Is it okay to leave your phone plugged in?

[Greg P1]

The answers to this question seem to be all over the map. I'm surprised that so few people have actually researched the true facts. Fifteen years ago or more, phones, batteries and chargers were different than they are now, but some of the advice that was floating around back then is still being offered today.

I did my own research; I measured the current draw in all my devices with rechargeable batteries, and there was zero current draw, once the battery was fully charged. This brings into question the manufacturer's recommendation to "unplug your phone" once the battery is charged, to "save energy." Since there is no energy being used, how are you saving energy? You are not, but I suspect such decisions come from these companies' PR people and not from their engineers.

I leave my phone plugged in whenever I can, and the result is that I have a full charge whenever I take the phone. Rarely do I have to contend with a low battery. Judging from what I see, not everyone can make that claim.

 

[blueyedroid]

Is it okay to leave your phone plugged in even after it's done charging?

 

[extraclass]

Don't worry about the battery, The phone has a built in charger circuit that prevents the battery from overheating or overcharging! It will even turn the phone off to keep the battery from discharging too far! It even knows if you are plugged into a USB port or a full size charger! It is a "smart phone"!

Most new cars kill the power to the charger plugs when you cut off the key or about 10 minutes after you leave the car! The phone charger draws relatively small amount of current and it will draw less after the phone is charged. The computer in most cars draws a small amount of current even when off and might drain the battery in a couple weeks or less. If nothing else the receiver for the door locks has to be on and this will eventually kill the battery.