What happened with the Samsung Galaxy Ring?
A popular tech YouTuber known as ZONEofTECH posted a sequence of posts on X alleging a swelling issue with the Samsung Galaxy Ring. In a series of photos, a ring appears to have swollen to the point that the wearer couldn’t remove it from his finger. The author, identified as Daniel, said the incident occurred while he was boarding a plane, at which point he was reportedly denied entry because of the swollen lithium‑ion battery. He subsequently told followers that he sought hospital care and had the ring removed there. The exact location and hospital involved have not been confirmed publicly.
Daniel said he had received the Galaxy Ring in January and was uncertain about the health of the battery. He noted that the device’s battery life had been diminishing, not lasting the advertised week but around 1.5 days, and that the battery was completely uncharged when the swelling allegedly began. The posts, which Mashable has referenced, have not been independently verified by the publication, and Samsung has not disclosed a formal incident count related to such swelling.
In response to the posts, Mashable reached out to Daniel and Samsung for comment. 9to5Google highlighted that there have been prior reports of Ring battery swelling, though not always resulting in hospitalization. The situation has prompted discussion about wearer safety and the rare but real risk of lithium‑ion battery swelling in wearable devices.
How common are swollen batteries in wearables?
Battery swelling is a known risk with lithium‑ion cells when cells degrade, are damaged, or are exposed to extreme conditions. In wearables like smart rings, the compact design can complicate both heat dissipation and charging practices, potentially increasing swelling risk if a cell begins to fail. While such incidents are described as rare, they are not unheard of in the broader tech landscape. The viral nature of Daniel’s posts underscores the importance of manufacturers clearly communicating safety guidance for consumers and providing accessible steps for safe handling should an issue arise.
Samsung’s official guidance and safety stance
Samsung UK issued a direct comment to Daniel and shared safety guidance with 9to5Google. The company stated that customer safety is a top priority and that it is in direct contact with the user to learn more about the concerns. Samsung also reminded users that if a ring becomes stuck due to swelling, there are recommended ways to attempt removal, including using soap and water or submerging the hand in cold water. If these methods fail, Samsung points users to additional information on its Support page. The company emphasized that experiences like this are extremely rare and that it is actively investigating any reported cases.
What this means for Galaxy Ring users
For current Galaxy Ring owners, the episode serves as a reminder of the broader safety considerations around lithium‑ion wearables. While the Galaxy Ring offers convenient health and notification features, users should monitor battery performance and be prepared to seek assistance if any abnormal swelling, heat, or pain occurs. Do not force removal if a ring becomes stuck. Instead, follow the manufacturer’s guidance and contact customer support or seek medical attention if necessary.
Practical steps for owners
- Keep an eye on battery life and charging habits; a sudden drop in performance can be a red flag.
- If you notice swelling, avoid applying extra force to remove the ring. Move to a safe area and contact Samsung Support or a medical professional if removal becomes difficult.
- Follow official guidance for stuck rings: soap and water, or cooling the hand in cold water as recommended by Samsung, before seeking in-person help.
- Preserve evidence if you experience a similar incident and report it to Samsung through official channels to aid ongoing safety monitoring.
Ongoing coverage and updates
As this is a developing story, updates may emerge as Samsung gathers more details and confirms the circumstances. Tech outlets are tracking patient safety implications of wearable batteries and will likely monitor whether Samsung expands its safety communications or issues additional recalls or guidance. For readers following Galaxy Ring news, staying informed through reputable outlets and Samsung’s official support pages will be key in understanding any long‑term safety steps or design changes that may follow.
