On September 18, in a rare and worrying incident, hundreds of pagers used by Hezbollah exploded across Lebanon, resulting in at least nine deaths and more than 2,750 injuries, according to official reports. The explosions caused significant destruction and chaos, severely affecting Hezbollah units and institutions. While such pager explosions are unusual, they have raised concerns about the safety of lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in devices such as smartphones. However, the risk of battery explosions in untampered devices remains low. Reports suggest that the pagers involved were deliberately modified before shipment to trigger the explosions remotely, rather than being hacked or subjected to a cyberattack.
Why do smartphones explode?
Battery explosions in smartphones have only occurred due to manufacturing defects. Lithium-ion batteries, which power both pagers and smartphones, carry inherent risks due to their high energy density and rechargeability. While efficient, these batteries can fail if they become excessively hot, overcharged, or physically damaged, which can lead to overheating or even explosions. Manufacturing defects and design flaws also play a role in these risks. For example, smartphone explosions, while rare, are typically caused by overheating due to prolonged use, external damage, or faulty components. These incidents are often isolated and the result of manufacturing or usage issues, rather than intentional attacks.
Some people worry that they won’t be able to wake up without setting an alarm on their phones, and some even sleep with their phone under their pillow. But is that really safe? Cell phone battery explosions, while rare, can happen, and charging a phone overnight under a pillow can be risky. As the phone and charger heat up during charging, the lack of airflow under the pillow can trap heat, potentially leading to overheating and even a fire hazard.
Mobile phone explosion cases
Last year, in Nashik district, a mobile phone exploded while being charged at a residence and shattered nearby windows. Three people were injured in the incident, which took place in CIDCO’s Uttam Nagar area. The intensity of the blast increased as a nearby deodorant bottle, a highly flammable item, caught fire and caused major damage.
A 76-year-old man from Kerala’s Thrissur district was nearly burnt when his mobile phone, which was in his shirt pocket, suddenly burst into flames. Also, an eight-month-old baby tragically lost his life when the battery of a phone that was being charged next to him exploded.
An exploding smartwatch can cause harm to users, posing risks of burns, injuries and possible fires. Explosions are often caused by battery malfunction, overheating or manufacturing defects. It is important to handle smartwatches with care, avoid overcharging and ensure adequate ventilation to minimise the chances of such incidents occurring.
Avoid placing smartphones and smartwatches under pillows while charging, as this can lead to overheating and possible explosions. Heat generated during charging may not dissipate properly, increasing the risk of battery malfunction and fire. Prioritise safety by charging devices on hard, well-ventilated surfaces, away from flammable materials.
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