In the digital age, the mobile phone has become an extension of our body. We use it to work, communicate, entertain ourselves and organize our day to day. But this constant use also leads us to develop dangerous habits that could put not only our device, but also our personal safety at risk. One of the most common and dangerous habits is using your phone while it’s charging.

Although for many this may seem harmless, it can actually have serious consequences, such as overheating the device, damage to the battery and, in the worst case, causing an explosion or fire. In this article, we’ll explain why this habit is so dangerous and what you can do to avoid unnecessary harm and risks.

Why is it dangerous to use your phone while charging?

The act of using the phone while it’s plugged into power may seem harmless, but it’s actually generating a dangerous combination of heat, overload, and stress on the device’s internal components. Here’s why this habit is so dangerous:

1. Extreme overheating

• When you use your phone while charging, the battery and internal circuitry work hard.
• Using heavy apps (such as games, videos, or social media) while the device is charging generates additional heat, which can overheat the battery and cause the phone to shut down or even explode.
• If the battery temperature exceeds 45°C, the risk of a critical failure increases significantly.

2. Risk of explosion or fire

• Lithium batteries are very sensitive to extreme temperatures and power spikes.
• If the battery gets too hot while the phone is in use and charging at the same time, it could cause an internal chemical reaction that causes an explosion or fire.
• Cases of phones exploding or catching fire are usually related to the battery overheating or the use of low-quality chargers.

3. Damage to the battery and reduced battery life

• The lithium battery is designed to withstand a limited number of charge cycles (around 500 to 1000 cycles).
• Using your phone while charging causes the battery to constantly discharge and charge, which increases the number of cycles and accelerates battery deterioration.
• Over time, the battery will lose its ability to hold a charge and you will need to replace it much sooner than expected.

4. Short circuits due to electrical overload

• Using your phone while charging may increase the chance of an electrical surge.
• If the battery is damaged or the charger is not genuine, the phone could receive an unstable voltage, causing a short circuit that would damage the internal components of the device.

5. Risk of electric shock

• If your phone is plugged into a faulty power outlet or the charger is damaged, you may receive an electric shock when you touch your phone while charging.
• Electric shocks can be mild or, in some cases, cause severe burns or even be life-threatening.

Tips to avoid damage and risks

1. Don’t use your phone while it’s charging

• If you need to make an urgent call or send a message, unplug your phone before using it.
• If your phone is overheating, wait a few minutes before turning it back on or using it.

2. Always use an original or certified charger

• Generic or low-quality chargers can supply an unstable voltage, increasing the risk of overheating and damage to the battery.
• If the original charger is damaged, buy one that’s approved by your device’s manufacturer.

3. Charge your phone on a flat, ventilated surface

• Do not carry your phone on your bed, under a pillow, or on a sofa, as these materials retain heat and can cause overheating.
• Ideally, you should load it on a table or a hard, well-ventilated surface.

4. Avoid charging your phone overnight

• Although many modern phones have overcharge protection systems, leaving your phone charging for unnecessary hours still generates heat and stress on the battery.
• Ideally, you should disconnect it once it reaches 80% or 90% charge to extend battery life.

5. Use a suitable case to dissipate heat

• If your phone tends to get hot while charging, remove the case to allow the heat to dissipate more easily.
• Use a breathable or ventilated material cover to prevent overheating.

6. Turn off your phone while charging (if possible)

• If you don’t need to use your phone, turning it off while charging will allow the battery to charge more evenly and with less stress.
• This will also reduce the internal temperature and speed up the charging process.

7. If the phone gets very hot while charging, unplug it immediately

• If you notice that your phone is abnormally hot to the touch while charging, unplug it immediately.
• Wait for your phone to cool down before trying to charge it again.