Galaxy Ring Battery Swells and Gets Stuck on User’s Finger Before Boarding Flight

Galaxy Ring Battery Swells and Gets Stuck on User’s Finger Before Flight
Tech reviewer faces nightmare incident as swollen battery causes emergency removal

Tech reviewer Daniel Rotar, known for his work on YouTube and X, experienced a terrifying incident with the Samsung Galaxy Ring when its battery swelled while still on his finger just moments before boarding a flight. Rotar shared photos online showing the inner section of the ring expanding and pressing painfully into his finger, making removal impossible. He initially tried using water and soap to slide it off, but the moisture only caused the battery to expand further.

Close-up images revealed the Galaxy Ring’s internal battery swelling against the rigid titanium shell, which did not expand along with it, resulting in intense pressure on his finger. Rotar also noted that this was not the first problem he encountered with the device — the battery previously lasted less than a day and a half, and the incident occurred while the battery was already at 0%. Although the Galaxy Ring is designed to withstand shallow seawater exposure, it must be rinsed and dried immediately afterward to prevent damage.

A few hours later, Rotar updated followers that he was denied boarding due to safety concerns, as airport staff considered the swollen lithium-ion battery a potential hazard. He was sent to a hospital emergency unit, where doctors used ice to reduce swelling and medical lubricants to safely remove the ring. Post-removal photos showed severe internal damage, including warped and detached plastic components inside the casing.

Rotar described the experience as “traumatizing” and vowed never to use the device again, suggesting that a combination of heat exposure, seawater contact, and frequent air travel may have caused the malfunction. Samsung’s UK support team responded privately, requesting further details for investigation.

This is not the first report of Galaxy Ring battery swelling. Several months ago, a Reddit user reported a similar issue, though less severe, where the battery expanded while being worn, despite the device being less than a month old and never overcharged. The Galaxy Ring, launched in July 2024 at a starting price of $399, has faced criticism for its shorter-than-expected battery life.

Experts warn that swelling in lithium-ion batteries occurs due to trapped gas and excessive heat, which can potentially lead to fires. Samsung has yet to release an official statement, but specialists recommend that wearable ring devices should include easier emergency removal mechanisms to prevent dangerous situations. Galaxy Ring owners are advised to regularly inspect their devices and avoid exposing them to high temperatures.