Skip to main content
Bianca Censori with pink hair wearing a sheer dress.
Celebrity image showcasing red carpet glamour.
Natalie Portman at the Golden Globes Party.

Tech

The Worst Mistake You Can Make When Charging Your iPhone, According To A Security Expert

November 23, 2019 by Lisa Cupido
shefinds | Tech
Featured image

The way you charge your phone matters. And though it may seem like there’s only one charging method — the one where you plug a charger into an outlet and attach it to your device — things can get a little more complicated than that, especially when you’re making charging mistakes.

A few wrong charging decisions can result in a weaker battery that doesn’t last as long as it should. Since your iPhone is a serious investment, its battery should also be treated with as much care.

This is the worst mistake you can make when charging your iPhone, according to a security expert.

house unit img
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
iphone

Charging Your Phone Too Much


There is a such thing as too much of a good thing when it comes to charging your device. Your iPhone has a lithium-ion battery that is at its very best when kept at a consistent charge between 40 and 80 percent. But when you overcharge your phone, a very common mistake, it actually taxes the battery more than necessary.

iphone

According to Tech Times: “The temperature rises when the battery is overcharged and, not only would this shorten the battery life due to stress, it may also threaten a user's safety, just like those batteries that quickly heat up and explode.”

iphone

The likeliness that your phone’s battery will explode is close to zero, but overcharging can still add stress to a battery and cause it to function less properly.


One frequent habit of smartphone users who overcharge their devices is leaving it to charge overnight. It only takes about two to three hours to reach 100 percent battery power. Considering how most people sleep hours longer then that, your phone is absolutely not benefiting from the extra charging time.

iphone

A better way to approach phone charging is to think in terms of charging intervals. If you can, charge your phone for short periods of time throughout the day so that it stays in the charging sweet zone (between 40 and 80 percent). A few additional charges at work or when you get home from work can save you the trouble of needing to charge it overnight.

Author:

Lisa Fogarty is a lifestyle writer and reporter based in New York who covers health, wellness, relationships, sex, beauty, and parenting.

Woman texting on smartphone with focused expression.
Android phone displaying various apps on screen.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 smartphone showcasing its design.
Woman enjoying a fresh summer watermelon salad with feta.
Person holding Android phone showing multiple apps.
iPhone 14 screen filled with app icons.
iPhone settings screen indicating battery needs charging.
Sony headphones with iPad and laptop on Amazon page.
User engaging with iPhone in hand.
iPhone displaying a variety of app icons.
iPhone alert showing storage is full.
Person holding an iPhone while looking at the screen.
iPhone screen featuring numerous apps displayed.
Android phone connected to charger, indicating charging status.
iPhone screen filled with various app icons.
Individual holding an iPhone with apps visible.
Woman holding an iPhone while smiling.
iPhone 16 connected to charging cable, ready for use.
John Travolta at the 4th Annual Academy Museum Gala.
Android phone plugged in and charging.
Woman texting on smartphone with focused expression.
Android phone displaying various apps on screen.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 smartphone showcasing its design.
Woman enjoying a fresh summer watermelon salad with feta.
Person holding Android phone showing multiple apps.
iPhone 14 screen filled with app icons.
iPhone settings screen indicating battery needs charging.
Sony headphones with iPad and laptop on Amazon page.
User engaging with iPhone in hand.
iPhone displaying a variety of app icons.
iPhone alert showing storage is full.
Person holding an iPhone while looking at the screen.
iPhone screen featuring numerous apps displayed.
Android phone connected to charger, indicating charging status.
iPhone screen filled with various app icons.
Individual holding an iPhone with apps visible.
Woman holding an iPhone while smiling.
iPhone 16 connected to charging cable, ready for use.
John Travolta at the 4th Annual Academy Museum Gala.
Android phone plugged in and charging.