8 Places Where You Should Never Charge Your Phone

We all need to charge our phones — but not every place is safe or smart to do it. Some locations can damage your battery, put your data at risk, or even create a fire hazard. Here are 8 places where you should avoid charging your phone — and why.

1. On your bed or under your pillow

Why it’s risky:
Charging on soft surfaces traps heat. This can lead to:

• Battery overheating,

• Faster battery wear,

• In rare cases, fire.

Always place your phone on a hard, ventilated surface while charging.

2. In the bathroom

Why it’s risky:
Moisture and electricity don’t mix. Charging near the sink or shower can cause:

• Short circuits,

• Electrical shock hazards,

• Damage to your charging port.

3. On your car dashboard in direct sunlight

Why it’s risky:
Cars can heat up fast — especially in the sun. Combine that with charging heat and you get:

• Extreme overheating,

• Swollen batteries,

• Long-term phone damage.

Avoid charging when parked in the sun or use climate control.

4. In public USB ports (airports, malls, buses)

Why it’s risky:
These ports may be tampered with — a hacking method known as juice jacking. Attackers can:

• Steal your data,

• Install malware on your phone.

Use a charging-only USB cable or a wall charger instead.

5. Inside a bag or your pocket

Why it’s risky:
Charging generates heat, and enclosed spaces trap it. That means:

• More battery stress,

• Risk of overheating,

• Possible device failure.

Let your phone breathe — keep it out in the open when charging.

6. On soft surfaces like sofas or cushions

Why it’s risky:
Like beds, these surfaces block airflow. This:

• Builds up heat,

• Strains your charger and battery,

• May cause deformation of cables or ports.

Use a table or shelf instead.

7. In wet or humid environments (rain, kitchens, etc.)

Why it’s risky:
Even a little moisture can cause:

• Short circuits,

• Corrosion of internal parts,

• Long-term performance issues.

Dry surroundings are key for safe charging.

8. Overnight, without safety features

Why it’s risky:
Charging overnight can lead to:

• Overcharging,

• Battery degradation,

• Continuous heat buildup.

If you must charge at night, use a smart charger or enable optimized charging settings (available on many smartphones).

Quick Tip:

The safest place to charge your phone is on a flat, dry, ventilated surface, using a certified charger that matches your device’s power specs.

You Can Also Read :

Should You Avoid Charging Your Phone in the Car ?