In recent years, thousands of consumers worldwide have turned to entry-level smartphones as affordable and capable everyday devices. However, concerns are emerging about safety risks linked to overheating and battery-related incidents involving some Xiaomi devices and accessories.
Several reports from users have raised alarms about smartphones overheating, smoking, or even catching fire — incidents that could pose risks to users’ safety, property, and personal data.
One such case was reported in , where a resident identified as Kreatorly described a frightening experience involving his phone while charging overnight.
According to his account, he woke up around 2 a.m. after noticing a strong burning smell coming from his bedroom. The phone — identified as a Xiaomi Redmi 14 Pro — had reportedly begun emitting smoke while plugged in.
“I was woken up by a very strong smell of something burning. When I turned on the bedroom lights, to my surprise, it was my phone smoking. I grabbed a cleaning cloth, unplugged the phone and threw it out of the window,” he said.
Fortunately, the incident did not result in injuries or property damage, but it raised concerns about the potential risks associated with battery-powered devices, especially when left charging unattended.
Power Bank Recall Raises Further Questions
Safety concerns have also been raised over Xiaomi-branded battery accessories. In 2025, issued a voluntary recall of nearly 147,000 units of its 33W 20,000mAh power banks after identifying a potential overheating risk linked to lithium-ion battery components.
Authorities in countries including and the also issued warnings regarding the product due to possible fire hazards.
Product recalls are not uncommon in the electronics industry, particularly where lithium-ion batteries are involved. Such batteries are widely used in smartphones and other portable electronics because they store large amounts of energy in compact spaces.
User Reports and Industry Context
Beyond official recalls, some users have shared experiences on online platforms describing incidents of overheating or battery swelling in certain devices, including models like the Redmi Note 12 Pro.
While such reports remain largely anecdotal and are difficult to independently verify, they highlight broader concerns around battery safety across the smartphone industry.
Experts note that lithium-ion batteries can fail under specific conditions, including manufacturing defects, exposure to extreme temperatures, physical damage, or the use of incompatible charging accessories.
When such failures occur, devices may overheat, emit smoke, or in rare cases ignite — posing potential risks to both users and their surroundings.
A Reminder About Charging Safety
Technology analysts emphasize that incidents involving smartphones are relatively rare compared with the billions of devices in daily use worldwide. However, users are advised to follow safe charging practices, including:
- Using original or certified chargers
- Avoiding overnight charging where possible
- Keeping devices away from flammable materials
- Replacing devices with swollen or damaged batteries
The incident reported in Ngong serves as a reminder that smartphones are powerful electronic devices that require proper handling and charging precautions.
As smartphone adoption continues to grow across markets like Kenya, safety awareness — alongside affordability and performance — is becoming an increasingly important factor for consumers.