In this article, we will tell you the Top 10 Best Ways to Prevent Your Phone from Exploding, but before that, let's understand some basic things. Phone explosions are rare but dangerous events where a smartphone catches fire or explodes due to a sudden defect in the battery, most commonly in lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are powerful and compact, but if they are damaged, overheated, or poorly manufactured, they can short-circuit or cause a fire or explosion. Overcharging or using a faulty charger, exposure to excessive heat, manufacturing defects, and physical damage to the battery are the main causes of explosions.
1. Use only original or certified chargers
Artificial or low-quality chargers
• May provide inconsistent voltage or current, which puts a strain on your phone's battery.
• Easily overheat, increasing the risk of fire or explosion.
• Lack surge protection, which means any power spike could damage your phone's internal circuits or battery.
• Sometimes use poor quality materials that can melt during use.
Original chargers — those made by your phone's manufacturer (such as Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.) — and certified third-party accessories undergo strict safety and quality tests. Certified chargers:
• Regulate the flow of power to prevent overcharging and overheating.
• Include built-in safety measures such as short-circuit protection and temperature control.
• They're designed to exactly match your phone's voltage and current requirements, ensuring optimal charging and longer battery life.
2. Avoid overcharging your phone
Keeping your phone plugged in for long periods generates excess heat and ages the battery faster. Although phones have built-in charging management systems, these systems can break down or malfunction when subjected to repeated stress. Frequent overcharging can lead to:
• Swelling of the battery
• Decreased battery life
• Increased risk of overheating
If you need to charge overnight, place the phone on a hard, flat surface, use a certified charger, and consider turning on battery protection features (such as “optimised charging” on an iPhone or “adaptive charging” on an Android device).
3. Keep your phone away from heat sources
Smartphone batteries are very sensitive to high temperatures. When a battery gets too hot, the chemical reactions inside it speed up uncontrollably. This can lead to:
• Swelling of the battery
• Leakage of chemicals
• A situation that could cause the battery to catch fire or explode.
Even if your phone doesn't explode, repeated exposure to heat can reduce battery life and overall performance. Many people unwittingly expose their phones to excessive heat in daily life. Here's how to avoid this:
• Don't leave your phone in the sun on a windowsill, beach towel, or table. It can overheat quickly.
• Cars heat up quickly in the sun, especially the dashboard area. A phone left there can reach dangerously high temperatures in just a few minutes.
• Don't place your phone near stoves, heaters, or laptops that emit heat.
• Charging already generates heat, so placing your phone under a bed, pillow, or blanket is likely to cause overheating.
4. Don't use damaged or swollen batteries
A damaged or failed battery is one of the most serious hazards in a smartphone. Here are some common warning signs:
• The back cover of the phone may appear raised or uneven. You may also notice the screen lifting slightly from the frame.
The phone gets abnormally hot, even when you're not using it or charging it much.
• The battery drains quickly or doesn't charge properly.
• When you hear a smell or sound, both of these are signs of internal battery failure.
A swollen battery is already under physical stress, which means it's at risk of bursting, especially if it's exposed to excessive heat or pressure (such as in a pocket or bag).
Take a few steps to avoid this:
• Don't charge it or try to stretch it back into shape.
• Take it to an authorised service centre for a proper battery replacement.
5. Avoid excessive use while charging
Using your phone too much while charging, such as gaming, long video calls, or running heavy apps, puts extra strain on both the battery and the processor. This happens because:
• Gaming and video apps use a lot of power, especially for graphics and screen brightness.
• At the same time, your charger is pumping power into the battery, creating a push-pull effect, where the phone is charging and discharging simultaneously.
• This speeds up the battery charging process.
If possible, avoid playing games, streaming videos, or doing too much multitasking while charging.
6. Never charge your phone under a pillow or blanket
If the phone is placed between pillows, blankets, a mattress, or even couch cushions, that heat has no place to escape.
Without proper airflow:
• Heat builds up quickly
• The phone's temperature rises above safe levels
This trapped heat can cause the phone to overheat, which not only damages the battery but can also lead to dangerous consequences. So, avoid the above situations by always charging your phone on a hard, flat, and well-ventilated surface, like a desk or nightstand. Avoid placing it near flammable materials, like paper, cloth, or furniture cushions.
7. Keep your phone's software updated
Your phone's software—specifically its firmware and operating system—plays a key role in managing how the battery is charged and how the device handles heat. These updates help:
• Control charging speed to avoid overheating.
• Monitor battery health and adjust power usage accordingly.
• Manage processor workload to reduce excessive heat during heavy tasks.
• Optimize the phone's internal systems so everything runs safely and efficiently.
Without the latest software, your phone may not be able to properly regulate heat or battery usage, increasing the risk of overheating or battery failure. Turn on automatic updates if possible and regularly check for new software versions to keep your phone running safely and smoothly.
8. Beware of third-party repair shops
When your phone's battery needs to be replaced, some people turn to third-party repair shops to save money. However, not all repair shops use genuine or high-quality batteries. Poor-quality or counterfeit batteries:
• May have faulty internal components that increase the risk of overheating or explosion.
• Lack proper safety certifications.
• May cause your phone to malfunction or drain the battery faster.
• Using unauthorized parts may void your phone's warranty.
Using a bad battery is like planting a time bomb in your phone, increasing the chance of fire or damage. Always prioritize safety and quality over cost. A reliable repair can save you from costly or dangerous problems in the future.
9. Monitor overheating
It's important to notice if your phone is overheating before it becomes dangerous. Common symptoms of overheating include:
• The phone feels abnormally warm or hot to the touch, especially on the back or near the battery.
• The device becomes slow or unresponsive, as it may slow down performance to cool down.
• The screen dims by itself or shuts down unexpectedly.
• Apps crash frequently, or the phone restarts by itself.
• You may smell burning or notice the battery swelling. Regularly monitoring your phone's temperature helps prevent serious damage or accidents. Some phones also have built-in warnings or apps that track battery health and temperature.
10. Use protective cases wisely
While protective cases are great for protecting your phone from drops and scratches, some cases can inadvertently trap heat. Thick, bulky, or poorly ventilated cases made of certain materials (like heavy plastic or rubber):
• Can prevent heat from escaping the phone.
• Can cause the device to heat up faster, especially during charging or intensive use.
• Increase the risk of battery damage or even explosion if the heat builds up too much.
A good case should physically protect your phone without compromising its ability to cool naturally. Always check your phone's temperature before using a new case.
Conclusion
Protecting your phone from explosions and overheating is vital for your safety and the longevity of your device. In the last, remember these Top 10 Best Ways to Prevent Your Phone from Exploding great tips:
1. Always use original or certified chargers.
2. Avoid overcharging and unplug the phone when it's full.
3. Protect your phone from heat sources such as direct sunlight or a car dashboard.
4. Never use a damaged or swollen battery.
5. Avoid excessive use while charging.
6. Never charge your phone under a pillow or blanket.
7. Keep your phone's software updated.
8. Be careful when choosing repair shops.
9. Monitor your phone for signs of overheating.
10. Use protective cases that allow your phone to breathe.
Taking a few simple precautions can prevent accidents and help you avoid costly repairs or dangerous situations. Make phone security a daily habit and always pay attention to how your device behaves.