Modify Phone Battery: Is It Safe?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the safety and feasibility of modifying a phone by using batteries from other phones. Participants explore the implications of wiring batteries together, particularly in terms of compatibility and safety concerns. The conversation includes technical considerations regarding battery chemistry and charge/discharge histories.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in modifying their phone with stockpiled batteries but questions the safety of doing so, especially given the expense of the phone.
  • Another participant warns that connecting batteries in parallel may not work unless they have compatible chemistries and similar charge/discharge histories.
  • A participant suggests that the only batteries likely to work in parallel would be the same model and brand-new, recommending contacting the manufacturer for advice.
  • One participant expresses a more reckless attitude, suggesting to "go for it" without acknowledging potential risks, while providing a link to an image of a burning phone.
  • Another participant suggests consulting Battery University for more information on battery compatibility.
  • A participant emphasizes that without specific details about the phone types and batteries, the modification is generally considered dangerous and futile.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the safety of modifying the phone with different batteries. While some express caution and highlight the risks, others suggest a more permissive approach without fully addressing the potential dangers.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the importance of battery chemistry and charge/discharge histories but do not provide specific methods for checking these factors. The discussion lacks detailed information about the types of batteries involved.

Stephenk53
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I want to modify my phone by using one of the batteries from phones I have stockpiled over the years and wiring them together. I doubt I have a battery that matches the battery my phone has, so I will have to check. Assuming I have the correct battery, is this a good idea?

By the way I have soldered batteries together before but I want to make sure it's fine since my phone is expensive, at least by my standards
 
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Stephenk53 said:
I want to modify my phone by using one of the batteries from phones I have stockpiled over the years and wiring them together. I doubt I have a battery that matches the battery my phone has, so I will have to check. Assuming I have the correct battery, is this a good idea?

By the way I have soldered batteries together before but I want to make sure it's fine since my phone is expensive, at least by my standards
Doesn't sound like a good idea. If you are intending to connect the batteries in parallel, that probably will not work. Only batteries with certain chemistries and very similar charge/discharge histories can be paralleled.
 
Do you know how I could check if the batteries have a chemistry that work in parallel? As for charge/discharge histories, could I instead get two new batteries or two equally old batteries and use them instead of my current battery. Again assuming the batteries are the same as the one I currently use
 
Stephenk53 said:
Do you know how I could check if the batteries have a chemistry that work in parallel? As for charge/discharge histories, could I instead get two new batteries or two equally old batteries and use them instead of my current battery. Again assuming the batteries are the same as the one I currently use

I would say the only two batteries that could be successfully paralleled would be if they are the same model and both brand-new. Even then, I would contact the manufacturer to ask if they recommend this.
 
Stephenk53 said:
Do you know how I could check if the batteries have a chemistry that work in parallel? As for charge/discharge histories, could I instead get two new batteries or two equally old batteries and use them instead of my current battery. Again assuming the batteries are the same as the one I currently use
What could possibly go wrong? Go for it!

http://l7.alamy.com/zooms/de6e99f55...burning-phone-in-jeans-back-pocket-eb1pyd.jpg
close-up-of-burning-phone-in-jeans-back-pocket-eb1pyd.jpg
 

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Stephenk53 said:
Do you know how I could check if the batteries have a chemistry that work in parallel?
You may want to go to the Battery University.
 
Stephenk53 said:
I want to modify my phone by using one of the batteries from phones I have stockpiled over the years and wiring them together.
Care to tell us some phone types?
Sometime it is possible: but in general, it is futile and dangerous. So without any details, it is a big NO-NO.
 
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