Q: iPhone 5 screen bulge

It is most probably the battery. Since the battery pack is enclosed in a sealed bag, the gas inside expands due to overheating either by overcharging (esp. if you use replacement charging cables or other charging accessories) or the battery and overcharge cutoff system is not functioning properly.

The best solution is to replace the battery pack by an authorize service center. A new battery may cost around US$50.

Alternatively you may opt to just puncture the bag with even 1 pinhole (you need to remove the 2 star screws at the bottom of the phone beside the charging socket to open the front of the phone to access the battery- if you are not experienced in opening phones like this, you may need the help of people who do) that encloses the battery pack to release the gas ( this would put the screen back to its normal shape as well as the other problems you mentioned that goes with the bulging screen, however, in case the battery would leak, it might damage other components, plus it might be more sensitive to dust and moisture.

I would highly recommend not puncturing any component to release pressure, but take it to an Apple store as soon as possible. Defective batteries are covered under warranty and they will replace the unit at no charge.

JamesHDenver wrote:

 

I would highly recommend not puncturing any component to release pressure, but take it to an Apple store as soon as possible. Defective batteries are covered under warranty and they will replace the unit at no charge.

It would be nice but "the phone is one month outside of warranty they will not replace".

and  is now 4 months out of warranty (as the original post was 3 months ago)

This was my problem this morning. Battery never even entered my head. I noticed this bulge, same location near the volume buttons, screen had a slight separation with light emitting from it. Apple store rep looked at it and I'd have to make an appointment, they would have to look it... mentioned "probably needs a new screen, about $250 right now..you never dropped it?" - I dropped it just once when I first bought it in 2012..it was in such a strong case I did no damage or scratch it,  no contact with water. I figured I would just wait until the new 6 comes out, phone still worked.

Friend mentioned this by this place called UBreakItIFixIt, I look it up on the net..some mixed reviews, some happy, some very unhappy people/experiences. A screen replacement would have been 120 bucks. For the heck of it I stop in, show it to the guy..quickly mentioned the "battery is going to blow." That caught me way off guard. He opened right there and showed what it looked like..black thin battery was slightly inflated like a small balloon. Showed me what the normal battery looks like. WTH!?

Anyway, 69.99 to replace it, took no more than 3, 4 minutes. Now what kind of actual replacement was put in my phone..3rd party battery or what? I can't be 100% sure. Whatever it is, it's ok for now - heck of a lot better than an acid filled timebomb. The phone works though, bulge is gone. Big piece of mind now thinking this was a screen problem when it was actually a dangerous problem. This is a first for me, I had iPhone 1 from 2007-2010, then iPhone 4 from late 2010-2012, never had issues with the internal batteries.

I have the EXACT same problem with my iphone , with the exact same time frame of it occurring . Contacted my apple store and it seems they are going to play me like " a game of tennis " with my service provider, when on a lot of forums, it seems to be an inherent fault with the battery . Apple Corp. is a complete joke , stay clear of apple products and advise friends and family to do the same .

Just visited Apple store in Winnipeg.  Showed them my iphone 5 which was diagnosed with a defective battery 4 months ago (and told I would get no warranty) and is 21 months old as of today.  My screen is bulging from the top left corner.  Told the Apple guy "my screen is coming loose and I know my battery is no good.   Could you fix the loose screen and quote me the cost of replacing the battery?"

The guy said it is likely due to a swelling battery.  Tested the battery and it was only showing 30% capacity.  without any further discussion he issued me a new (not reconditioned) iPhone 5 and told me there is a replacement program for any swollen batteries, free of charge.  ($269 value as I authorjzed the transaction). 

SO GO INTO THE APPLE STORE PEOPLE. 

My iPhone 5 did the same thing and the batter kept shutting off prematurely.  I took it to Apple today at lunch and they said they have a program to replace the swollen batteries at no cost to the consumer.  I should get it tomorrow, they had to order it.   I would ask Apple again if you aren't getting the answers you are looking for.

Thank you for posting this. Happened to my 5S. It is encased in the Mophie battery case. First time I have needed to bring an Apple device into the Apple store. Made an appointment for later this morning. Hoping to be able to pick it up same day.

Apparently this is separate from this issue: https://ssl.apple.com/support/iphone5-battery/

Would love if it was just a simple replacement/fix and I didn't need to do a restore from iTunes.

$uomynona wrote

 

 

 

Would love if it was just a simple replacement/fix and I didn't need to do a restore from iTunes.

If they simply replace the battery, you should not need to restore.

However, make sure you do a backup before you take it in.

When I added 4 songs to my 5S earlier, that's when I noticed it.

I remember the first iPod commercial and how a guy added some music and left his home in the blink of an eye. Cool selling point. I long for the day that plugging your iPhone in, adding music, and leaving is that fast. Instead, it's plug it in, sit down and wait. Or go do the dishes. By the time your done, your device will be ready to play new music.

What?

Discovered today that the glass is separating from the top right of my iphone 5, as many have reported here.

I don't live near an Apple store, but will try a Mac Store and see if they can offer any help.  ;-)

They it to genius bar. They will run diagnostics, check out the phone.. and replace your phone. If they don't, then call apple support and ask to speak to a senior advisor regarding this issue. It's dangerous because the battery could be swollen, could leak, etc