This Common Habit Could Be Dangerous: Why You Shouldn't Charge Your Phone While You Sleep

This Common Habit Could Be Dangerous: Why You Shouldn't Charge Your Phone While You Sleep

Many people plug in their phones before bed without a second thought, but experts say it's best to avoid overnight charging.

While smartphones are essential tools in our lives, used heavily from morning to night, this habit brings unexpected risks. Relying on phones as alarms or for a full battery first thing often leads people to charge them on beds or close to where they sleep. Unfortunately, charging this way poses serious dangers.

The main concern is the potential for a fire. Faulty cables, damaged sockets, or an overheating battery can lead to ignition, especially if the phone is near flammable materials like bedding. Modern phones use lithium-ion batteries, which are prone to a process known as thermal runaway—a quick spike in temperature that can lead to combustion. When lithium interacts with oxygen, it becomes highly flammable, and other materials in the phone can make a fire difficult to control, increasing the risk of a rapidly spreading blaze.

To reduce these risks, experts recommend the following:

  1. Use quality chargers and cables: Invest in good-quality charging equipment to avoid shorts and overheating.
  2. Monitor battery health: Regularly check your phone's battery status in settings and replace it when necessary to avoid safety issues.
  3. Charge on a flat surface: Place your phone on a table or nightstand, and never charge it on a bed or under a pillow.
  4. Install a smoke detector: As a precaution, have a smoke detector in your room or near your charging area.

Throughout the day, be vigilant for signs of trouble, like overheating while charging. Finally, unplug your device as soon as it's fully charged—this helps avoid potential overcharging and reduces the risk of explosion.

Being cautious with overnight charging can prevent accidents and keep your home safe. By following a few practices, you protect not only your device but also the well-being of everyone in your home.

Charging your phone overnight isn't just a fire risk; it can also wear out your battery faster. Lithium-ion batteries degrade when held at a full charge for long periods. Over time, this reduces your phone's battery capacity, meaning it won't last as long on a charge. To keep your battery healthier, try keeping the charge level between 20% and 80%, and unplug it once it's full.