Battery bloated - it could be because of that

Every now and then it can happen that the battery of a smartphone, tablet or laptop is inflated. You should take this very seriously, as such a battery can pose a great risk. In this practical tip, we explain what this is and what you should do in such a case.

A blown-up battery should be replaced as soon as possible

If you find that the battery of your electrical device is inflated, i.e. has a conspicuous, unprecedented curvature, you should immediately replace it with a new one. This also applies if the battery is still working.

• The curvature arises from an unwanted chemical reaction inside the battery, in which a gas forms. As this gas is flammable, the battery can even go up in flames or explode if you continue to use it.
• If possible, you can replace the battery yourself with a new one or contact the dealer or manufacturer. On the next few pages you can read what you need to consider when buying a battery for your laptop.
• You must dispose of the inflated battery properly. It does not belong in the household waste and must be taken to a recycling center or a collection point. Many supermarkets and electronics stores also accept defective or inflated batteries.

In our next practical tip, we will show you in step-by-step instructions how to replace the battery in your iPad.