Chosen Solution
I was prying my iPhone’s battery out with a plastic ruler, because I didn’t know it had pull tabs, and I heard a crinkle in the paper. I know it is punctured because it has a sweet smell at bottom. No smoke, flames, or heat, but I am scared to try and pry anymore. What do I do?
Proceed carefully to replace the battery. Do not use metal tools. I have had it happen many times unfortunately just one of those things. They are fairly durable so a crinkle could just be where the battery has bent. Just don’t try to use it.
Follow the guide How to replace the battery in your iPhone 5s. Then follow this advice on proper recycling.
Why did you pry? Did the pull tab already break? Try using the pull tab adhesive as much as possible.
