When a smartphone smells of burning we should be concerned, as it is a sign that something is wrong inside the phone. Like a swollen battery or a high temperature, it is an important warning sign that we must know and, above all, know how to act before it.
If lithium-ion batteries, such as those found in almost all modern rechargeable devices, or some other component in your phone begins to fail, you have to get to work to avoid greater evils.
Why does the mobile smell like burning?
In general terms, the batteries or the charger, the electrical components of the smartphone are the culprits that the phone begins to emit this unpleasant smell, and it is still a warning that something worse could happen.
Batteries contain chemicals that must be kept separate for the battery to function safely. In batteries that begin to fail, chemicals can “splash” onto others and short-circuit the battery, and if the gases inside ignite, that can cause the smell of burning, first, and an explosion or fire. . It all depends on the size of the battery and the composition of its internal chemicals.
Do this if your phone smells burned
If you have noticed this smell on your mobile, do not be nervous. Simply, mind follow these tips to maintain 100% the integrity of your mobile.
Unplug it from the power
Of course, if the battery is defective and we do not stop supplying it with electricity, we can cause it to catch fire or explode, something that of course is going to give us more headaches than anything else. Disconnect it from the power immediately.
Stop using it
When a mobile smells like burning it is because it has been running for too long without stopping. The best thing to do is to stop using it for a few hours and check if everything is due to a temporary “overheating” or the problem persists.
Be very careful with the housings
Cases that are sourced from China, unofficial, or made from “poorly tested” materials may cause heat from the device to not be properly dissipated and to build up around the internal components of the device. Although they are more expensive, try to use original covers that have been 100% tested by the manufacturers.
Charge it on a non-waterproof surface
Although it may seem inconceivable to many of us, there are many people who leave their mobile phone under the pillow, on the sofa, or on any other type of flammable material such as cloth tablecloths. You should never leave them on these surfaces but if it smells burned, anticipating a possible accident, much less. Always keep the smartphone charged on a table , to avoid greater evils.
Always use original chargers and cables
This is from mobile care first. Non-original chargers do not have the same charging technologies or the same security tests to which the accessories of a certain mobile are subjected. Although they are not included in the box now, it is better to be safe than sorry and always use original chargers that, in addition, do not pose a problem when making use of the phone’s warranty.
Make a backup
If the mobile has this smell repeatedly, it is very likely that it will soon stop working due to the poor condition of the battery or some of the internal components. Make a backup copy of your contacts, photos, videos, apps and content as soon as possible so that, in case the mobile cannot be turned on again, or you have to take it to repair, you can reinstall them again in the same or on another mobile.
Take it to fix
If after doing all this the smartphone still smells of smoke , there is not much else you can do. Get in touch with the manufacturer of it in case you can have it repaired taking advantage of the fact that it is still under warranty or, if not, find an official support center to fix the phone in the best conditions.
How to prevent accidents
The smell of burning is the first step to a possible battery explosion or any other type of combustion that may occur inside the terminal. If you do not want the thing to happen to adults, heed the following tips.
- Use tools such as pliers or safety gloves to handle the smartphone. Even an oven mitt or towel is better than using your bare hands for a smartphone that smells burned, emits smoke, or has a swollen battery.
- Move very slowly and carefully so as not to disturb possible components that may ignite.
- Keep the device in an isolated area, away from flammable objects (for example, in a garage or bathtub.
- Contact the support center or store where you bought the burned-smelling smartphone.
- Don’t ignore the problem – a burning smell, a slight hiss, or battery swelling is a warning sign that requires immediate action.
- Do not throw the device in the trash; you must dispose of it responsibly.
- Do not breathe the vapors emitted by the mobile, and cover your mouth
If what smells like burned is the charger …
The most normal thing is that it is the charger that is emitting this smell and not the mobile. Again we have to strongly recommend you to use the original chargers that come in the phone box, or at least that was the case until last year. If you do not have an original charger you will expose not only your smartphone but your home to unnecessary risk.
Make sure that when you plug the charger into the mains it is in a sufficiently ventilated place, not behind the bed or in a place where different elements obscure its visibility. If it’s the original charger that smells burnt, stop using it and try it again, after spending a few hours on a different outlet. If the failure continues, you will need to change the power adapter.
Do not be afraid
Fortunately, battery fires are very rare and the cases of burning batteries can be counted on the fingers of one hand, but prevention is something to take into account so that many of you can spend using all kinds of mobile without any risk.
As always, it doesn’t hurt to know what to do and what not to do in case this is the case.