Owning an iPhone can seem pretty simple and straightforward, but there are certainly a few do’s and don’ts, which also apply to charging.
Some iPhone users fail to realize that the way they go about charging their device can make a big impact on how long the battery life lasts. There are certain habits that can benefit a battery’s life and keep it fresh as long as possible, and there are others that can cause it to slowly deteriorate over time. One of those habits is keeping your phone on its charger overnight. We spoke to tech experts about how that can easily ‘kill’ your battery and shorten itslifespan day by day. Read more about it below.
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Why You Shouldn't Be Charging Your iPhone Overnight
Many iPhone users have the same routine in the evening. They get ready for bed, maybe scroll on their phone for a bit while under the covers, then plug it in on the bedside table or other end of the room to let it charge, and drift off to sleep.
This is a super common routine, as most people want to wake up with a fully charged phone. This can prevent emergencies or going into panic mode early in the day, and save them from having to use their charger for a few more hours. However, keeping your iPhone plugged in overnight, especially if it's for over seven hours, can do a lot more damage to its internal battery than you may realize.
"While iPhones are built to handle a variety of conditions, charging them overnight is a practice that works against the long-term health of the hardware," explains technician and tech pro Paolo Vassallo. "iPhone users should avoid overnight charging because it forces the battery to remain at a maximum state of charge for a prolonged period, which creates unnecessary chemical stress on the lithium-ion cells. And while the device has internal circuitry to prevent 'overcharging,' being plugged in for eight hours straight can lead to heat accumulation if the phone is placed on a soft surface like a bed or a rug."
Vassallo notes that this is a habit that could eventually "kill" your battery, noting that "when a lithium ion battery is held at 100%, the internal chemistry is in a high-energy state that promotes the growth of microscopic metallic fibers called dendrites."
"Those particles are responsible for the performance degradation we all experience," he continues. "The worst cases could even cause the battery to bloat and fail."
If you're worried about hurting your battery, consider letting your phone fully charge within an hour before bed, then unplug it and leave it alone. Additionally, it's suggested to keep the Optimized Battery Charging setting on at all times in case you do accidentally leave your iPhone plugged in for a long time.
