Swollen Galaxy Ring battery forces removal at airport

A tech creator says the battery in his Samsung Galaxy Ring swelled while he was wearing it at an airport in late September, forcing him to miss a flight and seek emergency medical assistance to remove the device. Daniel Rotar, who posts as ZoneofTech, posted photos showing the ring bulging against his finger and said airport staff denied him boarding after he noticed the ring tightening; he later had the device removed at a hospital.

According to the user, the swelling began as he prepared to board. Attempts to slide the ring off with soap and hand cream appeared to make the battery expand further, he said, and medical staff ultimately used ice to reduce swelling and a medical lubricant to ease the ring off. Close-up images shared by Rotar show the ring’s inner casing separating and the internal battery visibly distorted after removal.

Samsung’s United Kingdom support account replied to the user on social media, asking him to send a direct message so the case could be escalated. The company has been asked for further comment.

Lithium-ion batteries can expand as they age, are overcharged, or develop internal faults that lead to gas buildup. Industry observers said the risk posed...