We rely on our phones for just about everything these days, from staying connected with friends and family to managing our schedules and getting work done. But when it comes to charging our phones, many of us are actually making some common mistakes that could be damaging our devices. In this article, we’ll take a look at five of the most common mistakes people make when charging their phones, and how you can avoid them to keep your device in top condition.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when charging their phones is using cheap, low-quality chargers. While it may be tempting to save a few bucks by purchasing a no-name charger from a discount store, these chargers are often not built to the same safety and quality standards as those from reputable manufacturers. This can lead to overheating, overcharging, and even electrical shorts, which can damage your phone or even pose a safety hazard. To avoid this mistake, always use chargers that are certified by your phone’s manufacturer, or at the very least, reputable third-party manufacturers.

Some people believe that letting their phone’s battery drain completely before charging it can help prolong the battery’s lifespan. However, this is actually a myth. In fact, keeping your phone’s battery between 20% and 80% charge is better for its overall health. Allowing the battery to drain completely on a regular basis can cause it to degrade more quickly over time. Instead, aim to plug in your phone for a quick top-up whenever it’s convenient, rather than waiting for it to reach 0%.

Many of us are guilty of using our phones while they’re plugged in and charging, whether it’s to scroll through social media or watch a video. However, this habit can actually be detrimental to your phone’s battery and overall lifespan. When you use your phone while it’s charging, it causes the battery to heat up, which can lead to wear and tear over time. If you can, try to avoid using your phone while it’s charging, and let it juice up in peace.

Leaving your phone plugged in overnight may seem convenient, but it’s not the best practice for your device’s battery health. Once your phone reaches 100% charge, it continues to receive a small trickle of power to maintain that level. This constant trickle-charging can put stress on the battery and lead to degradation over time. To prevent this, consider unplugging your phone once it reaches full charge, or use a smart plug that automatically cuts off power to the charger once your phone is fully charged.

Extreme temperatures can have a big impact on your phone’s battery and overall performance. Whether it’s extremely hot or cold, exposing your phone to these conditions while it’s charging can lead to long-term damage. High temperatures can cause the battery to degrade more quickly, while cold temperatures can temporarily reduce the battery’s capacity. To avoid this mistake, try to charge your phone in a cool, well-ventilated area, and avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or near a heat source while it’s charging.