10 charging habits that can silently destroy your device

Bad charging habits can shorten your device’s battery life — and in some cases, even spark a fire. Being mindful of a few common mistakes can go a long way toward keeping your gadgets safe.

That’s according to Martha Stewart.

Why your regular power outlet might be more dangerous than you think

Overloaded power strips, damaged cords, and mismatched voltage levels pose real risks to both your devices and your home.

One of the most common dangers? Frayed or cracked charging cables. Exposed wiring can trigger arc discharges, overheating, or even fires. If you notice any damage to the insulation, replace the cable immediately.

Another risky habit is leaving your phone plugged in overnight. While most modern devices stop charging once they reach 100%, staying connected for hours raises internal temperatures and wears down the battery faster.

Overstuffed outlets are no better. Drawing too much current heats up the wiring and raises the risk of fire. Experts recommend splitting your devices across multiple outlets and double-checking power capacity.

Power strips also aren’t meant for constant use with high-powered devices like laptops. Long-term use may cause the cable to overheat — and potentially fail.

Avoid knockoff chargers at all costs. Cheap, no-name versions often lack proper voltage protection, leading to unstable charging or even combustion.

If your phone or power adapter feels hotter than usual, unplug it immediately. Overheating could mean there’s a defect or the charger isn’t compatible with your device.

Never charge electronics on a bed or soft furniture. Fabric traps heat, which speeds up battery degradation. Use a hard, flat surface with good airflow instead.

Don't game or heavily use your phone while it's charging — this dual power draw increases internal heat and shortens battery life.

Avoid charging your phone inside a hot car, especially under direct sunlight. Interior temperatures can spike quickly, and the heat plus electricity can damage the battery — or worse, start a fire.

Finally, keep chargers away from water. Even a small splash in the bathroom can create a serious electric shock hazard. Always charge on dry surfaces only.

Previously, we wrote about how battery innovations in 2025 are finally ending the trade-off between power and portability — with 6000 mAh+ smartphones becoming the new normal.