In many cases phone explosions are the result of a battery issue.
- the battery is very old.
- it's been damaged in a fall.
- you've been using a faulty charger.
"One of the things is that your battery could be very hot. If your phone feels hot to the touch that is a sign. Then it gets progressive from there. If you hear hissing from your battery that is a definite sign," says Chandra Steele, senior features writer, PCMag.com
Those are the big two signs something is wrong with your cellphone, but there are other issues to move on quickly. If your phone looks swollen, lumpy, or like it is coming apart, something has gone wrong. You may need to remove your phone case to check on any potential damage or deformities. You might also hear a hissing or smell something burning. Also, consider that a phone explosion isn't always a loud obvious thing.
"You don't want to overheat your phone. So, you don't want it in extremes of cold or hot. At night if you have your phone in bed it could get tangled in the sheets, it could be beneath you which generates a lot of heat, it could be under your pillow," says Steele.
If your phone is over heating your next steps should be to unplug it, turn it off, and let it cool off. Then you can turn it back on to check if malware could be causing the over heating. If that is not the issue, it could be time for a new battery or an entirely new phone depending on the amount of damage to the interior. Luckily, PCMag says the likelihood of your cellphone exploding is low, but you should be aware of the warning signs.
Cellphones should not be tossed in the trash. They can be taken to a proper recycling location. Look into your municipal household waste facility for guidance. If the phone is swelling or hissing, contact your local fire department to see if they can help with disposal.
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