A Galaxy Ring owner was forced to seek hospital assistance after the smart ring’s battery swelled, tightening around their finger and preventing removal. The incident also caused the user to miss a flight due to concerns about carrying a swollen lithium-ion battery onboard.
The report first surfaced on Twitter/X via @ZONEofTECH, who shared images showing the swollen inner section of the Galaxy Ring pressing into the finger. Unlike smartphones, which can allow some outward expansion, the Galaxy Ring’s titanium design leaves little space for the battery to deform, creating intense pressure when swelling occurs.
The device’s owner, Daniel, explained that the battery expanded during a multi-day trip, leaving the ring stuck just before he attempted to board a flight. Airline staff denied boarding, and the situation ultimately required a hospital visit, where the Galaxy Ring was successfully removed.
This is not the first such case. A previous report noted another Galaxy Ring battery swelling within a month of purchase, unrelated to overcharging. Both incidents showed a similar failure pattern, with a sharp bulge forming on the inner portion opposite the ring’s sensors.
Samsung acknowledged the latest case, issuing a statement: “The safety of our customers is a top priority and we are in direct contact with this user to learn more about their concerns. While experiences like this are extremely rare, there are a few ways to attempt removing a stuck ring, including soap and water – or submerging your hand in cold water. If these methods do not work, additional information is provided on our Samsung Support page.” The company has reached out to the affected user directly.
Battery swelling is a known issue with lithium-ion cells, which can expand due to age, overcharging, or manufacturing flaws. Samsung has dealt with high-profile cases in the past, most notably with the Galaxy Note 7, which was permanently banned from flights after multiple battery failures in 2016.
While rare, the risk feels heightened in a device worn tightly on the body. Unlike a phone that can simply be set aside, a swollen ring wrapped around a finger presents a potential medical emergency — a worst-case scenario for wearable technology.
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