YouTuber hospitalized after Samsung Galaxy Ring battery swells and gets stuck on finger

Launched in 2024 as a health-monitoring wearable, the Galaxy Ring’s battery swelling and rapid drain raise safety concerns about lithium-ion batteries in small devices, prompting Samsung to advise careful removal and caution against cutting the ring

A concerning incident involving the Samsung Galaxy Ring has raised safety questions after tech influencer Daniel Rotar was hospitalized when the ring’s battery swelled and became stuck on his finger. Rotar shared his experience on social media, revealing the swelling began just before boarding a flight. Unable to remove the ring, he was denied boarding and taken to the hospital, where medical professionals successfully removed it using ice and lubricant.

Attempts to remove the ring with soap and water worsened the swelling. After removal, the device showed significant distortion and separation of its internal casing. Rotar summed up his experience by saying, “Won’t be wearing a smart ring ever again.”

Rotar suggested several possible causes for the battery swelling, including exposure to hot weather, saltwater, multiple flights, and pre-existing battery issues. He also noted that the ring had started showing battery life problems prior to the incident. Samsung responded by calling the event an “extremely rare” occurrence and stated that they are working closely with Rotar to retrieve the device for further investigation.

Growing concerns over smart wearable safety

The Galaxy Ring, launched in 2024, is designed as a health-monitoring wearable. However, this incident, alongside reports of rapid battery drain, has prompted concerns about the safety of embedding lithium-ion batteries in small, body-worn devices. Samsung advises careful removal methods and cautions users against attempting to cut the ring themselves due to the presence of the battery. As investigations continue, consumers and industry experts are paying close attention to how wearable technology manufacturers address these safety challenges in future designs.