Samsung Galaxy S25 FE reportedly exploded during overnight charging, Reddit user claims

A Reddit user has claimed that her Samsung Galaxy S25 FE caught fire while she was asleep next to her 8-year-old child. The phone was apparently on charge when the incident happened, and is reportedly the third time in recent months that a Samsung smartphone has allegedly experienced a similar issue. The user also added in her post that the device was placed on the mattress, and there was no other object covering it to trap the heat. Below is everything we know about the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE incident and how you can stay safe in a similar situation.

According to the Reddit post, the Galaxy S25 FE was charging overnight using the original cable that was provided with the device in the box. However, the user mentioned that the device was connected to a third-party 20W USB charger, as Samsung no longer includes charging bricks in the box.

My Samsung S25 FE Exploded behind my head during charging while my 8 year old son and I were sleeping!
by u/idgaf88__ in samsunggalaxy

The user clarified that the phone was placed on the mattress and was not covered by a pillow or blanket. Furthermore, a report from Android Authority claims that the device was kept in a leather case that contained coins. While the user was asleep with her 8 year old child, she reportedly heard repeated popping noises before noticing sparks and fragments coming from the device.

The Reddit user claimed that she purchased the device from Virgin and that it was around 6 months old. She also mentioned that she had not noticed unusual heating while the phone was charging. Photos shared on Reddit appear to show smoke damage and the remains of the phone after the incident. The user also contacted emergency services, who reportedly helped manage the smoke and remove the damaged device.

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According to the user, the fire department responded to the incident and cleared the smoke from the room. She claimed that she suffered a minor burn on her neck and slight damage to her hair, while her son was left shaken by the experience. The room also reportedly suffered some smoke and property damage.

The user said she has already contacted Samsung and received a support ticket number, but claims the company has not yet followed up regarding the case. As mentioned above, this is reportedly among a very small number of similar incidents shared online this year involving recent Samsung Galaxy smartphones.

That said, it is important to note that these appear to be isolated incidents at this stage. Considering Samsung has sold tens of millions of Galaxy S25 series devices globally, there is currently no indication of a widespread issue affecting the lineup.

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How to stay safe while charging your smartphone overnight

• Try to place your phone on a hard, flat surface while charging instead of a bed, mattress, or pillow. Soft surfaces can trap heat over long periods.
• Use original or certified charging accessories whenever possible. Third-party chargers from reputable brands are generally safe, but low-quality accessories should be avoided.
• Avoid charging phones inside thick cases if you notice excessive heating during charging. Anyway, phones are not supposed to be used in cases in the first place, as cases and covers are the biggest culprits when it comes to trapping heat.
• Keep metal objects like coins, keys, or loose metallic items away from charging devices and cables.
• If your phone becomes unusually hot, smells burnt, or makes popping sounds while charging, unplug it immediately and move away from the device if it is safe to do so.
• Avoid covering a charging phone with blankets or pillows overnight, as this can reduce heat dissipation.
• If you notice battery swelling or physical damage to your phone, stop using it and contact the brand’s service centre immediately.

While the incident shared on Reddit is unfortunate, existing Galaxy users do not necessarily need to panic based on a handful of isolated reports.