That headline is a bit dramatic—leaving a charger plugged in without a phone is usually not dangerous in normal, good-quality chargers. But there are still real reasons people are advised to unplug them when not in use:
1) Small but constant electricity waste
Even with no phone attached, most chargers still draw a tiny amount of power (called “phantom load”). One charger is negligible, but across many devices at home it adds up over time—both in energy waste and cost.
2) Heat + wear over long periods
A charger left plugged in continuously stays slightly active, which can cause gradual internal wear. Cheap or low-quality chargers are more likely to degrade faster, and in rare cases this can increase overheating risk.
3) Safety + surge protection concerns
Power surges (from storms or unstable grids) can damage any plugged-in adapter, even when idle. Also, leaving chargers exposed in sockets can be a minor safety issue in homes with children or pets.
Bottom line
A good-quality charger from a reputable brand left plugged in is usually safe—but unplugging it when not in use is still a simple habit that reduces waste, extends charger life, and adds a bit of extra safety.
If you want, I can also tell you which types of chargers are actually risky and which ones are generally safe to leave plugged in.
