This is a common question many people have about phone chargers. While it may seem harmless to leave your phone charger plugged in when not in use, there are some things to consider.
Is it safe?
Generally, it is safe to leave your phone charger plugged in without the phone attached. Here’s why:
- Phone chargers are designed to not overcharge. Most modern phone chargers, including both wall chargers and USB chargers, will detect when a device is fully charged and stop sending power to avoid overcharging.
- Chargers don’t draw much power when not in use. While plugged in with no device attached, most chargers only draw a tiny amount of power, usually less than half a watt. This is a negligible amount of electricity.
- No risk of fire or shock. As long as the charger is in good condition and certified by a reputable standards organization, there is minimal risk of fire or electric shock from leaving it plugged in, even long-term.
So you don’t need to worry about safety issues from leaving your phone charger plugged in when not charging your phone.
Will it waste electricity?
Leaving a charger plugged in does use a small amount of electricity, but not very much. Here are some estimates of how much electricity a charger can use:
| Charger Type | Standby Power Use |
|---|---|
| Standard 5W iPhone charger | 0.26 watts |
| Samsung fast charger | 0.03 watts |
| Generic USB charger | 0.5 watts |
As you can see, the power draw is very small. Even if you left a charger plugged in nonstop for an entire year, it would only use a few kilowatt-hours of electricity, costing less than 50 cents in most areas. So it’s generally not worth worrying about this minor energy use.
Will it damage the charger over time?
Leaving a charger plugged in all the time should not cause any damage or excess wear and tear. According to electronics companies like Apple and Samsung, their chargers are designed to be left plugged in when not in use without any negative effects.
Of course, any electrical device can eventually fail. But there’s no evidence that leaving a charger plugged in shortens its lifespan. As long as the charger doesn’t feel hot to the touch, it should be fine.
Should you unplug chargers when not in use?
While leaving chargers plugged in is generally safe, here are a few reasons you may want to make a habit of unplugging them when not in use:
- Reduces fire risk from electrical faults. Though unlikely, unplugging eliminates any tiny risk.
- Saves a bit of electricity. Unplugging unused chargers can save a few dollars per year.
- Prevents accidental damage. Pets or kids can’t chew on a charger that’s not plugged in.
- Keeps outlets accessible. You can free up outlets for other uses by unplugging unused chargers.
Ultimately, it’s a personal choice whether to unplug phone chargers when not in use. But leaving them plugged in is not hazardous or wasteful.
Conclusion
It is generally safe and has minimal impact to leave a phone charger plugged into an outlet without a phone attached. While it draws a bit of power, this is negligible – just a few cents per year. Phone chargers are designed to prevent overcharging, fire hazards, and damage when left plugged in. So there is no safety issue or risk of shortening the charger’s lifespan. However, some people prefer to unplug their unused chargers to minimize risks, conserve energy, and keep outlets clear. But leaving chargers plugged in is not harmful.