For years, a common piece of tech advice has warned against leaving your phone plugged in overnight, fearing it would ruin the battery. Experts have now stepped in to clarify whether this is a genuine concern or simply a modern myth.
The Battery Health Truth Revealed
According to consumer champion Which?, the worry about overnight charging damaging your phone's battery is largely outdated. Adam Speight, a Senior Research and Writer at Which?, provided clear reassurance on social media. He stated that while the concern was valid for older devices, modern smartphones are much smarter.
"No, it's not true. Modern smartphones are just way better than that now," Speight explained. He noted that phones used to charge to 100% and remain in a high-stress state for hours, which could cause harm. Today's technology manages charging intelligently. "They'll stay at 80% a lot of the night and sort of top it up right before you get up," he said, effectively protecting the battery's long-term health.
The Persistent Fire Safety Warning
While the battery may be safe, a significant safety warning remains from fire authorities. The London Fire Brigade highlights that the lithium-ion batteries powering our devices are generally safe but can pose a fire risk if misused.
These batteries "can present a fire risk when over-charged, short-circuited, submerged in water or if they are damaged," a spokesperson explained. This warning has sparked debate online, with many social media users commenting that they avoid overnight charging specifically due to fire hazard fears.
Echoing this concern, Firechief Global, a UK provider of fire safety solutions, issued specific guidance. Laurie Pollard, the company's Managing Director, warned that phones generate heat during charging. "Covering them with pillows or blankets can trap that heat, increasing the risk of overheating and potentially causing a fire," he told the International Fire and Safety Journal.
How to Charge Your Phone Safely
To mitigate these risks, experts recommend simple safety practices. Pollard advises charging mobile devices "on open, flat surfaces away from combustible materials." This allows heat to dissipate properly and reduces the chance of a fire starting.
The London Fire Brigade also urges the public to ensure they charge devices safely and to be aware of multiple common fire risks in the home, which include:
- Kitchen fires
- Overheating electrical appliances
- Faulty electrical wiring
- Candles and other open flames
Ultimately, while you can rest easier about your battery's lifespan, the key takeaway is to remain vigilant about where and how you charge your device. Prioritising a safe charging environment is the most effective way to protect both your gadget and your home.