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Should I plug my phone into the charger first or the power outlet first, choose wisely for a durable phone and long-lasting battery life

Are you plugging your phone in before you plug it into the wall? Let's explore the significance of this.

18 March, 2024

Charging your phone is something almost everyone does every day. However, how you plug in your phone before plugging it into the power source is something that most people overlook. In reality, how you plug in your charger has an impact on the durability of your phone and the lifespan of your battery.

Should you plug the charger into your phone first or into the power source first?

To answer this question, there is a concept you need to know, and that is Surge. Surge is the phenomenon of fluctuating electric current or electrical shock. This phenomenon occurs when the voltage exceeds the normal working voltage of the device. This voltage change can create a quick and strong electric pulse in a fraction of a second. The spark that occurs when you plug the charger into the power socket is a manifestation of surge.

For phones, the output of the charger is typically 5V/2A, and when you plug it into the power source, the voltage can quickly spike up to 6V or even higher. This often happens while the charger’s output is still only 5V.

Surge rarely occurs, but when it does, it can potentially damage your phone. Typically, when using official chargers, surge rarely occurs because these chargers are designed with overload protection circuits and electric shock resistance. In this case, you don’t need to worry about whether to plug the charger into your phone first or into the power source first.

Should you plug the charger into your phone first or into the power source first?

However, with old chargers or generic chargers with unknown sources, you should be cautious. It is recommended to plug the charger into the power source first, and then plug the charger into your phone. This way, you can avoid the risk of electrical shock that may cause issues with your phone. When the battery is fully charged, it is advisable to unplug the charger from your phone before unplugging it from the power source.

Other considerations when charging your phone

Many people have the habit of leaving the charger plugged into the socket continuously, from day to day, and only plug the cable into the phone when needed. However, this not only wastes a certain amount of electricity but also increases the risk of short circuits and fires, especially when using non-official chargers.

Leaving the charger plugged into the socket for a long time can also cause the device to heat up and increase the risk of short circuits and fires. Therefore, after fully charging your phone, it is recommended to unplug the charger from the power socket.

Frequently asked questions

It depends on the charger. If you’re using an official, branded charger, it’s safe to plug it into your phone first as these chargers have overload protection. However, with old or generic chargers, always plug into the power source first to avoid potential electrical shocks and damage to your device.

It’s not recommended. Aside from wasting electricity, it increases the risk of short circuits and fires, especially with non-official chargers. Always unplug your charger from the socket when it’s not in use, and especially after your phone is fully charged.