What to Do With Swollen Power Bank: Causes, Risks, and Safe Handling

You pull your power bank out of your bag and something feels… off. It looks a little puffier than usual, maybe even warped. That’s not just wear and tear—it could be a swollen power bank. And if that’s the case, it’s time to stop using it immediately.

In this guide, we’ll break down why power banks swell in the first place, the real risks they bring, and most importantly, what to do with swollen power bank if that’s what you’re dealing with. We’ll also cover a few safety tips to help you avoid the problem altogether. Let’s get into it.

Causes of Swollen Power Banks

A swollen battery pack might look alarming—and it is—but it usually comes down to what’s happening inside the battery. Most modern power banks use lithium-ion batteries, which are efficient but sensitive. When things go wrong, gas builds up inside the battery cells, causing them to expand and swell. That gas buildup is often the result of electrolyte breakdown, a process triggered by stress, heat, damage, or poor-quality components.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common causes:

Overcharging and Overheating

Leaving a power bank plugged in long after it’s fully charged might not seem like a big deal, but over time, it can cause trouble. Excess charging cycles generate heat, which stresses the battery’s internal components. Even though most power banks include protection circuits, consistently pushing them beyond safe limits can still cause the battery to degrade—and eventually swell.

Exposure to High Temperatures

Lithium-ion batteries hate heat. Leaving your power bank in a hot car, next to a heater, or in direct sun can kickstart chemical reactions inside the battery. As temperatures rise, the battery’s electrolyte can begin to decompose, releasing gases that cause swelling.

Poor-Quality Components or Manufacturing Defects

Not all power banks are created equal. Cheaper models often use low-grade batteries and lack proper safety controls. Defects like poor sealing or weak internal structure can lead to gas leaks, overheating, or internal short circuits—especially over time.

Physical Damage

A drop or impact can damage the internal structure of the battery—even if the outside looks fine. Crushed or punctured battery cells can short-circuit or leak, both of which may lead to gas buildup and swelling.

Using the Wrong Charger

Using a charger that wasn’t designed for your power bank—especially cheap or unregulated third-party ones—can lead to voltage spikes or unstable current. That can overheat the battery during charging and break down its internal chemistry, leading to a swelling battery pack over time.

Age and Wear

Even if you’re careful, batteries don’t last forever. With each charge cycle, the internal chemistry slowly deteriorates. After a few years, or hundreds of charges, a power bank is simply more likely to fail. Swelling is one of the signs that it’s time to retire it.

Risks and Consequences of Swollen Power Banks

If you’re wondering, is swollen power bank dangerous, the answer is yes, it’s a big safety risk. And ignoring the problem can quickly lead to serious consequences. Here’s why you shouldn’t shrug off a bulging battery:

Fire Hazard

Swollen batteries are unstable. If the internal pressure keeps building, the power bank could rupture or catch fire—especially if it’s still being charged or used. Lithium-ion fires are difficult to extinguish and can spread quickly.

Explosion Risk

In extreme cases, a swollen battery can explode. This usually happens when the pressure inside the cell exceeds the safety limits, or when a puncture causes a short circuit. While rare, the risk is real—especially with damaged or low-quality power banks.

Chemical Leakage

Beyond the immediate dangers of fire and explosion, swollen power banks can also pose a risk due to the leakage of corrosive materials. The electrolyte inside lithium-ion batteries is a corrosive and toxic substance. If a swollen battery leaks, contact with the skin or eyes can cause irritation or even burns. Furthermore, inhaling the fumes released from a leaking or rupturing battery can also be harmful.

Damage to Connected Devices

Using a swollen power bank to charge your phone, tablet, or earbuds can put those devices at risk too. Voltage irregularities or internal shorts could harm your gadgets—or even kill their batteries.

Warranty and Disposal Problems

Once a power bank starts swelling, it’s no longer safe—or covered under most warranties. And because it’s now considered electronic waste, you can’t just toss it in the trash. Proper disposal is essential to avoid environmental and health risks.

What to Do With a Swollen Power Bank

As you see, the answer to “Is it safe to use a swollen power bank?” is a big NO! If you notice your power bank starting to swell—even slightly—stop using it right away. Continued use could lead to fire, leakage, or even explosion. Here’s what you should do next:

Don’t Charge or Use It

Unplug the power bank and avoid charging it or using it to power your devices. Even if it still “works,” using a swollen battery is dangerous and could cause further internal damage—or worse.

Handle It Carefully

Don’t poke, squeeze, or try to “deflate” a swollen power bank. It might be tempting to see what’s going on inside but puncturing a swollen lithium-ion battery can release flammable gases or even cause a fire. Handle it gently and avoid putting pressure on it.

Store It Safely

If you can’t dispose of it right away, place the swollen power bank in a fire-resistant container (like a metal box) away from heat sources, flammable items, and direct sunlight. Keep it in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to take the next step.

