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Charging your phone seems simple enough. Plug your device into a charger and forget about it, right? But that’s not the entire story. It’s just as easy to commit a few common charging sins that you may not even be aware you’re making. We spoke with experts who let us in on the one charging mistake every Apple expert says you should never make. Get this habit under control and you can extend the life of your device.
The charger that you use matters. Sure, you can pick up any old charger from Amazon and call it a day, but when it comes to preserving your iPhone or getting Apple to help you with any issues, that cheaper charger can cause more damage than it’s worth.
“A major mistake people make is to use a generic charger,” says Shabbir Noor at MakerShop. “You must use the original charger. Fake chargers can cause damage that will not be covered by the warranty.”
Natalie Matthews, who works with tech repair company uBreakiFix, agrees. “Inexpensive chargers, like those you can find at a gas station or convenience store, may be causing your phone battery to wear out faster than normal,” Matthews says. “Inexpensive cables often use a lower amperage (current) and can damage a phone’s battery over time."
"A good rule of thumb is to always use your phone manufacturer's official charger to ensure the highest quality and proper power regulation," Matthews says. "When in doubt, consult a professional to find the right accessories to fit your device and needs."
If you’re wondering about another common iPhone charging question — whether it’s okay to keep your phone charged overnight — the jury is still out on that one. While some experts say our phones are sophisticated enough to withstand an overnight charge, others insist it’s better not to take chances.
“Most smartphone users and especially iPhone users must have heard about the warning against charging your phone overnight,” says Tech Expert Adam Mitchel of Home Buying Guys. “A simple reason is the fact that most iPhones have Lithium-Ion batteries. These batteries get heated very easily and if you leave them charging overnight, it can lead to overheating. Lithium is a very reactive material and gets heated quickly. So, leaving them can result in batteries catching fire also. Also, it shortens your battery life in the long run as you are charging them without completing the cycle of 100% charge. So, it diminishes both the cycle and the battery life.”
You'll take less risks with your phone if you stick with a suitable charger and provide your phone with shorter charges throughout the day.
