Smartphones have become an essential part of our everyday routines—used for communication, work, entertainment, and more.

But many users are unaware that certain common habits can not only shorten the lifespan of their device, but also pose serious safety risks.

In recent years, there have been growing reports of phones catching fire or even exploding, often due to improper use. That’s why it’s important to understand which behaviors to steer clear of—for your safety and the safety of those around you.

3 Dangerous Mistakes That Could Damage Your Phone—or Worse

Even though most smartphones today come equipped with safety features, they’re not foolproof. Misuse can still lead to accidents. Here are three risky habits you should avoid:

1. Charging Your Phone Under a Pillow or on Soft Surfaces

One of the most common but dangerous mistakes is charging your phone under your pillow or directly on your bed. Soft materials can trap heat, preventing your phone from cooling down properly, which may lead to the battery overheating.

Tip: Always charge your phone on a hard, flat, and well-ventilated surface. Avoid covering it with anything while it’s plugged in.

2. Using Low-Quality or Knock-Off Chargers

Cheap, generic chargers often lack proper safety features such as protection from power surges or overheating. Using them can damage your battery, create electrical sparks, or in extreme cases, start a fire.

Tip: Stick to certified, high-quality chargers—ideally the ones recommended by your phone’s manufacturer. The extra cost is worth the added safety.

3. Using Your Phone While It’s Charging and Overheating

Watching videos, gaming, or making calls while your phone is plugged in generates additional heat. If the device is already warm, this can push it beyond safe temperature limits, possibly damaging the battery permanently—or, in rare cases, causing it to explode.

Tip: If your phone heats up during charging, stop using it and let it cool down before picking it up again.

Pay Attention to Warning Signs

Your phone will usually give you signs when something’s wrong. It might feel hotter than usual, restart randomly, have a swollen battery, or emit an unusual odor. Ignoring these warning signals can be dangerous, as they often point to an internal issue that could lead to an accident.

If your phone begins acting strangely, power it off immediately and consult a professional technician. Don’t keep using it like nothing’s wrong—your safety could depend on it.