7 Signs of a Damaged Power Bank, from Overheating to Swelling

A power bank serves as a crucial accessory for our smartphones, providing much-needed backup during travel or for people in jobs that require a lot of on-the-go phone use.

However, like any other electronic devices, power banks also have a finite lifespan. Over time, their performance may deteriorate until they finally stop working.

Unfortunately, many people aren't aware when their power bank is malfunctioning. This lack of knowledge poses a risk, as using a damaged power bank cannot only risk the smartphone but can also be dangerous to the user.

Hence, the Carisinyal team is here to share information about the signs of a faulty power bank, specifically for our readers' benefit. Curious to learn what these signs are? Dive into the following discussion to know more.

1. Power Bank isn't Working

The most noticeable and immediate sign of a damaged power bank is its inability to charge your phone. Yes, this could very well mean that your power bank is malfunctioning.

If the LED indicator lights on the power bank are working correctly, and there are no issues with your phone's battery, your next step should be to try a different USB cable, if you have a spare one.

After switching the cable, check if

if your power bank is able to start charging your phone. If it continues to malfunction even after swapping the cable, it's very likely that your power bank is broken.

2. Indicator Light is Completely Off

Another sign of a broken power bank is the condition of its indicator light. If the light fails to turn on at all, your power bank is likely damaged.

This situation can arise even if you've been charging your power bank for hours using a functioning USB cable and following the recommended charging method, such as using a power outlet.

However, if after hours of charging, any or all of the indicator lights come alive, then you're in luck. Your power bank might have just been out of battery.

3. Battery Drains Easily

Another indicative sign of a malfunctioning power bank is a quickly draining battery. Let's say, for instance, that your power bank's battery is running low. You plug it in for charging as usual, but the indicator lights illuminate fully in a surprisingly short time, suggesting that the power bank is fully charged. This situation is unusual if you've only been charging it for a brief period.

If this scenario occurs, it's likely that your power bank's battery capacity has diminished and is about to malfunction.

4. Power Bank Overheats Quickly

It's normal for power banks to to warm up or even get a bit hot during use. Nonetheless, if you observe an unusually high level of heat, it should raise concern.

If your power bank rapidly heats up or exceeds standard temperature ranges while charging or being utilized to charge, it could indicate a malfunction.

Should your power bank show such behavior, you should immediately stop using it. Overheating beyond acceptable levels could potentially lead to dangerous outcomes in the future, including fires or electrical shorts.

5. Presence of Burnt Odor

Another indication of a faulty power bank is detecting a scorched odor during its operation.

This burnt smell is usually an outcome of recurrent short-circuits, implying that the cable inside the power bank is unable to withstand the heat produced by the electric current.

If such defective parts already exist, the entire power bank could potentially be at risk. Hence, it's essential to refrain from using a power bank that is emitting a scorched odor to avoid any adverse events.

6. Unable to Charge

According to Gadgetsnow, an additional sign of a faulty power bank is an inability to charge it. This might be due to damage to the charging port or the power bank's own charging cable. If the issue lies with the charging cable, it's recommended to try another compatible one.

If you observe that the cable is unstable or frayed in some areas, it should be discontinued from use.

Furthermore, Gadgetsnow advises against charging your power bank via your PC or laptop. This is because the output of just 0.5 amperes is insufficient for adequately charging the power bank.

7. Swollen Power Bank

The final sign of a broken power bank is swelling or an enlarged size beyond its standard dimensions. This swelling is a common issue with lithium batteries, which are extensively used in today's electronic devices like smartphones and power banks.

Swelling occurs due to the electrolyte decomposition process inside the battery, which gradually generates and accumulates chemical gases.

Charging methods also contribute to this effect. Inappropriate practices, such as overnight charging or continuing to charge when the battery is full, can lead to power bank swelling.

If your power bank shows signs of swelling, it's recommended to discontinue its use. Ignoring this condition could lead to an increased risk of the power bank swelling further, potentially even leading to an explosion or fire.

Those are some signs of a faulty power bank that you should be aware of to ensure its discontinuation. Since a damaged power bank battery can't be instantly replaced, sometimes we are left with no choice but to throw it away.

If you have additional insights about the signs of a malfunctioning power bank, or useful tips to prolong the lifespan of a power bank, we invite you to share them in the comments section below.