# LiPo battery has puffed up: stop using it and handle it safely

> A swollen LiPo is damaged. Stop charging and using it, keep it away from flammable things, and take it to a battery recycling point.

Canonical: https://roboticsengineering.in/fix/lipo-battery-puffed-swollen-stop-using-safe-disposal/ | Published: 2026-11-03 | Updated: 2026-11-03

**Do not charge or use a swollen LiPo cell.** Put it somewhere safe and arrange disposal.

## What the message means

Swelling means gas has built up inside from damage, overcharge, overdischarge or age. A swollen cell can heat and catch fire.

## Fix it in this order

1. Disconnect it and stop using it.
2. Do not puncture, squeeze or charge it.
3. Store it on a non-flammable surface, away from people and flammable items.
4. Take it to a battery recycling collection point.
5. Do not throw it in ordinary rubbish.
6. Check your charger settings and cell count before the next pack.

## Why it happens

A swollen LiPo battery has built up gas inside, usually after overcharging, deep discharge, damage or age. A swollen cell can catch fire.

Stop using and charging it. Do not puncture, squeeze or tape it. Keep it on a non-flammable surface away from anything that burns, and take it to a battery recycling point. Do not put it in household waste.

## If you see this, do this

| You see | Do this |
| --- | --- |
| Slightly puffed pack | Retire it. |
| Hot or smoking cell | Move away and keep clear. |

## Related

[LiPo charger](https://roboticsengineering.in/fix/lipo-charger-balance-lead-error-cell-count/), [BMS cut-off](https://roboticsengineering.in/fix/bms-protection-board-cuts-off-under-load/).

Last reviewed: November 2026. These are the usual causes and the order that finds them fastest. Test on your own board; clones and cables differ.