Stop Charging Your Phone Wrong: Tips to Extend Battery Life | BGR
- Keeping your smartphone battery healthy is a concern for many users, and recent guidance suggests that how you charge your device is just as important as how you...
- One of the most significant factors impacting battery health is heat.
- The conventional wisdom of charging to 100% is increasingly being challenged.
Keeping your smartphone battery healthy is a concern for many users, and recent guidance suggests that how you charge your device is just as important as how you use it. While the temptation to simply plug in overnight is strong, doing so can, over time, degrade battery performance. , The New York Times’ Wirecutter highlighted several simple steps users can take to extend the life of their phone’s battery.
The Heat Factor
One of the most significant factors impacting battery health is heat. As BGR reported on , overheating – especially when the battery is fully charged – can accelerate battery drain and long-term damage. This is because heat stresses the internal components of the battery. The type of charger and cable used can also contribute to overheating; cheaper cables may not regulate power efficiently. Removing a phone case during charging, particularly a thick one, can help dissipate heat, according to BGR.
Beyond 100%: Why Full Charges Aren’t Ideal
The conventional wisdom of charging to 100% is increasingly being challenged. Multiple sources indicate that consistently charging a lithium-ion battery to its maximum capacity and maintaining it there can accelerate chemical aging. BGR explained on that keeping a battery at a high voltage consistently reduces its capacity by as much as 10-15% faster than charging to a lower percentage. Similarly, The New York Times’ Wirecutter advises against routinely charging to 100%, noting that over time, this practice weakens the battery and leads to faster charge loss.
The 80/30 Rule and Charge Cycles
So, what’s the optimal charging strategy? The recommendation from multiple sources is to avoid both full discharges and full charges. BGR suggests charging a phone to around 80% and then using it until it reaches 30% before recharging. This approach minimizes the completion of charge cycles. Batteries have a limited number of charge cycles, and each full cycle contributes to degradation. By keeping the battery within the 30-80% range, users can extend its lifespan.
Optimized Charging Features
Fortunately, many modern smartphones now include features designed to mitigate these issues. BGR highlights “Adaptive Charging” on Android and “Optimized Battery Charging” on iPhones. These features learn a user’s charging habits and adjust the charging process accordingly. For example, they may slow down charging speed at higher percentages to reduce heat generation and deliver a full charge shortly before the user typically disconnects the device. Samsung devices offer a “Protect battery” function that limits charging to 85%, while Google Pixel phones have a “Charging optimization” setting that can cap charging at 80%.
Occasional Full Charges Are Acceptable
While avoiding consistent full charges is beneficial, it’s not always practical. BGR acknowledges that occasional full charges are unlikely to cause significant harm, particularly when preparing for a busy day or travel. The key is to avoid making it a routine.
The Importance of Battery Health Optimization
The benefits of these optimized charging strategies are becoming increasingly important as smartphone lifespans extend. As The New York Times’ Wirecutter points out, there’s a growing trend towards keeping existing phones longer rather than upgrading annually. Investing in battery health through mindful charging habits is a cost-effective way to maximize the value of a smartphone and reduce electronic waste. A Reddit post from further reinforces these recommendations, suggesting the use of slow chargers when possible and a battery pack for extended use.
Real-World Testing Confirms the Benefits
Evidence from real-world testing supports the claim that limiting charge to 80% can significantly extend battery life. A YouTube video published on details a nearly two-year experiment across two devices, demonstrating a noticeable difference in battery health when limiting charging to 80%.
while modern smartphones are sophisticated devices, their battery technology remains relatively unchanged. By adopting a more mindful approach to charging – avoiding extremes of charge and discharge, utilizing built-in optimization features, and being aware of heat – users can significantly extend the lifespan of their phone’s battery and get the most out of their investment.