It’s a habit we’re all guilty of: plugging in our smartphones overnight so they’re fully charged by the time we wake up. But according to experts, this habit could be doing more harm than good. Charging your smartphone while you sleep can damage the battery and shorten its lifespan. Here’s everything you need to know about why you should avoid charging your smartphone overnight.
Battery Life Expectancy
When you regularly charge your smartphone to 100 percent, it puts strain on the battery. This “stress” can damage the Battery Life Expectancy (BLE) and shorten its overall lifespan. In addition, charging your phone overnight can cause it to overheat, which can also lead to battery damage.
Charging Cycles
When you charge your smartphone, it goes through a process called “charging cycles.” During each cycle, the battery is charged up to 100 percent and then discharged back down to 0 percent. Charging your smartphone overnight means that it’s going through multiple charging cycles in a single day, which can put a lot of strain on the battery. In addition, most people keep their smartphones plugged in long after they’ve reached 100 percent, which can also damage the battery.
Overheat
One of the main reasons charging your smartphone overnight is harmful is because it can overheat the battery. When a battery overheats, it begins to degrade and lose its ability to hold a charge. Over time, this can cause permanent damage to the battery and shorten its lifespan. In extreme cases, an overheated battery can even catch fire.
Preventative Measures
One of the preventative measures you can take is to charge your smartphone during the day instead of at night. This will help prolong the life of your battery and prevent any damage from occurring. If you must charge it overnight, make sure to unplug it as soon as you wake up so that it doesn’t sit at 100 percent for too long.
If it’s not possible to charge your smartphone during the day, there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage. One is to set a lower limit on your phone’s battery percentage. That way, it won’t charge to 100 percent and sit at that level for hours on end. You can also use a wireless charger, which is gentler on your battery than a traditional one.
Of course, the best preventative measure is to simply not charge your smartphone overnight. If you can get into the habit of charging it during the day, you’ll be doing your battery a favor in the long run. So next time you’re tempted to plug in your phone before bed, think twice! Your battery will thank you.
Following these simple tips can help prolong the life of your smartphone battery and keep it healthy for longer. So next time you’re tempted to plug in your phone overnight, remember that it’s not doing your battery any favors. Charging it to only 80 percent is the best way to keep it healthy and prevent damage.
