The 999 phone charging myth

If you have ever heard that dialling 999 (or any other emergency number) can charge your phone battery, you might be tempted to try it out when your phone is running low on power. However, this is a dangerous and illegal urban legend that has no basis in reality. In this blog post, we will explain what the 999 phone charging myth is, where it came from, and why you should never attempt it.

What is the 999 phone charging myth?

The 999 phone charging myth is an urban legend that claims that if a mobile phone has low battery then dialling 999 (or any regional emergency telephone number) charges the phone so it has more power. This was confirmed as untrue by several British police forces who publicly cited the dangers of making such calls. [1]

The basis for the belief was a feature of BlackBerry phones: If the battery level was too low, the phone automatically locked down phone features and shut down the phone radio for all calls except to emergency services. People discovered that if they dialled 999 then immediately hung up, it would override the shutdown for several minutes so that phone calls could be made. [2]

A related belief arose in 2015 that telling Siri on an iPhone to "Charge my phone to 100%" would cause the phone to call emergency services as a secret safety code. This was later traced to a bug in Apple programming that was fixed within a day. The myth continued to spread on social media as a prank. [3]

Why you should never try the 999 phone charging myth

There are many reasons why you should never try the 999 phone charging myth, but here are some of the most important ones:

- It does not work. Dialling 999 or any other emergency number does not charge your phone battery at all. It only wastes your time and battery life.

- It is illegal. Misusing the 999 number or any other emergency number is a criminal offence that can result in fines or imprisonment. You could also face civil action from the emergency services for wasting their resources and time. [4]

- It is dangerous. Every time you dial 999 or any other emergency number, you are taking up a line that could be used by someone who really needs help. You are also risking being traced by the police and having your phone cut off or confiscated. You could also put yourself and others in danger if you accidentally trigger a real emergency response or if you are caught by someone who thinks you are making a prank call.

- It is irresponsible. By spreading or believing the 999 phone charging myth, you are contributing to the spread of misinformation and ignorance. You are also disrespecting the work of the emergency services and the people who rely on them.

How to charge your phone battery safely and effectively

Instead of trying the 999 phone charging myth, here are some tips on how to charge your phone battery safely and effectively:

- Use a compatible charger and cable. Make sure you use a charger and cable that are designed for your phone model and brand. Using incompatible or faulty chargers and cables can damage your phone or cause fires or electric shocks.

- Avoid extreme temperatures. Do not expose your phone or charger to very hot or cold temperatures, as this can affect the battery performance and lifespan. Keep your phone away from direct sunlight, radiators, ovens, freezers, etc.

- Avoid overcharging or draining your battery. Do not leave your phone plugged in for too long after it reaches full charge, as this can reduce the battery capacity over time. Likewise, do not let your battery drain completely before charging it, as this can also damage the battery cells.

- Use power-saving modes and features. Most phones have power-saving modes and features that can help you extend your battery life by reducing screen brightness, turning off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, etc., when not in use, closing background apps, etc.

- Carry a portable charger or power bank. If you need to charge your phone on the go, you can use a portable charger or power bank that can provide extra power to your phone when plugged in. Make sure you choose a reliable and safe product that matches your phone specifications.