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Samsung Galaxy Ring Swells on User’s Finger, Sparks Safety Concerns Over Wearable Tech

Smart rings may be sleek and futuristic, but for one UK tech influencer, they proved painfully problematic. Daniel Rotar, founder of the YouTube channel ZONEofTECH, experienced a harrowing ordeal when his Samsung Galaxy Ring’s battery swelled while on his finger—just as he was about to board a flight. The incident not only caused physical discomfort but also led to denied boarding, an emergency hospital visit, and a wave of online concern over wearable safety.

A Flight Delayed by Finger Tech

Rotar had been returning from a tech summit in Hawaii, a journey involving three flights and two long layovers, when the Galaxy Ring’s lithium-ion battery began to expand. “Ahhh…this is…not good,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter), alongside a photo of the swollen ring tightly clamped around his finger. “My Samsung Galaxy Ring’s battery started swelling. While it’s on my finger. And while I’m about to board a flight. Now I cannot take it off, and this thing hurts” (Metro UK).

Airport security flagged the swollen device as a potential fire hazard, and Rotar was denied boarding. With no medical staff available at the terminal, he was directed to a hospital where staff used ice and medical lubricant to remove the ring. “Won’t be wearing a smart ring ever again,” he declared afterward (Tom’s Guide).

Samsung Responds, But Questions Remain

Samsung UK responded swiftly, reimbursing Rotar’s hotel expenses, arranging transportation, and collecting the faulty ring for investigation. “The safety of our customers is our top priority,” a spokesperson told The Logical Indian. “This is an extremely rare case, and we are in direct contact with Mr. Rotar to retrieve the product and learn about the concerns”.

On its website, Samsung outlines several methods for removing a stuck ring, including using soap and cold water or elevating the hand above heart level. If these fail, the company advises seeking professional help to cut the ring along a designated area away from the battery compartment (Heise Online).

A Pattern of Problems?

While Samsung insists the incident is isolated, Reddit threads suggest otherwise. Multiple users have reported similar swelling issues with the Galaxy Ring, some even receiving replacement units that later exhibited the same problem (Financial Express). Rotar himself noted that his ring had shown erratic battery behavior for months, including rapid drainage and charging difficulties.

Experts warn that lithium-ion batteries, while efficient, can pose risks when embedded in tight, non-expandable enclosures like rings. Unlike smartphones, which can vent swelling outward, smart rings exert pressure inward—directly onto the skin. “Anything that has a battery that also goes on your body should be made super easy to take off, in case of battery expansion,” Rotar emphasized (MSN).

The Bigger Picture: Wearables and Safety

The Galaxy Ring, launched in mid-2024, was hailed as a breakthrough in compact health tracking. It monitors sleep, heart rate, activity, and more—all from a sleek titanium band. But this incident echoes past concerns, such as the Galaxy Note 7 battery fiasco that led to global flight bans and recalls.

As wearable tech becomes more miniaturized and intimate, safety protocols must evolve. “This is a real serious issue, like no joke,” one X commenter wrote. “The second gen needs an emergency removal system” (Free Press Journal).

Rotar has since returned home after 50 hours of travel. “My finger is also doing well, aside from some small marks that I’m sure will heal in a few days,” he posted. But the broader conversation about wearable safety is just beginning.

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