Many of us are guilty of plugging in our iPhones before bed and letting them charge overnight. It’s a convenient habit, but Apple has issued an important warning for users who might not be considering the risks involved in how and where they charge their devices.
The Risk of Overheating
Apple advises users to be cautious about charging their iPhones in places where the device or charging equipment could overheat. This means no more leaving your phone under blankets, pillows, or duvets while it’s charging. Poor ventilation during charging increases the risk of overheating, which could lead to discomfort, injury, or even fires.
The tech giant’s cautionary note appears in the Important Safety Information for iPhone section on its website, stating:
“Avoid prolonged skin contact with the charging cable and connector when the charging cable is connected to a power source because it may cause discomfort or injury.”
Clear Safety Guidelines
Apple recommends against sleeping or sitting on charging cables, connectors, or devices. The memo elaborates:
“Use common sense to avoid situations where your skin is in contact with a device, its power adapter, or a wireless charger when it’s operating or connected to a power source for long periods of time.
“For example, don’t sleep on a device, power adapter, or wireless charger, or place them under a blanket, pillow, or your body, when it’s connected to a power source.
“Keep your iPhone, the power adapter, and any wireless charger in a well-ventilated area when in use or charging. Take special care if you have a physical condition that affects your ability to detect heat against the body.”
Real-World Dangers of Overnight Charging
While the thought of a phone overheating and causing a fire may seem far-fetched, real-world incidents underline the importance of caution. A firefighter from Kent Fire Rescue took to TikTok to highlight the dangers of charging phones overnight.
They explained:
“Number one: you can’t smell anything when you’re asleep, so if it starts to burn, the fire won’t wake you up.
“Number two: it only takes three breaths to knock you unconscious.
“Number three: lots of people have cheap or faulty phone chargers, and even genuine ones have been known to start fires.”
Simple Steps to Stay Safe
To minimize risks, Apple and fire safety experts urge users to:
- Ensure charging areas are well-ventilated.
- Avoid placing devices or chargers under bedding or other materials that trap heat.
- Use genuine or high-quality chargers and accessories.
Charging your iPhone overnight can still be a safe practice, but it’s crucial to follow these guidelines to protect both yourself and your device.