For many, plugging in their mobile phone at the end of the night is the last thing they do before they go to sleep. No one wants to wake up and find that their smartphone has just a few percent of battery life left. Additionally, many people also have the habit of plugging their phone in to charge right next to them while they sleep, or even under their pillow or covers.
This is something that Apple has warned against in its safety information guide for its devices.
The habit of charging your phone overnight next to you while you sleep poses many dangers
Consequently, Apple has issued a warning to iPhone users about charging their iPhones overnight, right on its support page entitled “Important safety information for iPhone”. Apple warns its users not to “sleep on your device, charger, wireless charger, or any power adapter, or place them under a blanket, pillow, or your body when it is connected to power”.
Charging your iPhone requires a well-ventilated space, because the phone heats up considerably during charging. That’s not to mention the risks in the worst-case scenario, which could lead to a fire or explosion.
In addition, the company also informs users that they should charge their phones face up in a well-ventilated area.
Apple even asks users to avoid prolonged skin contact with the charging cable and connector when it is plugged into a power source. The company says that this can cause discomfort or injury, and adds that users should avoid sleeping on or sitting on the charging cable.
In the past, there have been several cases of fires caused by leaving iPhones under pillows or blankets while charging. In fact, this is not unique to iPhones but to almost any phone. However, this is a dangerous habit that needs to be changed immediately.
In addition, users should also use genuine chargers and charging cables or those that are MFi certified to ensure safety
Furthermore, Apple also recommends that users use genuine chargers and charging cables or third-party products that are MFi (Made for iPhone) certified and compatible to ensure safety. Apple adds: “Using a damaged cable or charger, or charging when moisture is present, can cause fire, electric shock, injury, or damage to the iPhone or other property”.
The tech giant wants you to be aware of the following and to absolutely stop using if any of these signs appear:
– The power adapter plug or prongs are damaged.
– The charging cable is frayed or damaged.
– The power adapter has been exposed to excessive moisture or liquid has been spilled into the power adapter.
– The power adapter has been dropped and its casing has been damaged.
