Causes of the problem of the charger getting hot while charging the phone

 

If you have ever noticed that your iPhone or Android phone charger is so warm or hot that you can't bear to touch it, you may know that the heat generated by using the charger is normal, but what if it goes beyond the usual limits, such as being warmer than that Before or so hot that the plastic wrap almost melts from the heat? Well, let's explain below everything you need to know about the problem of the charger getting hot while charging the phone, as we answer the concerning question of why the phone charger gets hot in the first place and it is something to worry about.

 

Initially, it is necessary to clarify that the generation of high heat from electronic devices is a normal thing, but for chargers, in particular, this is due to the fact that the main function of the charger is to convert AC current from the power socket to DC for your phone. During this process, the charger uses an electronic piece known as a “transformer”, which is the first piece you will see if you ever try to disassemble the charger head! This piece raises or lowers the alternating current power generated by the electricity source, generating heat during the current conversion process. There are also other processes such as eddy current and others that occur during the charging process. In short, the more power a charger transmits, the higher the temperature.

 

Keeping the previous point in mind, under normal circumstances, it is normal for the phone charger to feel warm when unplugged after the battery has finished charging, which is perfectly acceptable. But if it becomes more than just being warm, meaning you can't hold it for a moment in your hands, then we say there is a problem.

 

If the charger is so hot that you can't touch it, this is a clear indication that something is wrong, it could be a poorly worn charger or a problem with the socket. In the event of a problem, chargers, especially high-quality ones, cut the current if something malfunctions, thanks to the protection circuits in the charger design. But if it doesn't and the charger body becomes very hot, immediately unplug it from the socket and check for any kind of scratches or dust on the charger's prongs.

 

Also, check if the charger port on your phone and the USB port on the charger are clean. If it is, try using it again and monitor it. If it feels hot again, use a cable other than the one that came with it to ensure the problem still exists. There are some cases where it is not possible to try using another cable as we will now explain.

 

Why does the charger get hot during use?

 

There are some practices and factors that cause the charger to increase in temperature during use, let's review the most important ones:

 

● Charging the phone for long times | Most of us leave our phone charging overnight in the hope that the phone will be ready to use the next day, which may sound like a good idea in theory, but it damages both the phone and the charger over time. Plugging the charger into the socket overnight means consuming a small amount of electricity, which means more heat is generated, which may cause damage to the charger.

● Using fast charging technology | Chargers that support fast charging technology convert more amounts of AC to DC than other chargers, since chargers naturally generate heat during charging, fast charging increases the temperature of the charger more than usual, especially if it is used frequently throughout the day.

● Using poor quality chargers | Poor quality or counterfeit chargers may overheat, as these types of chargers do not comply with safety standards, so you are at risk of physical damage at any time. A common problem nowadays is sellers on e-commerce sites such as Amazon and Ali Express who sell counterfeit and unusable electronic products, including wired and wireless chargers. You have the right to get your money back and buy a replacement charger if it is damaged, as companies like Apple and Samsung cover this type of damage.

 

If you prefer to buy chargers from other brands online, look for trusted, reputable brands like Anker or you can search forums like Reddit for the best charger.

 

When Does Charger Overheating Become Dangerous?

 

If you see any of these signs below, stop using the charger or cable immediately and replace it. If it is possible to contact the warranty to replace or repair the charger, do not hesitate to do so. Also, remember to charge your phone away from any flammable materials or items, which may make it worse. Here are the most important signs that cannot be overlooked in a charger:

 

● Some signs that the plastic parts of the charger or the cable itself are melting.

● Unusual smell like smoke or burning plastic from the charger.

● Some black or brown burn marks on the charger itself or the cable.

● The charger is unusually hot, especially if it is new.

● The cable or charger is frayed.

 

charger overheating problem solutions

 

After we have learned about the problems that cause the charger to get hot and what are the signs that you should stop using the charger when they appear, we can summarize the solutions that can be followed to solve the charger overheating problem, as we will now explain.

 

● Reduce charging times | Avoid plugging the charger into the socket for long periods of time, especially if you are charging the phone overnight. If you feel the recurring problem of the charger overheating, then try to reduce the charging time of the phone. It is not necessary to leave the phone charging until it reaches 100%, as studies indicate that the best charging rate is between 20 to 80%, in order to reduce the consumption of charging cycles as much as possible.

● Reduce the use of fast charging technology | If you are using a phone that supports fast charging, it is not necessary to use it all the time. As we explained earlier, the higher the amount of DC constant current provided by the charger to the phone, the higher the temperature, and fast charging affects the phone’s battery in the long run due to the high temperature and consumption of charging cycles faster than normal. If you don't need the phone, you can charge the phone using a charger at a lower speed. This may extend the charging time "depending on the speed of the charger and battery capacity" but it will extend the battery life and solve the problem of overheating the charger.

● Buy an original charger | Investing in electronic parts is something not to be underestimated, if the charger that came with your phone is damaged or faulty, don't think about buying a charger randomly. If it is difficult for you to buy a charger compatible with your phone, it is okay to buy a charger from other brands, but trusted brands are recommended due to the fact that they adhere to safety and security standards, in addition to avoiding the problem of charging the charger or at least preventing disasters that may occur if a charger is used. Poor quality or fake.