Things you should never do while charging your phone

One of the best things you can do to extend the life of your phone is to make sure it's charging properly, and there are some secrets to doing this that you may not know. Here are all the dos and don'ts of charging your smartphone, whether you have an iPhone or Android.

Poorly manufactured chargers can create more trouble than it's worth and often with no protection at all. Although you may be able to find a charger on Amazon or elsewhere for a lower price, those cheaper chargers can actually damage your phone. High-quality chargers have specially designed circuits inside them that will keep your phone from overcharging, breaking or overheating, so quality is an important thing to keep in mind when it comes to buying a charger.

Chargers that are manufactured by your phone manufacturer are best along with certified chargers that your phone manufacturer certifies. Apple has its own certification process called MFi, short for Made For iPhone, iPad, iPod. Look for the MFi symbol on non-Apple chargers and accessories certified by Apple. Android phones need chargers that comply with USB-IF certifications for USB-C specifications.

Yes, your smartphone case can affect how your device charges. Most of us use cases to distinguish our devices from others and also to give them extra protection in case they are accidentally dropped. However, keeping the case on while charging can cause temperature issues for your device. If your phone gets too hot, it affects its performance later on. Pay attention and see if your phone gets too hot while plugged in and if it does, remove the case until charging is complete.

Using your phone while charging is one of the worst things you can do. It increases the temperature of your phone significantly, which can seriously damage your battery, screen and processor. You need to plug in the phone and leave it alone until the charging is complete.

Portable chargers are very convenient, but they can cause damage to your phone if you don't use a good quality one. Stay focused on well-known brands and only products that are certified for safety and compliance.