These iPhone Accessories Are Actually Ruining Your Phone, Experts Warn

There seems to be no end to the ways in which you can enhance your iPhone experience with helpful and convenient accessories. From accessories that protect fragile screens to headphones that provide crystal-clear sound, if you have a tech want or desire, chances are Apple has a solution. But with great variety and choice comes more opportunities to make costly mistakes. Not only could you be wasting money on less-than-stellar accessories, but some of those accessories could also be damaging your iPhone. Not all accessories are right for your phone. To save yourself money, time, and frustration, it’s a good idea to avoid certain accessories. These three iPhone accessories could actually be ruining your phone. 

At the very top of the do-not-use list you’ll find every tech expert’s big no-no: uncertified charging cables that Apple does not support using for your iPhone. Although it may seem like Apple discourages cheap chargers so that it can turn a profit on its own charging cables, the reality is a little less grim. Cheap chargers can damage your phone overtime and affect your phone battery and its ability to maintain a charge. In worst case scenarios, they can even be a fire hazard, warns Kelvin Wira, founder of Superpixel. 

Another potential mistake you could be making is using magnetic mounts or cases that interfere with your phone’s internal components, such as the compass or wireless charging, Wira says. “Instead, consider investing in high-quality, certified charging cables and adapters that are designed to work with your iPhone,” Wira suggests. “Additionally, consider using wireless charging pads that are compatible with your iPhone for a convenient and safe charging experience.”

Screen protects are a great idea. They can keep your fragile screen from cracking when you accidentally knock it off the kitchen counter. But using low-quality screen protectors or cases may actually scratch or crack your iPhone’s screen or trap dust and dirt, leading to other issues, Wira says. This is a case where using no protector may be better than relying on the wrong one. “Look for screen protectors and cases that are made by reputable brands and offer adequate protection without compromising on functionality,” Wira says. 

Similar to screen protectors, a quality phone case is an important accessory that can keep your expensive investment well protected against the elements. But it’s important to shop for cases that fit your phone’s dimensions perfectly and are high quality — because a bad case can ruin your device. 

“The performance and battery life of your iPhone may suffer if you use certain accessories,” says Jordan Farrar, owner and director of Akoca SEO. “One such accessory is an iPhone case that is either too small or wasn’t made for your particular iPhone model. Too-tight cases may exert pressure on your iPhone’s ports and buttons, causing them to degrade or lose their functionality over time. On the other hand, cases that are not designed for your specific iPhone model can leave important buttons and ports exposed or cover them up, which can make it difficult to access them when you need to.”

Shop for your phone model and choose a case that has plenty of high ratings and reviews. Great iPhone accessories can enhance your user experience — but not all accessories are created equal and it’s important to be a discerning shopper.