Most charging mistakes aren’t dramatic. They’re small habits that create unnecessary heat, wear or charging problems over time.
Charging Under a Pillow
It feels harmless to charge a phone in bed, but covering the phone or charger traps heat. Apple specifically recommends keeping charging devices in a well-ventilated area and never placing them under bedding.
Letting the Phone Get Hot While Charging
Heat is one of the bigger enemies of battery longevity. Apple warns that charging above 95°F can permanently reduce battery lifespan, while phones may slow or pause charging when they get too warm.
Using a Damaged Cable
A frayed cable or damaged connector isn’t just annoying. Apple warns that damaged charging equipment can cause overheating, electric shock or fire. Replace cables that are visibly damaged rather than wrapping them in tape and hoping for the best.
Assuming 0% to 100% Is Necessary
Modern lithium-ion batteries don’t need to be completely drained before charging. Google specifically says there’s no need to “teach” a phone its battery capacity by repeatedly running it from full to empty.
Keeping It at 100% for Hours
Overnight charging itself is generally safe because modern phones manage charging automatically. The bigger issue is spending long periods fully charged, especially when the phone is warm. Apple’s Optimized Battery Charging and Google’s Adaptive Charging are designed to reduce that time.
Using Any Charger Because It Fits
A USB-C plug doesn’t automatically mean every charger is equally appropriate. Google recommends compatible USB-C PD or PPS chargers for Pixel phones, while Apple recommends compatible power adapters and charging accessories.
Gaming While Fast Charging
Heavy use while charging can generate additional heat just when the battery is already warming from charging. If a phone becomes noticeably hot, letting it charge without intensive use gives its cooling system an easier job.