One common habit among smartphone users is using their device while it is charging.
This may seem harmless, but using a phone while it is charging can actually damage the battery and reduce its lifespan.
In this article, we will explore the reasons why using a phone while charging can be detrimental to the battery and discuss some simple steps that can be taken to avoid this issue.
Why Using a Phone While Charging Can Damage the Battery
There are several reasons why using a phone while charging can damage the battery.
One of the main reasons is that the phone’s battery is not designed to handle the combination of high charging currents and heavy usage at the same time. This can cause the battery to heat up, which can lead to a phenomenon known as “thermal runaway.”
This occurs when the battery’s internal temperature increases to a point where it can no longer be controlled, leading to a dangerous and potentially explosive situation.
Another reason why using a phone while charging can damage the battery is that it can lead to overcharging.
Most modern smartphones are equipped with a battery management system that is designed to prevent overcharging.
However, if the phone is in heavy use while it is charging, the battery management system may not be able to keep up, leading to overcharging and potential damage to the battery.
How to Avoid Using a Phone While Charging
There are several steps that can be taken to avoid using a phone while it is charging.
One of the most effective ways is to simply not use the phone while it is charging. This can be difficult for some people, but it is the best way to avoid damaging the battery.
Another way to avoid using a phone while charging is to use a battery case or external battery pack.
These devices can provide extra power to the phone, allowing it to be used without being connected to a charger.
This can be especially useful when traveling or in situations where access to a power outlet is limited.
What damages a phone battery?
There are several factors that can damage a phone battery, including the following:
- Overcharging: This occurs when a phone is charged for too long, leading to damage to the battery’s internal cells.
- High temperatures: Exposure to high temperatures, such as leaving a phone in a hot car, can cause damage to the battery.
- Using a phone while charging: As mentioned earlier, using a phone while it is charging can cause the battery to heat up, leading to potential damage.
- Using a low-quality charger: Using a charger that is not designed for the phone or is of low quality can lead to damage to the battery.
- Physical damage: Dropping a phone or otherwise subjecting it to physical damage can damage the battery.
In general, it is important to handle a phone’s battery with care and avoid exposing it to potential damaging factors to help prolong its lifespan.
Why we should not use phone while charging?
There are several reasons why it is not recommended to use a phone while it is charging.
One of the main reasons is that using a phone while it is charging can damage the battery. As mentioned earlier, the battery is not designed to handle the combination of heavy usage and high charging currents at the same time. This can cause the battery to heat up, potentially leading to thermal runaway and damage to the battery.
Another reason to avoid using a phone while charging is that it can lead to overcharging.
If the phone is in heavy use while it is charging, the battery management system may not be able to keep up, leading to overcharging and potential damage to the battery.
Additionally, using a phone while it is charging can also reduce the charging speed.
This is because the phone’s processor and other components are working harder while the phone is in use, which can reduce the amount of power that is available for charging the battery.
This can lead to longer charging times and reduced battery performance.
In general, it is best to avoid using a phone while it is charging to help protect the battery and ensure that it performs at its best.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, using a phone while it is charging can damage the battery and reduce its lifespan.
While it may be tempting to continue using the phone while it is charging, it is important to remember that this can be detrimental to the battery.
By avoiding using the phone while it is charging and using a battery case or external battery pack instead, users can help to prolong the lifespan of their phone’s battery.
