Every night, countless individuals go to bed with their iPhones plugged in, unaware that a seemingly innocent habit could lead to a devastating fire. Firefighters throughout the UK are sounding the alarm about a common mistake that poses a serious threat to household safety: charging your iPhone underneath your pillow.

While this might seem like a harmless way to keep your phone nearby while you sleep, experts say it’s one of the most dangerous fire risks found in British homes today. Clean Air UK, a respected authority on fire safety, has identified this routine as a top contributor to home fires, primarily due to how heat gets trapped by soft materials like pillows and blankets. These materials prevent airflow around the phone, which can cause the lithium-ion battery inside to overheat. Firefighter Mark Sutherland has warned that there’s been a growing number of fires started by phones charging under bedding. He explains that when a phone is buried under pillows or sheets, the trapped heat can cause the battery to swell, overheat, and in worst cases, explode.

The problem is that most people don’t realize anything is wrong until it’s too late. Once you smell smoke or feel warmth, the fire is already spreading. One real-life incident occurred in Buckinghamshire in November 2022 when a phone charger left on a bed overnight sparked a fire. The blaze quickly engulfed the bedding and caused severe damage before emergency responders could contain it. Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries can erupt in just minutes, reaching temperatures over 1100 degrees Fahrenheit. This is more than enough to ignite flammable materials, and if it happens while you’re asleep, your chances of reacting in time drop significantly. According to the London Fire Brigade, over half of all accidental home fires stem from electrical faults, and overnight charging is one of the primary causes. It’s not just the location of your phone while it charges that matters—what you use to charge it and how you handle your charging habits are just as critical.

For example, using off-brand or counterfeit chargers may seem like a way to save money, but these cheap alternatives often lack important safety features. A study by Electrical Safety First revealed that 98% of fake Apple chargers failed standard safety tests. Overloading power outlets is another dangerous mistake. Plugging multiple devices into one socket or using overcrowded power strips can lead to overheating and sparking. Firefighters recommend sticking to the “one plug per socket” rule and using surge-protected extension cords when needed. Leaving devices plugged in all night, particularly with older or low-quality chargers, increases the chances of a fire starting once the battery is fully charged. Many of these chargers don’t automatically stop sending power once the device is full, resulting in unnecessary heat. Charging on soft surfaces such as beds, couches, carpets, or blankets can also be risky.

These materials trap heat and reduce ventilation, making it easier for a fire to start. Instead, phones and tablets should be charged on solid, flat, non-flammable surfaces like desks, countertops, or nightstands. Damaged or frayed charging cables are another serious fire risk. Exposed wires can lead to electrical shorts, and if a spark hits something flammable like curtains or bedding, it can ignite instantly. Replace any damaged cables immediately, no matter how minor the wear seems. Fire safety professionals suggest a few easy but vital steps to protect your home: charge your phone on a hard surface, avoid placing it under soft objects, and use only official or certified chargers marked with safety labels like CE or UKCA. Unplug devices as soon as they are fully charged and never leave them charging overnight if possible. If your charger ever feels unusually hot, makes strange noises, or emits a burning smell, stop using it right away. Installing smoke detectors near charging areas—especially in bedrooms—can also give you an early warning in the event of a fire. Though electrical fires from charging mishaps are becoming more common, they are almost entirely preventable with some simple behavior changes. A representative from Clean Air UK summed it up perfectly: even something as basic as using the wrong charger or placing your phone on a pillow could end in tragedy. Fire safety begins with small, smart choices. So before you go to sleep tonight, take a moment to check—where is your phone charging? That one decision could mean the difference between a safe night and a serious emergency.