In today’s world, smartphones are like our right hand, especially for youth.
We all hate that sinking feeling when our phone battery hits rock bottom.
To stay connected to social media and avoid missing out, we keep our phones full, even charging while we use them.
Before we go to sleep, it’s almost instinctive to plug in our phones so they’re fully charged for the next day.
However, many are not aware of the dangers of charging their phones overnight.
Vincent Iachetta Jr., president of Peppermonkey Media, breaks down the dangers of overnight phone charging:
Battery degradation
Overcharging can degrade the battery over time, reducing its lifespan.
Fire hazard
Rare instances of phones overheating and catching fire while charging have been reported, especially if the charger or cable is damaged.
Energy consumption
Constantly drawing power from the electrical outlet contributes to unnecessary energy consumption and higher electricity bills.
Environmental impact
Increased energy consumption leads to higher carbon emissions associated with electricity generation.
To mitigate the risks associated with overnight charging and ensure the longevity of your smartphone’s battery, Vincent offers the following expert recommendations:
Unplug at 100 per cent
Once your phone reaches 100% battery capacity, unplug it from the charger to prevent overcharging and minimize stress on the battery cells.
Ditch third-party chargers
Use only manufacturer-approved chargers and cables designed specifically for your device to ensure optimal charging efficiency and safety.
Third-party chargers may not provide the necessary voltage and current regulation, increasing the risk of overcharging and overheating.
Keep it cool
Charging your phone in environments with high temperatures, such as direct sunlight or near heating appliances, can accelerate battery degradation and increase the risk of overheating.
Similarly, charging in extremely cold conditions can impair battery performance.
Deploy airplane mode
Activating airplane mode while charging your phone can minimize power consumption and reduce the risk of overheating.
This mode disables wireless communication features, such as Wi-Fi and cellular data, allowing your device to charge more efficiently.
By Winnie Onyando