Samsung Galaxy Ring Malfunction Leads to Emergency Hospital Visit

A man experienced a medical emergency due to a malfunctioning Samsung Galaxy Ring, causing him to miss his flight and requiring a visit to the emergency room. The incident occurred when the individual was unable to remove the smart ring during a security check at the airport.

The swelling of the device's battery led to significant discomfort, with the user reporting pain and an inability to dislodge the ring, even after attempts using soap and water. Upon arriving at the hospital, medical staff managed to alleviate the swelling and remove the ring without needing to cut it.

The Galaxy Ring, which is made from titanium, restricted the battery's expansion; instead of bulging outward, the battery pressure was directed inward, compressing the wearer's finger. The individual had been using the ring since January 2025, but had noticed a drastic decline in battery performance, with its lifespan dropping from an initial seven days to just one and a half days.

Samsung responded to the incident, emphasizing their commitment to customer safety and stating they are in contact with the affected user to address his concerns. The company acknowledged that while such occurrences are rare, they provided options for removing a stuck ring, including using soap, water, or cold water immersion. Additional information was also made available on the Samsung support website.

This incident is not isolated; several other users have reported similar battery issues with their Galaxy Rings, including a notable case involving a user of the Oura smart ring who experienced comparable problems. Moreover, reports indicate that the Galaxy Ring is not only facing issues with battery swelling but also with rapid decreases in its charge capacity.

Samsung has a history with battery-related concerns, notably the Galaxy Note 7, which was recalled due to defective batteries. The company subsequently shifted to using a secondary supplier for battery components to enhance safety.

The situation raises questions about the reliability of smart wearables and their battery technology, urging consumers to remain vigilant about device performance and potential risks.