3 tech myths you won't believe acctually exist .

1. You should not charge your gadget overnight.

Many people are afraid to charge their phone or tablet overnight because they think it might overcharge and explode the battery. I also field this question from people worried about leaving laptops plugged in 24/7. 1. You shouldn't charge your gadget overnight

Many people are afraid to charge their phone or tablet overnight because they think it might overcharge and destroy the battery. I also field this question from people worried about leaving laptops plugged in 24X7.

Fortunately, you can stop worrying. Modern electronics automatically stop before the battery overcharges. As long as you don't put your smartphone under your pillow, or stab a battery with a kitchen knife, you're OK. 

2. Should not use third party chargers.

There is a difference between knockoff chargers and third-party chargers. A third-party charger is an Apple- or Android-compatible charger from a reputable company like Belkin or Monoprice.

Third-party chargers are OK to buy. Just know that, in general, they won't charge your gadget as quickly or reliably as a maker’s official charger.

Knockoff chargers usually don't have a brand name, or they say they're from Apple, Samsung, HTC, etc., but have a ridiculously low price. Knockoffs are often responsible for the horror stories you hear about gadgets bursting into flames or electrocuting users. Avoid them at all costs.

Your safest choice is to buy your charger directly from the gadget manufacturer. You should also know the signs of a shady gadget charger.

3. You have to let your battery drain to zero before charging.

Nickel-Cadmium batteries, which used to be a staple of home electronics, had a "memory effect." That meant if you didn't drain them fully before each charging, they'd eventually stop holding as much electricity.

The lithium-ion batteries that have replaced them in modern gadgets don't have that problem. In fact, li-ion batteries last longest when you keep them between 40 percent and 80 percent charged. Also, if you let li-ion batteries discharge completely for too long, they can be permanently damaged or become dangerous.

But li-ions do have one challenge. The batteries have a built-in sensor that tells your gadget how much electricity is left in the battery. Over time, that stops matching up with the battery's actual charge.

To reset it, you have to charge the li-ion battery to full, let it run down to the point where your gadget gives you a serious battery warning and then charge it back up to full again. However, this only needs to be done every three months or so.

For some gadgets, you might not need to do it at all. Apple used to recommend this process but now says it is no longer needed. Check your gadget's manual to see if it has any specific directions.

Fortunately, you can stop worrying. Modern electronics automatically stop before the battery overcharges.