Under certain conditions, it is sometimes better not to charge your smartphone rather than take unnecessary risks. — Photography ane_stezi_ya/Shutterstock/AFP Relaxnews
To avoid smartphone risks such as overheating, short-circuiting or even data hacks when charging your device, it is essential to avoid certain places and situations, whether at home or elsewhere.
At home
It is strongly recommended not to charge a smartphone on a flammable surface, such as a bed, sofa or cushions. The device is at risk of overheating while charging and could, in the worst scenario, cause a fire to start. The same applies to soft surfaces or under a pillow, as this could interfere with heat dissipation, considerably increasing the risk of the device overheating. It is also important to keep in mind that connecting your charger to an already crowded power strip can also result in overheating, again increasing the risk of domestic fire.
It is also not advised to charge your smartphone, or any other electronic device, in your bathroom. The humidity in this room increases the risk of a short circuit, as any splash of moisture on the plug or charger can cause a dangerous electric shock.
Finally, it is essential to avoid leaving your phone charging overnight. Not only does that mean the device is charging unattended, this habit can also lead to overheating. On top of that, it is not recommended to charge the battery to the maximum in order not to damage it.
Outside the home
To avoid the obvious risk of overheating, never charge your phone in direct sunlight. This is especially true inside a car or just behind a window. In extreme cases, this can even cause the battery to explode.
There is also another risk that too many people are unaware of – that of being hacked via a public charging station. The phenomenon of juice jacking is a cyberattack technique that involves exploiting USB ports used to charge mobile devices in public spaces. When a device is connected to a compromised USB port, cybercriminals can install malware or extract sensitive data without the user's knowledge. In fact, it is not recommended to use the USB charging stations available at train stations, airports and on public transport, even if the risk is relatively minimal.
In any case, when you are not at home, remember to always use your own high-quality charger, certified to official standards. – AFP Relaxnews
