Smartphone warning over common routine done by thousands - 'never do this'

Charging smartphonesand other gadgetsbefore bedtime has become a nightly routine for millions of people, guaranteeing they'll have sufficient batteryfor the following day or serving as a deterrent for those attempting to steer clear of screens before sleep.

However, this habit could be gradually harmingyour device, setting you up for costly repair bills or even posing a health hazard during summer months. The main issue with leaving your mobile on charge throughout the entire night is that it probably reaches maximum charge several hours before being disconnected.

Whilst older mobiles used to risk overcharging due to this practice, the problem has been reduced with more recent devices. Samsungspecialists explained: "Modern smartphones are equipped with smart charging technology that halts the charging process once the battery reaches full capacity.

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"The charger only kicks in occasionally to top off the battery, maintaining it at 100%. These are called 'maintenance charges', and they ensure that your battery remains full until you unplug your phone."

Appleemphasised that device batteries can become less efficient as they chemically deteriorate, which can be caused by various factors including temperature exposure and charging habits. It stated: "iPhone automatically stops charging when the battery is fully charged, so it's safe to keep your iPhone connected to a charger overnight. When possible, unplug your iPhone after it has fully charged.

"A battery warms up as it charges, which can reduce its lifespan. To reduce the effect of heat and prevent overheating, iPhone gradually reduces the charging current as the battery approaches full charge."

A technology specialist at Outplayed highlighted this form of "trickle charging" can deteriorate the battery progressively as it must handle the continuous power input and usage to sustain a fully charged state. They also emphasised that since newer phones have made battery access impossible for users, any damage will necessitate costly professional repairs which can easily exceed £100.

Beyond the accelerated deterioration it can inflict on batteries, charging your mobile overnight can pose a health and safety threat in your household, especially during summer scorching spells. This happens because batteries can produce heat whilst charging and if left unmonitored this can become a fire danger.

The London Fire Brigade cautions: "Batteries can present a fire risk when over-charged, short-circuited, submerged in water or if they are damaged. It's really important to charge them safely too.

"Don't leave items continuously on charge after the charge cycle is complete, it's best not to leave your phone plugged in overnight for example. Never cover chargers or charging devices, that includes using your laptop power lead in bed."

Many people often leave their phones in their beds while charging overnight, tucked under pillows or blankets which heightens the risk of overheating. This could potentially cause damage to the device over time and pose a significant fire hazard.

To enhance your phone's battery health and reduce safety risks, experts suggest not charging your devices in hot environments such as direct sunlight or near flammable materials. It's ideal to unplug your device when it reaches 100% charge, but features like optimised battery charging and refraining from using your phone while it's charging can also make a substantial difference.