That headline is a bit exaggerated. Leaving a charger plugged in without a phone is usually not dangerous if the charger is decent quality and in good condition. But there are a few real reasons people mention it:
1) Small electricity waste (“vampire power”)
A plugged-in charger still draws a tiny amount of power even when nothing is connected. It’s usually very small, but over time and across many devices, it adds up a bit on your electricity bill.
2) Heat + wear over time
Cheap or old chargers can stay slightly warm even when idle. That constant low-level heat can slowly reduce the charger’s lifespan, especially in hot environments or if it’s covered or near flammable material.
3) Safety risk (mostly with low-quality chargers)
This is the big one people worry about. Poor-quality or counterfeit chargers may lack proper safety circuits, which can increase the risk of overheating or electrical faults—even when not charging a phone. Reputable branded chargers are designed to minimize this risk.
Bottom line:
With a good-quality charger, leaving it plugged in without a phone is generally safe, just mildly wasteful. The real concern is cheap or damaged chargers, not normal use.
If you want, I can also tell you the signs of a dangerous charger so you can spot the risky ones quickly.
