Samsung user claims galaxy s25 fe exploded while charging overnight

At a glance:

• A Canadian user says their galaxy s25 fe burst into flames while charging with a third‑party 20w USB‑PD charger.
• The incident is the third reported fire involving a Samsung galaxy s series flagship this year.
• The phone was inside a thick leather wallet case that held coins, which may have trapped heat.

What happened

A user from Canada reported that their brand‑new galaxy s25 fe, purchased about six months ago from Virgin, exploded while charging overnight on a mattress. The phone was using the in‑box USB‑C cable paired with a third‑party 20 W USB‑PD charger – Samsung no longer includes a charger in the box. The device rested inside a thick leather wallet case that also contained several coins, a configuration the user believes may have restricted heat dissipation.

At around 2 a.m. the user awoke to loud popping sounds and saw metal and plastic shrapnel spewing from the phone like fireworks. Firefighters arrived, extinguished the smoke, and removed the device. The user suffered a singed patch of hair and a minor burn on the neck, while their son was left traumatized by the incident. Smoke, a lingering odor, and minor property damage were also noted in the bedroom.

The user has opened a support ticket with Samsung but has not yet received a response. This claim adds to two earlier reports this year – one involving a galaxy s25 plus and another a galaxy s24 – marking three fire incidents across Samsung’s flagship lineup in 2024.

Why it matters

While Samsung sells millions of galaxy devices worldwide, the number of fire reports remains very low, suggesting these events are isolated rather than systemic. Nevertheless, each incident raises questions about battery safety, the adequacy of built‑in thermal protection, and the role of third‑party accessories. Samsung’s public communications have been inconsistent: the company issued a statement after the first incident but has not responded to the second or this latest claim.

The recurring theme across the three cases is the use of non‑Samsung chargers and thick wallet‑style cases that can trap heat. Lithium‑ion batteries are equipped with multiple safeguards—thermal throttling, voltage monitoring, and automatic shutdown—but external factors that impede heat release can overwhelm those protections, leading to thermal runaway and, in rare cases, explosion.

Safety recommendations

Phone manufacturers, including Samsung, advise users to charge only with official or reputable accessories. When a third‑party charger is used, verify that it is certified for the device’s power specifications (e.g., 20 W USB‑PD for the galaxy s25 fe). Additionally, avoid bulk wallet cases that enclose the phone on all sides, especially those that hold metal objects like coins, as they can act as insulators.

In the unlikely event of a lithium‑ion battery fire, follow these steps:

1. Move people away immediately and avoid inhaling smoke or fumes.
2. Do not touch a burning or smoking phone with bare hands.
3. Create distance and call emergency services rather than attempting to handle the fire yourself.
4. Do not use water to extinguish the fire indoors; lithium‑ion batteries can react unpredictably with water.

By adhering to these guidelines, users can minimize the risk of fire and protect both themselves and their devices.

What to watch next

Samsung has not yet commented on this particular case, but the company is expected to investigate the claim and may release a safety bulletin if a pattern is confirmed. Consumers should monitor official Samsung channels for any firmware updates or recall notices related to the galaxy s25 fe battery. Industry analysts will also watch whether regulators in Canada or other markets request additional testing of Samsung’s battery management systems.

For now, the advice remains simple: use certified chargers, keep cases slim and free of metal objects, and stay alert to any unusual heat or swelling during charging.