Samsung Galaxy Ring Battery Swells, Stranding Traveler and Prompting Hospital Visit

The Ring of Sorrows: Samsung Galaxy Ring Battery Swells, Forcing Emergency Removal and Travel Disruptions

Imagine slipping on a piece of cutting-edge technology designed to enhance your well-being, only for it to become a literal source of distress. For one Samsung Galaxy Ring owner, this futuristic promise turned into a nightmarish reality when the device's battery unexpectedly swelled, leading to a cascade of inconvenient and potentially dangerous events.

Blogger Daniel, known online as Zone of Tech, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his harrowing experience. His Samsung Galaxy Ring, purchased earlier in 2025, began to malfunction. The culprit? A significantly swollen battery, a phenomenon that transforms a sleek wearable into a painful, constricting band.

An Unpleasant Travel Interruption

The swelling wasn't merely a cosmetic issue. It rendered the ring impossible to remove from Daniel's finger, causing discomfort and an alarming redness. This personal crisis soon escalated into a public inconvenience. Attempting to board a flight, Daniel was denied boarding due to the security risk posed by the unremovable, potentially compromised device.

“I was denied boarding due to this (been travelling for ~47h straight so this is really nice 🙃). Need to pay for a hotel for the night now and get back home tomorrow👌”

His travel plans were derailed, forcing him to seek emergency medical attention. At the hospital, specialists were able to remove the ring without resorting to cutting it off. This was a crucial detail, as any forceful intervention or damage could have further compromised the battery, potentially leading to a fire or explosion – a chilling reminder of the volatile nature of lithium-ion batteries, especially when damaged.

Medical Intervention and Recovery

The hospital intervention was a necessary but unwelcome detour in Daniel's 47-hour journey. He shared that the ring was eventually removed, and he was later sent to the hospital as an emergency. The procedure involved using ice to reduce swelling and a specialized ointment, a stark contrast to his earlier futile attempts with soap and hand cream.

The stark irony wasn't lost on Daniel, nor on observers: Samsung had marketed the Galaxy Ring with the promise of “improving your well-being.” The situation, while distressing, did offer a moment of dark humor for the traveler.

“was sent to the hospital, as an emergency — ring got removed You can see the battery all…”

Investigating the Cause and Samsung's Response

Upon successful removal, Daniel provided photographic evidence of the swollen battery. Unlike the uniform bulging seen in some smartphone batteries, the Galaxy Ring's battery appeared to have swelled in specific areas, possibly due to its circular design and the materials involved. Daniel couldn't pinpoint a definitive cause but speculated that the humid Hawaiian heat, saltwater exposure, or a simply defective battery could have contributed to the failure.

Samsung has reportedly reached out to Daniel, expressing regret and offering to discuss the matter privately. In a statement to 9to5google, a Samsung spokesperson emphasized their commitment to customer safety:

“Customer safety is our top priority, and we are in direct contact with this user to learn more about his concerns. While such instances are extremely rare, there are several ways to attempt to remove a stuck ring, including using soap and water or soaking the hand in cold water. If these methods do not work, further information can be found on our support page.”

A Recurring Concern?

This incident isn't an isolated case. Reports on platforms like Reddit, dating back to May, have mentioned similar issues with the Galaxy Ring, including battery swelling and a noticeable decrease in battery life. These accounts suggest that while rare, the problem might be more prevalent than initially assumed, raising questions about the long-term reliability and safety of the device.

Daniel's conclusion resonated with many potential users: “I will never wear a smart ring again… Anything with a battery should be easily removable.” His ordeal serves as a potent reminder that even the most advanced technology carries inherent risks, and rigorous safety protocols are paramount, especially when dealing with power sources packed into small, wearable devices.