Some Galaxy S23 Ultra users report back glass panel detaching on its own

Some Galaxy S23 Ultra owners are noticing an unusual problem where the back glass panel of their phone is detaching without any impact or mishandling. Posts about this issue have been popping up on Reddit, with users sharing their experiences and theories about what’s going on.

A user on Reddit shared that they discovered the back panel lifting when they removed their phone’s case. They hadn’t dropped the device or exposed it to water, yet the adhesive holding the back glass seemed to weaken over time. Another person chimed in, mentioning a similar issue with their S23 Ultra, while others speculated that high temperatures or battery swelling might be the culprit.

Someone even shared a video of the device for proof:

Battery swelling has been a common suspect in cases like these, though not everyone experiencing this problem has noticed other signs of a swollen battery. Even the device in the video doesn’t seem to have a swollen battery. One user explained that their device had been used in a hot climate, which could have contributed to the adhesive losing its grip. Another pointed out that Samsung’s glue might not be holding up as well on some units, especially after long-term use.

For some, this issue isn’t new. Reports of back panels detaching have been floating around for years, affecting earlier Samsung models as well. However, it’s surprising to see this happening on a flagship phone like the Galaxy S23 Ultra, which is often praised for its build quality.

In fact, while digging into the various reports about the problem, I also recalled a video by Mrwhosetheboss where he also pointed out that a number of his Samsung phones were just popping off their back panels. However, those were older models and the culprit was the battery swelling.

Those experiencing the problem have suggested fixes ranging from DIY glue repairs using products like B-7000 adhesive to outright replacing the back panel. Others took the opportunity to swap out the battery while the back was already off, noting that removing and reattaching the glass multiple times could risk breaking it.

Samsung has yet to officially address this issue, and it’s unclear whether this is limited to specific batches of the phone or related to environmental factors. For now, affected users are left debating whether to handle repairs themselves or seek help from Samsung’s service centers.

If your Galaxy S23 Ultra is under warranty, contacting Samsung directly might be the best route. However, if you’re dealing with this after the warranty period, third-party repair options could be more affordable. Either way, this is a frustrating situation for owners of a phone that costs over $1,000.

This isn’t the kind of experience anyone expects from a premium device. Whether it’s an isolated issue or a broader problem with adhesive durability, Samsung might need to take a closer look at how their flagship phones hold up over time.

Featured image credit: TheCore8 / Reddit