Don’t sleep with your phone charging, Apple warns

Many people have the habit of charging their phones overnight, hoping to start the day with a full battery. However, this practice may not be as harmless as it seems. Apple has recently issued a warning to iPhone users about the potential dangers of sleeping next to their phone while it is charging.

According to Apple’s iOS 16 user guide, charging a phone under a blanket or a pillow can cause it to overheat and pose a risk of fire, electric shock, injury, or damage to the device or other property. The company advises users to keep their phones, power adapters, and wireless chargers in a well-ventilated area when they are connected to a power source. It also warns against using damaged cables or chargers, which can also lead to hazardous situations.

Apple’s safety message is supported by expert insights, such as a firefighter from Kent Fire Rescue who shared some important information on TikTok. He explained that sleeping with a charging phone can be very dangerous, as people cannot smell or react to a fire while they are asleep. He also debunked the myth that only fake chargers can cause fires, saying that even genuine ones can malfunction in some cases. His advice was to charge the phone while awake and alert.

Apple’s warning is not the first of its kind, as there have been several reports of iPhone batteries catching fire or exploding while charging in the past. In 2013, Apple investigated the death of a 23-year-old woman from China who died from electrocution after answering her phone while it was on charge.

The bottom line is that charging your phone overnight may not be worth the convenience, as it could put your life and property at risk. It is better to follow Apple’s recommendations and charge your phone safely and responsibly.