September 16, 2025 – Many smartphone users love their Google Pixel phones for their amazing cameras and clean software. However, a serious problem has been affecting some owners for years. This problem is battery swelling. If you have a Google Pixel, you need to know about this issue. It can be dangerous and can damage your phone.
This guide will explain everything about the Google Pixel battery swelling problem. We will cover what it is, which models are affected, and what you should do if it happens to you. Your safety is most important.
What is Phone Battery Swelling?
Most modern phones, including the Google Pixel, use lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. These batteries are powerful and rechargeable. But sometimes, the chemical reaction inside them can go wrong.
When a lithium-ion battery gets old or damaged, the chemicals inside can break down. This process creates gas. The gas gets trapped inside the battery’s sealed pouch. With nowhere to go, the gas pushes the battery’s layers apart. This makes the battery puff up or swell. It can look like a small, soft pillow inside your phone.
This is not just a Google Pixel problem. It can happen to any device with a lithium-ion battery. But many reports from Pixel owners have made this a well-known issue for the brand.
Which Google Pixel Models Are Most Affected?
While any Pixel could technically have this issue, some models have seen more reports than others. The problem became very common with a few specific generations.
- Google Pixel 3 & Pixel 3 XL: This series had many reports of battery swelling. The problem often appeared two or three years after the phone was purchased.
- Google Pixel 4 & Pixel 4 XL: This generation also saw a significant number of cases. Many users reported their phone’s back panel started to peel off because of the swollen battery inside.
- Google Pixel 5: There have been some reports for the Pixel 5 as well, though perhaps not as widespread as the Pixel 3 and 4 series.
Older and newer models, like the Pixel 2 or the more recent Pixel 6 and 7 series, have also had isolated reports. However, the Pixel 3 and 4 seem to be the most common phones with this problem.
How to Check If Your Pixel Battery Is Swelling
Sometimes, a swollen battery is very obvious. Other times, the signs are small. Here is what you should look for.
- A Gap in the Phone’s Body: This is the most common sign. Look at your phone from the side. Do you see a gap between the screen and the frame? Or is the back panel lifting up at the edges? A swollen battery pushes the phone’s components apart, creating these gaps.
- The Phone Does Not Sit Flat: Place your phone on a flat table. Try to spin it. If it spins easily or wobbles like a top, the battery may be swollen and pushing the back panel outwards. A normal phone should lie perfectly flat.
- Wireless Charging Stops Working: Many users first notice the problem when their wireless charging fails. The swollen battery increases the distance between the charging coil inside the phone and the wireless charger. This gap is often too large for the charger to work.
- Your Phone Case Doesn’t Fit: If your protective case suddenly feels too tight or pops off, a swelling battery could be the cause.
- A “Spongy” Screen: If you press gently on your screen and it feels squishy or has more give than usual, the battery might be pushing against it from behind.
You should not ignore any of these signs. A swollen battery is a serious issue.
Is a Swollen Battery Dangerous?
Yes, a swollen battery is very dangerous. It is a major safety risk.
The gas inside the swollen battery is flammable. If the battery pouch is punctured, the gas can escape and catch fire when it mixes with air. This can cause a small explosion or a very hot fire that is difficult to put out.
Never try to press the back panel back on. Never try to squeeze your phone. And most importantly, never try to poke or puncture the battery. This could lead to a serious injury. A swollen battery is a damaged battery, and it needs to be handled with extreme care.
What to Do If Your Pixel Battery Is Swollen: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you think your Google Pixel has a swollen battery, follow these steps immediately.
- Stop Using the Phone: Turn the phone off right away. Do not continue to use it or check your notifications.
- Do NOT Charge the Phone: This is the most important rule. Charging a damaged, swollen battery can make it worse. It increases the risk of a fire. Unplug it immediately if it is charging.
- Place it in a Safe Location: Move the phone to a cool, dry, and fire-resistant place. A metal box, a ceramic pot with sand, or a spot on a concrete floor outdoors is a good option. Keep it away from anything that can burn, like paper, wood, or cloth.
- Do Not Try to Fix It Yourself: You should never try to remove a swollen battery on your own. You could accidentally puncture it. Leave this job to trained professionals.
- Contact Google Support: The first official step is to contact Google’s customer support. Even if your phone is old and out of warranty, you should still contact them. Because this is a known safety issue, Google has sometimes offered free repairs or replacements for specific models. Explain the situation clearly and tell them you have a swollen battery.
- Find an Authorized Repair Shop: Google often partners with repair chains like uBreakiFix in some countries. Check Google’s support website to find an authorized service center near you. These shops have technicians who know how to safely handle and replace swollen batteries.
How to Prevent Your Phone Battery From Swelling
You cannot always prevent battery swelling, as manufacturing defects can be a cause. But you can take steps to keep your battery healthy for longer.
- Avoid Extreme Heat: Heat is the biggest enemy of a battery. Don’t leave your phone in a hot car, on a sunny windowsill, or near a heater.
- Use the Original Charger: Always try to use the charger and cable that came with your phone. Cheap, uncertified chargers can damage your battery over time.
- Don’t Let it Drop to 0%: Try to keep your battery charge between 20% and 80%. Constantly letting it die completely can add stress to the battery.
- Avoid Heavy Use While Charging: Playing intense games or using heavy apps while charging creates a lot of heat. This can damage the battery’s health.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel battery swelling issue is a real problem that affects the safety of users and the durability of their phones. While it is more common in older models like the Pixel 3 and 4, all phone owners should know the warning signs.
If you see your phone’s back lifting, a gap forming, or other signs of swelling, act immediately. Stop using the phone, do not charge it, and contact Google support or a professional repair shop. Your safety is more important than any device. By being careful, you can avoid a dangerous situation.
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