You can confidently disregard those viral videos that depict a phone's LED flash causing plastic to melt.

      Samsung phones are not experiencing random plastic melting despite viral flashlight videos.

      The internet has discovered a new method to make your phone appear problematic. By pressing its flashlight against a black trash bag and waiting for the plastic to melt, users post the results as if Samsung has delivered a mini laser cutter. Videos of Samsung phones burning through plastic bags are circulating again, and the latest trend is amplifying the situation more than it truly warrants.

      A TikTok video featuring a Galaxy S25 FE flashlight melting a thin black garbage bag has reportedly garnered over 13 million views, but this trick is far from new. Similar videos have been shared for more than a year, and the current resurgence seems to be another instance of social media algorithms bringing an old phone trick back into focus.

      An Unusual Scenario

      These videos typically follow a consistent pattern. A phone's flashlight is set to maximum brightness, pressed closely against a black plastic bag, and left in place long enough for the heat to accumulate. Consequently, the plastic warps, melts, or develops a small hole. While it appears concerning on camera, it presents a highly contrived scenario that most individuals wouldn't replicate in real life.

      Not Just a Samsung Issue

      Tom’s Guide tested the scenario using a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, an iPhone 17 Pro Max, and a Google Pixel 10 Pro, which demonstrated that this phenomenon isn’t limited to Samsung devices. The Galaxy S26 Ultra melted the plastic quicker, but the iPhone 17 Pro Max also managed to burn through the bag. The Pixel 10 Pro produced a lesser effect and took longer.

      The type of bag was also important, as black plastic reacted while white bags remained unaffected due to their reflective properties. Samsung phones already caution users before increasing the flashlight intensity. At the highest setting, the beam produces heat when pressed against a confined surface.

      A Viral Stunt, Not a Genuine Warning

      Avoid leaving a phone flashlight pressed against plastic, fabric, or synthetic materials for extended periods. Accidentally leaving a flashlight on in a pocket or bag poses a more practical concern than the dramatic garbage-bag stunt being shared online.

      While the videos are technically real, the way they are presented is embellished. They showcase a carefully controlled extreme case and portray it as a typical hazard associated with phones. Consequently, the overall perception is ultimately misleading.