Find out how one everyday habit could put your home at serious risk. Firefighters are now revealing the one place you should never charge your phone if you want to prevent a house fire.
The Overlooked Risks of Charging Your Phone
Plugging in your phone may seem like a harmless part of your daily routine—but it can have serious consequences. House fires are often started by something as simple as a poorly positioned outlet or a faulty charger.
Heat buildup, short circuits, and overheating can turn an everyday action into a dangerous event. Here’s what you need to know about where not to charge your phone.
Places You Should Absolutely Avoid
❌ Charging Your Phone on the Bed or Under Your Pillow
Many people charge their phone on the bed—or even worse, under their pillow—to keep it close by. But these are some of the most dangerous spots.
Fabric traps heat from the battery, preventing proper airflow and ventilation. This can cause your phone to overheat and, in extreme cases, catch fire. There have already been reports of mattresses catching fire overnight, putting lives at serious risk.
❌ Charging on the Couch or Upholstered Furniture
Just like with beds, couches and padded furniture can trap heat. Charging your phone on these surfaces increases the chance of overheating—especially if your charger or battery is already worn. Even a tiny spark could ignite a fire, making these spots particularly hazardous.
❌ Charging in the Bathroom
Bringing your phone into the bathroom to listen to music or watch videos is common—but plugging it in there is a bad idea. Moisture and the close presence of water significantly increase the risk of electric shock or short-circuits. One splash on a charger or outlet could lead to a dangerous electrical accident.
❌ Charging in a Hot Car
Charging your phone in the car may be convenient, especially during a trip. But if the car is parked in the sun, interior temperatures can easily exceed 122°F (50°C). Combined with active charging, the heat can weaken your battery and, in extreme cases, even cause it to explode.
❌ Using Overloaded or Low-Quality Power Strips
Overloaded power strips are a leading cause of house fires. Plugging in too many high-powered devices at once leads to overheating. And counterfeit or low-quality chargers often don’t meet safety standards, increasing the risk of short-circuiting and fire.
How to Charge Your Phone Safely
Follow these simple tips to stay safe:
- Always charge your phone on a hard, flat surface like a desk or table.
- Use certified, high-quality chargers to reduce the risk of overheating or failure.
- Avoid overnight charging, even though newer phones have overcharge protection.
- Check your cables and chargers regularly, and replace them at the first sign of wear.
- Don’t overload power strips with too many energy-hungry devices at once.
- Unplug your charger when not in use—it still generates heat and can be a fire hazard if faulty.
In Conclusion
Taking a few precautions can go a long way in keeping your home safe while charging your phone. It’s always better to be proactive: choosing the right location and using quality accessories are key to charging without risk. Stay safe and smart about how—and where—you plug in.