Battery Recall Guide: Lithium-Ion Safety

Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire or explode if defective. Signs of a problem: swelling, excessive heat, rapid capacity loss, or strange smells. If your battery is recalled, stop using and stop charging immediately. Manufacturers offer free replacements—usually worth $50-150 depending on device. Stay on top of every recall for your devices — Register free at RecallRadar →

Swelling: Battery expands, causing the case to bulge or screen to pop out slightly. Excessive heat: Device gets uncomfortably hot during normal use or charging. Rapid drain: Battery losing 10%+ per hour when idle. Shutdowns: Device turns off at 20-30% battery. Smell: Chemical or burning odor. If you see ANY of these, stop using the device. Don't charge it. Check for recalls immediately. Not sure if YOUR device is affected? Check your serial number in 30 seconds →

Don't keep using it: "It's probably fine" is how house fires start. Don't charge it: Charging a defective battery increases fire risk. Don't put it in checked luggage: FAA prohibits recalled lithium batteries in cargo hold—fire risk at 35,000 feet. Don't throw it in regular trash: Lithium batteries require special disposal (Best Buy, Home Depot, and other retailers accept them). Don't try to remove it yourself: If the battery is swelling, professional removal is safer.

Every battery recall includes a free replacement. Process: (1) Verify your device/battery is affected (serial number or battery model number match). (2) Contact manufacturer—Apple, Samsung, etc. all have dedicated processes. (3) They'll either: ship a new battery for you to install (rare), have you bring it to a store/service center, or send a prepaid box for mail-in repair. (4) Timeline is usually 1-3 weeks. Some manufacturers offer loaner devices or account credits while you wait. New programs from Apple, Samsung, and Google launch without warning. Set up alerts for your devices →