Of all the mistakes you can make with your iPhone, including doing things that use up tons of data and leaving it in your hot car again, you probably don’t have charging mistakes high up on your list. Charging your phone seems like a simple enough task — what could go wrong?
But how and when you charge your device could have a major impact on the longevity of your phone. And it could even lead to dangerous consequences in some rare cases. Here are three iPhone charging mistakes that tech experts say you should never make.
Using Your Phone While It’s Charging
We know: life is busy and texts, emails, and phone calls don’t just come to a halt because you need to charge your device. But if you can avoid using your phone while it’s charging, you can keep your battery from working overtime. If you absolutely need to use your phone during a charging session, unplug it first from the cable, use it, and then continue charging it.
Using the Wrong Charging Cables & Charger
It’s not wrong to want to save money and opt for knockoff Apple cables and chargers that you can easily snag on sites like Amazon. But many off-brand chargers and cables are not designed to handle the specific needs of an Apple device, and in turn, can have negative consequences on your device’s battery. If you would rather not buy directly from Apple, make sure charging accessories are Apple-certified, which ensures they are safe to use.
Relying On Battery Apps
There are lots of battery apps out there that claim they can help save battery power. Some of these apps really can track your battery performance and are helpful, but others are developed by unknown sources and may cause more harm than good. They can strain your battery instead or send you numerous ads. Always make sure the apps you download are backed up by hundreds or thousands of reviews and ratings.