It is not bad to leave your phone plugged in overnight, as modern smartphones have built-in “smart charging” technology to prevent overcharging and damage. However, doing so can cause the phone to stay at 100% charge, which can lead to increased heat and slow battery degradation over time. For optimal battery health, it is better to unplug the phone once it reaches 100%
or use optimized charging features that limit the charge to around 80%.
or use optimized charging features that limit the charge to around 80%.
Why overnight charging is generally okay
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Smart charging prevents overcharging:Your phone’s battery will not be harmed by “overcharging” because its charging circuit will stop the flow of power once the battery is full.
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It only provides “maintenance” charges:Once fully charged, the phone will only perform small “maintenance charges” to keep thebattery at 100%.
Risks and things to consider
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Heat can degrade battery life:Keeping a lithium-ion battery at 100% for long periods, combined with the heat generated during charging, can lead to a slightly faster decline in battery health over the long term.
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The risk of overheating:While rare with modern phones and quality chargers, a faulty or poor-quality charger, or placing the phone on an insulating surface like a pillow, can lead to overheating and fire hazards.
Tips for better battery health
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Use smart features:Enable “Optimized Battery Charging” on your phone to have it charge to
100% just before you wake up.
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Avoid extreme heat:Don’t charge your phone in a hot car or on soft surfaces like a bed or pillow.
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Unplug once fully charged:For minimal impact, unplug your phone after it reaches 100%.
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Use quality accessories:Always use a high-quality, certified charger and cable to avoid risks associated with faulty equipment.