Why Battery Swelling Happens and How to Prevent It in Your iPad Fleet

Battery swelling is one of the most common, and disruptive, issues school districts face with iPad fleets.

A swollen battery doesn’t just shorten a device’s lifespan. It can warp screens, crack housings, render devices unsafe to use, and force unplanned replacements. For districts managing hundreds or thousands of iPads, battery swelling quickly becomes a budget and operational problem.

This guide explains why battery swelling happens in school-issued iPads, how it impacts districts, and what IT leaders can do to prevent it across their fleet.

What Is Battery Swelling?

Battery swelling occurs when lithium-ion batteries degrade and begin generating gas internally. At its core, a lithium-ion battery operates by shuttling lithium ions between the positive electrode (cathode) and negative electrode (anode) through an electrolyte during charging and discharging. 

As batteries age, chemical reactions break down the electrolyte and destabilize electrode materials, producing gases such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Because lithium-ion cells are sealed, this gas has nowhere to escape. Pressure builds inside the cell, causing it to expand and push outward against the device enclosure.

From a technical perspective, swelling is closely tied to electrolyte decomposition and growth of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), a passivation layer that thickens over time as the battery cycles. As the SEI grows and electrodes undergo repeated expansion and contraction, internal resistance rises, degradation accelerates, and gas formation increases. Research shows these mechanisms often intensify under heat, high charge states, or prolonged use, making swelling both a symptom and a warning sign of advanced battery degradation.

In iPads, this often results in:

• Lifting or separating screens
• Warped housings
• Touchscreen malfunctions
• Devices that won’t sit flat or charge properly

Apple explicitly notes that swollen batteries are a safety concern and should be addressed immediately:

• Apple battery safety information: https://www.apple.com/batteries/

Why Battery Swelling Is Common in School iPad Fleets

School environments create conditions that accelerate battery degradation.

1. Heat Exposure

Lithium-ion batteries are highly sensitive to heat. In schools, iPads may be:

• Stored in non-climate-controlled areas
• Left in carts that trap heat
• Exposed to high temperatures during transport or storage

Apple recommends operating devices within specific temperature ranges to avoid battery damage:

• Apple operating temperature guidance:
  https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201678 

2. Constant Charging and Overcharging

iPads in schools are often:

• Charged overnight, every night
• Left plugged in for extended periods
• Stored at 100% charge for long durations

While modern devices have charging protections, constant full-charge storage still contributes to long-term battery stress, especially in older devices.

3. Age and Charge Cycles

Batteries degrade naturally over time. In school fleets:

• Devices are often kept in service for multiple years
• High daily usage leads to frequent charge cycles
• Battery health declines faster than in consumer use

Apple acknowledges that battery capacity diminishes with age and use:

• iPad battery performance overview: https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/understand-ipad-battery-usage-health--ipadcda46da7/ipados 
  

4. Physical Stress and Device Handling

Student use introduces:

• Drops and impacts
• Pressure from backpacks or stacked storage
• Bent or stressed frames

Even minor frame damage can increase pressure on the battery, contributing to swelling over time.

Why Swollen Batteries Are a Serious Issue for Schools

Battery swelling is more than cosmetic damage.

For districts, it leads to:

• Safety risks if devices continue to be used
• Higher repair costs when screens or housings are damaged
• Lost instructional time due to device downtime
• Unplanned replacements that strain budgets

Apple advises that devices with swollen batteries should not be used and should be serviced promptly.

How School IT Leaders Can Prevent Battery Swelling

1. Control Storage and Charging Environments

Where and how devices are stored matters.

Best practices:

• Store iPads in climate-controlled areas
• Avoid leaving devices in hot rooms, vehicles, or direct sunlight
• Ensure charging carts allow for proper ventilation

2. Adjust Charging Habits

Simple changes reduce battery stress:

• Avoid leaving devices plugged in continuously when not needed
• Rotate devices so the same units aren’t always charged first
• Power down devices during long breaks or storage periods

3. Monitor Device Age and Usage

Track:

• Deployment age
• Repair history
• Battery-related issues

Devices showing early signs of swelling should be removed from circulation immediately to prevent further damage.

4. Train Staff and Students to Report Early Warning Signs

Early detection reduces damage.

Warning signs include:

• Screens lifting or separating
• Reduced battery life or charging issues

Clear reporting processes help IT teams intervene before failures escalate.

When Prevention Isn’t Enough

Even with best practices, battery swelling will still occur, especially in aging fleets.

At scale, districts need:

• Fast diagnosis
• Safe battery replacement
• Consistent repair standards
• Minimal downtime

This is where having a repair partner experienced with school iPad fleets makes a difference.

How iTurity Supports iPad Battery Repairs for Schools

iTurity works with K-12 IT departments to repair and refurbish iPads at scale, including safe battery replacement and device restoration.

Districts rely on iTurity to:

• Identify battery-related issues early
• Safely replace swollen batteries
• Prevent secondary damage to screens and housings
• Return devices ready for classroom use

The focus is on extending device lifespan and reducing unplanned replacement costs.

Final Thoughts for School District IT Leaders

Battery swelling is not random, it’s the result of heat, usage patterns, and time.

By understanding the causes and taking proactive steps, districts can reduce risk, improve safety, and protect their technology investments. And when battery issues do arise, having a repair strategy in place makes all the difference.

Need help managing battery repairs or extending the life of your iPad fleet?
iTurity supports school districts with device repair services designed for education environments and large-scale deployments.