Charging your phone in a case could shorten its battery life, experts warn

Perhaps you were not aware that charging your phone in a case can negatively affect its battery life. Why does this happen? Should you be concerned? We explain.

The problem is serious enough that the phone manufacturer Apple has admitted that charging devices in cases can be an issue. It's worth noting, however, that this issue is not limited to phones with an Apple logo but applies to all smartphones available on the market.

Several factors affect this problem, but the most significant is that modern chargers charge phones much faster than a decade ago. As a result, substantial amounts of heat are generated during this process. Batteries heat up more intensely, which is not beneficial, as they function best from 18°C to 25°C.

When the temperature exceeds 35°C, permanent damage to the battery can occur, reducing its capacity and lifespan (incidentally, similar consequences result from the phone being exposed to temperatures below 0°C). If a battery heated during charging is also in a case, the heat cannot easily escape outside, leading to even greater heating of the device.

It is impossible to definitively answer how much impact charging a phone in a case has on its battery. Different device models behave differently during charging. The conditions in the room and the case's material and thickness are also important.

Given all these variables, it is difficult to measure this effect precisely. However, it is certain that regularly charging a phone in a case can significantly shorten its battery life over time. Many device models heat up easily during charging, and removing the case can significantly improve this condition.