinating. Although it is a rare event, this probability is not excluded and, to be honest, it can have serious consequences. But for what reason cell phone batteries explode? It depends, it could be a manufacturing defect, overheating and even the use of the wrong chargers. However, there is more. Even though everything is safe and our behavior is correct, a detail can make the difference, causing – consequently – the explosion.
Why smartphone batteries explode
We will remember the historic case of the mass recall of the entire Samsung Note 7 range in 2016, which saw over 35 reports of explosions due to faulty components. Fortunately, to date, this hardly happens, as the manufacturers – primarily Samsung – have learned the lesson. However, they are there some precautions that are good to keep in mind.
First, it is good to keep in mind the basic tips, such as do not overheat the smartphone battery excessively: the well-known ‘mobile phone fever’, i.e. some exposure to the sun or excessive use of games and programs. High temperatures, in fact, can break the internal cells of the battery, causing a short circuit; while overheating, as already mentioned, can be caused by overload. The phenomenon in question is called ‘thermal runaway’, a chain reaction where the heat increases further, increasing the risk of explosions.
Some attention also goes to non-compliant magazines, which can provide an excessive amount of energy, causing – although rarely – the battery to overheat. It should also arouse suspicion a cell phone falling, which although it may seem harmless, can cause the battery to explode. But let’s see how.
When dropping your smartphone can cause an explosion
It can happen to anyone di accidentally drop my phone, but what it is good to pay attention to is the consequences of the same; even where the damage was not visible at first glance. A fall can cause an internal crack in the battery, leading to a short circuit and potentially an explosion. The battery can swell and, if the mechanical and chemical structure is altered, the protection circuitry could be damaged.
It should be noted that it is not that common to damage the battery with a normal fall, but since it is a possibility that exists, it is important to monitor the cell phone when there are deformations, bulges, visible in the form of cracks near the battery. But not only that: other clues may be the excessive heat while charging, sudden restarts, rapid discharge, or charging problems.
