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Android Central
Android Central
Technology
Jay Bonggolto

Samsung is probing a Galaxy Ring battery swelling issue that’s raising safety concerns

The looking at the gold Samsung Galaxy Ring with an expression of doubt.

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What you need to know

  • The Galaxy Ring is facing reports of battery swelling that can trap the device on a user’s finger.
  • Tech influencer Daniel Rotar (ZoneofTech) shared photos showing his ring’s battery bulging and peeling while stuck on his finger.
  • The incident happened at an airport, where swelling prevented him from boarding a flight. He later needed hospital help to remove it.
  • Samsung’s UK support team acknowledged the case privately, but the company has made no public statement or advisory.

Original article

Samsung’s Galaxy Ring, which was released just over a year ago, is now facing a serious issue. Some users have reported that the battery can swell, turning a fitness tracker into a potential medical emergency.

A recent Galaxy Ring incident drew attention when its battery failed in a dramatic way. Tech creator Daniel Rotar, also known as ZoneofTech, posted photos showing his Galaxy Ring with a bulging battery and a peeling inner layer, still stuck on his finger.

He said that while preparing to board a flight, he noticed the ring tightening on his finger and realized the battery had expanded while he was wearing it. Airport staff stopped him from boarding, and he later needed medical help to remove the ring.

Doctors used ice to reduce the swelling and a medical lubricant to gently slide the ring off, as using soap and cream had only made things worse. After it was removed, photos showed the battery pushing against the casing and clearly deformed.

(Image credit: @ZONEofTECH / X)
(Image credit: @ZONEofTECH / X)
(Image credit: @ZONEofTECH / X)

Battery swelling isn’t new in consumer electronics, but the risks are higher in this case. Lithium-ion batteries can expand due to gas buildup or wear over time, and the Galaxy Ring’s slim design means any issue puts direct pressure on the wearer’s finger.

With smartphones or watches, a swollen battery may alter the shape of the case. However, a ring lacks flexibility, so even a slight battery expansion can press painfully and dangerously against the finger.

While the Galaxy Ring’s swelling cases haven’t involved fires or explosions, the safety concerns are still significant.

Samsung's response is quiet (so far)

Samsung has responded quietly so far. The UK support team replied to Daniel’s post on X, asking him to send more details in a direct message so they could look into the case. The company hasn’t made a public statement or released a safety advisory yet.

Android Central has reached out to Samsung for comment and will update this post once the company releases a statement.

The Galaxy Ring came out in July 2024 with health-tracking features, a slim and light design, and up to seven days of battery life, depending on the size. It was meant to compete with the Oura Ring and other wearable wellness devices. But these recent swelling reports could hurt Samsung’s place in the smart ring market, especially as users start to worry about the safety of wearing a device that might get stuck on their finger.

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