Using a hairdryer on an iPad is not a recommended practice, and it could potentially cause damage, but the likelihood of it causing an explosion is extremely low. Here's a detailed explanation:
Potential Risks
1. Heat Damage: Hairdryers produce hot air, which can potentially damage the iPad's internal components if applied excessively. Electronic devices, including iPads, are designed to operate within specific temperature ranges. Excessive heat can cause damage to the battery, circuitry, or other components, but this is unlikely to lead to an explosion.
2. Battery Safety: Lithium-ion batteries, like those in iPads, can be sensitive to extreme temperatures. While overheating can increase the risk of battery malfunction, it typically requires more severe conditions than those provided by a brief use of a hairdryer. Battery explosions are usually caused by internal short circuits, manufacturing defects, or improper charging practices, not by external heat sources like hairdryers[2][5][8].
3. Moisture and Humidity: If the iPad or its case contains moisture, using a hairdryer could potentially push moisture further into the device. However, this is more likely to cause electrical issues rather than an explosion[3].
Safety Precautions
- Avoid Excessive Heat: Never apply prolonged heat to your iPad. If you need to remove debris from the case, use a soft cloth or a gentle brush instead of a hairdryer.
- Use Recommended Chargers: Always use chargers and cables provided by Apple or certified third-party manufacturers to avoid overcharging or electrical issues[5][8].
- Handle with Care: Avoid dropping the iPad or exposing it to extreme conditions, as physical damage can increase the risk of battery malfunctions[9].
Conclusion
While using a hairdryer on an iPad is not advisable due to potential damage from heat or moisture, it is unlikely to cause an explosion. If you have used a hairdryer briefly and are concerned about your iPad's condition, check for any signs of damage or malfunction. If the device is functioning normally, it is likely fine. However, if you notice any unusual behavior, such as overheating or failure to charge properly, it may be wise to have it inspected by an authorized Apple service provider.
Citations:[1] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253736232
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10491958/
[3] https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/important-safety-information-ipad27098ef5/ipados
[4] https://www.cpsc.gov/Warnings/2025/CPSC-Warns-Consumers-to-Immediately-Stop-Using-Crasts-Hair-Dryer-Brushes-Due-to-Shock-and-Electrocution-Hazards-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death
[5] https://en.as.com/latest_news/can-electronic-devices-explode-due-to-battery-malfunctions-n/
[6] https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/374488/ipad-hairdryer-trick
[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/AskEngineers/comments/702kbs/hair_dryer_trick_to_charge_a_completely_dead/
[8] https://www.edgarsnyder.com/resources/why-ion-battery-powered-devices-keep-exploding
[9] https://www.electronicsforu.com/special/cool-stuff-misc/exploding-electronic-devices
[10] https://www.classaction.com/news/lithium-ion-battery-fires/