User level: Level 1 (4 points)Screen of my old ipad used for listening music with external speaker got swelled detaching it from back side of frame.
it’s working fine but one can see inside of the iPad. I can throw it but would like to use it if it can be fixed. Is it risky to use on this condition. Is it a normal phenomenon?
this appears a rare issue. Pic attached. Pl suggest.
Posted on Oct 3, 2026 4:52 AM
User level: Level 10 (334,506 points)Oct 3, 2026 5:17 AM in response to hk203
Immediately discontinue use of this iPad. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to use or charge this iPad.
The Li-ion battery is faulty, has swelled (displacing the screen from tne iPad chassis) and represents a significant fire risk. The iPad needs to be kept away from any flammable materials. It should be kept dry and preferably be moved outside of your home.
You would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page.
Alternatively you can initiate and manage support cases from another Apple device using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044
User level: Level 2 (338 points)Oct 4, 2026 6:51 AM in response to hk203
The Li-ion battery has swelled excessively! It is because the battery has become faulty or just heated up too much, causing hot air to trap and the battery to bulge out. Immediately discontinue use of this iPad
User level: Level 10 (85,896 points)Oct 3, 2026 8:16 AM in response to hk203
What iPad model is that? If too old, repair is not worth it because:
— it may not be capable of runnnig recent iPadOS verions,
— if an iPad 4th or older, you may not be able to reactivate it after repair†, and
— the swelling may have damaged other internal parts, making a simple battery swap impractical.
To add to LotusPilot's sage advice, the gas causing the swelling is flammable. You cannot ship a swollen battery for repair due to a real fire hazard. I recommend putting it in a metal container with a loose-fitting lid and placing the container outdoors away from anything flammable.
† — See: System requirements for iCloud - Apple Support
User level: Level 1 (4 points)Oct 4, 2026 8:33 AM in response to aashmansingh_4
Thanks. Discontinued use of iPad and being disposing it.
User level: Level 1 (4 points)Oct 3, 2026 6:58 AM in response to LotusPilot
Thanks a lot for response and advice. 👍 I was also thinking the same way. Fortunately, nothing happened during my absence as I was out of station and I observed this condition of iPad on my return.
Now, I have switched off the iPad and taken an appointment from the service centre inspection and further advice.
thanks again.
User level: Level 1 (4 points)Oct 3, 2026 8:42 AM in response to Allan Jones
Thanks for responding. 👍 It was purchased in 2015.
I have kept it in a small iron tool box with lid and placed it in the balcony of house. I think it should be disposed off being too old.
Will it be safe to carry it in my car to the apple service centre or just dispose it as an e waste.
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256369594