Recycle—Don’t Trash It

Now how to dispose of a swollen power bank properly? First things first, never throw a swollen power bank in the regular trash! Lithium-ion batteries are considered hazardous waste and need to be properly recycled.

Check your local e-waste guidelines for specific instructions. The best course of action is to take the swollen power bank to an authorized battery recycling center or an electronics store that offers recycling programs for electronic waste. Resources like Earth911 or Call2Recycle can help you find nearby recycling locations.

How to Prevent Power Bank Swelling

While you can’t prevent every battery issue, there are simple things you can do to greatly reduce the chances of your power bank swelling. It all comes down to safe charging habits, proper storage, and choosing quality products.

Avoid Overcharging

Unplug your power bank once it’s fully charged. Leaving it connected for hours on end—especially overnight—can increase heat and put stress on the battery over time. Many modern power banks have overcharge protection, but it’s still smart not to rely on it entirely.

Keep It Cool

Don’t expose your power bank to high temperatures. Avoid leaving it in hot cars, direct sunlight, or near heating sources. If you’re storing it for a while, choose a cool, dry place to minimize battery degradation.

Use the Right Charger

Stick to the charger that came with your power bank or use one recommended by the manufacturer. Avoid super-cheap or generic chargers that may deliver inconsistent voltage—they can easily overheat the battery or damage the internal circuits.

Handle With Care

Avoid dropping, crushing, or tossing your power bank into a bag without protection. Physical damage can weaken the battery structure and increase the risk of swelling over time.

Don’t Push Old Power Banks

If your power bank is a few years old and not holding charge like it used to, it’s probably time to replace it. Older batteries are more prone to swelling and other failures, especially after hundreds of charge cycles.

Buy from Reputable Brands

Quality matters. Look for power banks that are certified (CE, FCC, RoHS) and made by well-known manufacturers, like Anker. They’re more likely to use reliable battery cells and include proper safety features like temperature control and overcharge protection.

Known for consistent performance and thoughtful design, at Anker, we offer a range of wired and wireless power banks that balance fast charging, safety, and portability—features that really matter when you’re on the move.

If you rely on multiple devices or do a lot of work remotely, a model like the Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K) might be worth considering. It’s built for people who don’t just charge phones but also tablets and laptops on the go. With 140W Power Delivery 3.1 support, it can fast-charge even power-hungry laptops—making it a solid companion for professionals or frequent travelers who can’t afford downtime.

The 24,000mAh capacity offers real longevity: think five full charges for an iPhone 13 or enough juice to top up a MacBook Air 2020 and still have some left. Plus, it has two USB-C ports (both capable of 140W max) and one USB-A port, so you can charge up to three devices at once without juggling cables or deciding which device gets priority.

Despite the high capacity, the unit remains compact enough to fit easily in a work bag or your pocket. The onboard digital display is also a surprisingly useful touch. It shows real-time power levels and charging status, which helps with planning—especially on the go.

And when it comes to safety, the Anker 737 uses ActiveShield 2.0, which performs millions of temperature checks daily to keep your devices (and the battery itself) in a safe charging range. It’s a practical option for anyone who wants both power and peace of mind in one package.

Conclusion

Whether it’s from heat, age, or just poor manufacturing, once a power bank starts to swell, it’s basically waving a big red flag. If you ever find yourself wondering what to do with swollen power bank, remember the golden rule: don’t try to use it, fix it, or toss it in your regular trash. Safely dispose of it at a proper e-waste facility and take it as a reminder to be a bit more selective with the tech you trust in your bag or back pocket. Stick with reputable brands, avoid overcharging, and treat your batteries with care. A little attention now can keep your gear safer—and your day uninterrupted.

FAQ

How do you fix a swollen power bank?

You don’t. A swollen power bank can’t be fixed and trying to open or repair it yourself is dangerous. The safest thing to do is stop using it immediately and handle it as electronic waste. Damaged lithium-ion batteries can leak harmful chemicals or catch fire, so it’s best to let professionals deal with it.

How do I dispose of a swollen power bank near me?

To safely dispose of a swollen power bank, take it to a certified e-waste recycling center or a battery drop-off location. Many electronics retailers and local recycling programs accept damaged batteries and power banks. Avoid throwing it in the trash—it’s a fire and environmental hazard. If you’re not sure where to go, check with your city’s waste management website, the Call2Recycle website, or search online for “battery disposal near me” directly.

Is a bulged power bank safe?

No, a bulged or swollen power bank is not safe. It’s a sign that something inside the battery has gone wrong—usually due to overheating, damage, or internal failure. Continuing to use it can put you at risk of fire, leakage, or even explosion. As soon as you notice swelling, stop using the power bank immediately and dispose of it properly at a certified e-waste recycling center.