Incident overview
A popular tech YouTuber has highlighted a potentially serious issue with Samsung’s Galaxy Ring. Daniel, who runs the ZONEofTECH channel, posted photos on X alleging that his Galaxy Ring swelled to the point where it could not be removed from his finger. In a follow-up post, he said the incident occurred while he was boarding a plane and that he was detained at the gate due to the swollen lithium‑ion battery. He subsequently visited a hospital to have the ring removed. Neither the location of the boarding could nor the hospital attended was disclosed.
The scenes Daniel shared appear to show the inner portion of the ring expanding inward from the swelling, which would explain why the ring became difficult to remove. 9to5Google noted that past reports of swollen Galaxy Rings have surfaced, though those cases did not necessarily involve hospital visits. Mashable has reached out to Daniel and Samsung for comment as the story develops.
What happened and what was seen
According to Daniel, he had acquired the Galaxy Ring in January and had concerns about the battery’s health. He claimed the device’s battery life stopped lasting a week and would not exceed about 1.5 days. In his messaging, he said the ring had “no charge” at the moment it swelled. The sequence — swelling on the finger, then the inability to remove the ring, followed by a hospital visit — has prompted questions about the safety and durability of the ring’s battery design in real-world scenarios.
As with wearable devices that house lithium‑ion cells, a swelling battery can press against the ring’s casing. In this case, the inward swelling would complicate removal, potentially trapping the finger. The visuals and timeline have caused online readers to search for guidance on how typical users should react if they ever encounter a similar situation.
Samsung’s response and guidance
Samsung UK issued a statement to Mashable via Daniel and separately to 9to5Google, emphasizing that customer safety is a top priority. The company said such experiences are “extremely rare,” and it outlined several techniques to try to remove a stuck ring. These include using soap and water, or submerging the hand in cold water. If these methods fail, Samsung points interested users toward its official Support page for additional steps and contact options. The message mirrors the caution common in handling swollen wearables and is consistent with standard safety guidance for stuck rings.
While the statements provide a practical starting point, they stop short of diagnosing a defect or offering a formal recall. Samsung has indicated it is in direct contact with the user to learn more about the concern, signaling that investigators may request additional details from the device owner and possibly from medical professionals involved in the removal.
Background: past reports of swelling and safety considerations
Media coverage around the Galaxy Ring swollen battery issue is not entirely new. Prior reports have described rings swelling after extended use or battery degradation, though not all cases led to hospital visits. These reports typically reference the complex design of wearable rings and the way batteries sit inside a compact ring structure. The current incident, if confirmed, could add to ongoing conversations about how wearable devices are tested for battery stability in various environments, including high‑altitude travel and digital health scenarios.
What users should do if their ring swells
If you own a smart ring or similar wearable and notice swelling, battery tenderness, or a change in color or heat, seek professional assistance promptly. Do not force a removal if the ring is tight or painful. Try gentle, non-aggressive steps such as washing the hand, easing the ring with soap or lotion, or temporarily cooling the area with cold water. If the device is stuck, contact the manufacturer’s support line or a local medical professional for safe removal advice. Monitor for symptoms indicating a more serious reaction, and report the issue to the manufacturer to help identify any potential hardware or battery concerns.
Bottom line
Although light on definitive conclusions, Daniel’s experience underscores a precautionary note for wearable devices that rely on compact lithium‑ion cells. Samsung’s acknowledgment that such events are rare is matched by practical guidance intended to help users navigate a stuck ring without risking finger injury. As the story continues to unfold, fans and customers alike should watch for official updates from Samsung and independent investigations that may shed more light on battery health and device safety.
