Phone charging safety | What the Tech?

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (WHAT THE TECH?) — Most people charge their phones when they go to bed, often with the phone next to them in bed or under the pillow.

Apple officials say, though, putting the phone close to you for an extended period of time, could give you an electrical shock, or it could even catch on fire.

Apple’s updated safety information had this warning. Prolonged heat exposure can cause the battery to cause “discomfort or injury”. Batteries can’t withstand heat for very long.

They warn iPhone users not to place the phone under a blanket, pillow or your body when it’s connected to a charger. It should be placed face-up on a wireless charger or flat on a table.

What about the charging cable? Apple says it’s fine to use cables and chargers that are MfA, Made for iPhone. Cheap, flimsy charging cables that you see in gas stations or discount stores pose a risk of damaging the battery or causing a fire.

You might be able to get away with using the cheap chargers in a pinch. You shouldn’t use that with any unattended phone, such as when you’re sleeping.

This is all important safety information for any smartphone. They all use the same battery technology.