Yes. A swollen lithium-ion battery can be extremely dangerous if left in your device. ... A swollen cell phone battery could even catch fire or explode while you're holding it, leading to serious injury.

Is it safe to use a swollen battery?

Swollen batteries should not be used and should be replaced and disposed of properly. ... Do not bend the battery. Do not use tools of any type to pry on or against the battery. If a battery gets stuck in a device as a result of swelling, do not try to free it as puncturing, bending, or crushing a battery can be dangerous.

Is it common for batteries to explode?

In most cases, the battery will simply leak, but if the vapor pressure is high enough, it can explode. ... Because of this, they seldom explode, but they might when used in a high-heat environment that doesn't allow the energy to dissipate. They can also explode when subjected to a high or persistent electrical current.