Charging a smartphone under a pillow is a very bad idea, because it can catch fire: when the device is under a pillow, air circulation is impaired, and it overheats, warns Vitaly Savchenko, Vice-Rector for Digital Development and Information Technology at the State University of Education (Russia).

In an interview with NEWS.ru, Savchenko noted that overheating of the battery can lead to its combustion, posing a serious threat to health and life. In addition, the materials of the pillow are highly flammable, which increases the risk of fire if you charge the phone under the pillow.

The expert also pointed out other risks:

Low temperatures

Charging at low temperatures slows down the chemical processes in the battery, which reduces its capacity and performance. When moving a cold device to a warm room, condensation may form inside the case, which will lead to a short circuit.

Charging during a thunderstorm

Lightning can cause power surges in the electrical network, which can damage the charger and smartphone. If lightning strikes a power line, the insulation may break down and the user may be electrocuted.