NewsHealthHeatwaveMillions charge their phones this way every night, but experts say the habit could become far riskier during a heatwave09:54, 11 Jul 2026Most people wouldn't twice about where they leave their mobile phone before drifting off to sleep. But following the arrival of yet another heatwave in the UK, fire safety experts are reminding households to avoid one common charging mistake.‌It's easy to place a phone on the bed when it's charging, or even tuck it under a pillow to keep it within reach. This can trap heat, however, and create an unnecessary fire risk right in the heart of your home.‌This concern is even greater during periods of hot weather, especially when bedroom temperatures stay well above 25C well into the evening. According to Electrical Safety First, such conditions means a phone battery has less opportunity to cool down naturally while charging, especially when covered by a duvet or pillow.‌The charity says that phones, tablets and laptops should always be charged on a hard, flat surface where heat can dissipate. It warns against charging devices on beds, sofas or other soft furnishings because they restrict airflow and are combustible.Meanwhile, the London Fire Brigade has also issued repeated warnings about charging phones under pillows or duvets. It says bedding can trap heat around lithium-ion batteries and chargers, increasing the risk of overheating if a battery or charging cable develops a fault.‌Most modern smartphones contain lithium-ion batteries, which naturally warm up while charging. Although they are designed with multiple safety features, damaged batteries, counterfeit chargers or poor ventilation can increase the likelihood of overheating.Instead of charging a phone on the bed, experts recommend placing it on a bedside cabinet, desk or another hard, non-flammable surface with plenty of ventilation.Article continues belowThey also advise using the manufacturer's charger where possible and unplugging devices once charging is complete rather than leaving them connected overnightIf a phone becomes unusually hot, starts swelling or gives off an unusual smell while charging, it should be disconnected safely and not used again until it has been checked.While battery fires remain uncommon, experts say avoiding simple habits like charging under bedding can significantly reduce the risk, particularly during periods of prolonged hot weather.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌HeatwaveWeatherMet OfficeHealthExpert Adviceproperty news