Why do cell phones explode and how to prevent it from happening?

Although cell phone explosions are not common, the risk is always present, especially with low-quality devices. You can't change the hardware of your device, but by adopting some smart usage habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire.

Incidents of cell phones exploding are no longer uncommon in recent years. In January 2023, an unfortunate incident occurred when an iPhone 4 suddenly exploded and caught fire while being charged overnight in a family in the US state of Ohio. Fortunately, the explosion did not cause any injuries or fire to the family.

Also in 2023, in India, a young girl paid with her life when a Redmi Note 5 Pro allegedly exploded directly in her face while she was using it.

Meanwhile, in July 2023, another serious incident occurred on an Indian Air India flight when a passenger's mobile phone suddenly exploded, forcing the pilot to decide to make an emergency landing to ensure the safety of all passengers.

While cell phones exploding are not a common occurrence, the occasional incident is enough to make us worry. Take the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 disaster a few years ago, a case in point. A series of battery explosions forced Samsung to recall the entire product, causing severe damage to its image and reputation.

So, what causes such high-end smartphones to explode? And more importantly, what can we do to protect ourselves from these potential risks?

Why do smartphones explode?

The main reason smartphones are at risk of catching fire or exploding is often the lithium-ion battery inside. This type of battery works based on the balance between the positive and negative electrodes.

However, when exposed to external influences or due to improper manufacturing processes, this balance can be disrupted. Specifically, internal components of the battery such as the electrodes, separators or protective coating can be damaged, causing the lithium ions to move too quickly and generate a lot of heat. When the temperature rises too high, the electrodes can react chemically with each other, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of heat and gas, causing the battery to boil, swell and even explode.

When the temperature exceeds the allowable threshold, it can deform the chemical structure of the battery’s internal components, especially the separator between the anode and cathode. When this separator is damaged, lithium ions will move chaotically, causing a strong exothermic pyrolysis reaction. This process is called thermal runaway, causing the temperature to rise rapidly and uncontrollably.

In reality, there are many reasons why a phone overheats, and each has different effects on the device. One of the most common causes is physical damage. Strong impacts such as dropping or excessive bending can damage the internal structure of the battery or other components, causing short circuits and heat generation.

In addition, leaving the phone in the sun for a long time is also a dangerous factor. High temperatures from the outside environment combined with heat emitted from the device's operations can cause the temperature inside the device to increase suddenly. In addition, malware can sneak into the system and run background processes, causing the CPU to overload and generate a lot of heat.

Finally, problems during charging, such as using a non-genuine charger or a damaged charging cord, can also cause short circuits and heat up the device.

In addition to the direct causes caused by the user, there are other objective factors that can damage the phone battery and cause overheating. Over time, all batteries undergo a natural aging process. Chemical reactions inside the battery take place continuously, gradually reducing the performance and lifespan of the battery.

Additionally, in rare cases, manufacturing defects can also be the cause of serious battery problems. For example, in the case of Samsung's Galaxy Note 7, the main cause was determined to be a design defect in the manufacturing process, which made the battery susceptible to overheating and explosion.

What warning signs should you look out for?

Smartphones don't typically have a warning system that warns you when something serious is about to happen. However, there are some unusual signs you can look for that can help you avoid danger. If you hear strange noises coming from your phone, such as hissing, popping, or crackling, be extra cautious.

Also, pay attention to any strange smells, especially burning plastic or chemicals. This could be a sign that the phone's internal components are overheating and at risk of exploding.

Additionally, abnormal temperatures are also a warning sign. If you feel your phone is unusually hot, especially while charging, disconnect it from the power source immediately. Continuing to use your phone when it is too hot may worsen the situation and cause a fire or explosion.

One of the most obvious signs that your phone battery is having problems is swelling. When the battery is damaged or its internal components are degraded, the pressure inside the battery increases, causing swelling. This not only affects the aesthetics of the device but also poses many potential dangers.

To detect a swollen battery, pay close attention to the back or sides of the phone. If you see the screen pushed up, the back cover warped, or the seams on the phone stretching out more than usual, it is likely that the battery inside is swollen.

You can also try placing your phone on a flat surface. If the phone won't sit firmly or tilts to one side, that also indicates a swollen battery.

Most modern smartphones do not allow you to remove the battery, so if you are concerned about your device, turn it off and take it in for service immediately.

Can you stop your phone from exploding?

To keep yourself and your device safe, it is important to prevent your smartphone from exploding. Here are some steps you can take:

Choose and use genuine accessories:Always use the original charger and charging cable that came with your phone. Products of unknown origin can cause overload, short circuit and lead to fire or explosion.

Store your phone properly:Do not leave your phone in places with high temperatures such as in a car under the sun, near a stove or heat-generating devices. Store your phone carefully, avoid dropping or strong impacts. In particular, do not let your phone come into contact with liquids such as water, etc.

Use your phone properly:Minimize charging your phone overnight; While charging, limit using heavy applications or playing games to reduce the load on the battery and processor.

Software update:Software updates often include security patches and performance optimizations, which help reduce the risk of problems.

Watch for unusual signs:If you notice that your phone's battery is swollen, stop using it immediately and take it to a service center for inspection. In addition, if you notice that your phone is too hot, turn it off and let it cool down before continuing to use it. In particular, if you smell a burning smell coming from your phone, immediately disconnect the power source and check the device carefully.

Choose phones from reputable brands:Products from major brands are often subject to tighter quality control, reducing the risk of serious incidents.

In short, to ensure the safety of yourself and your device, you should use your phone properly, store it carefully and regularly check its condition.

Phan Van Hoa