Smartphone Charging: The Dos and Don’ts for Better Battery Life

Smartphones have become an essential part of everyday life. However, smartphone batteries are those mobile parts that are often neglected. Improper charging habits can significantly shorten the lifespan of your battery, leading to slower performance, faster drain, and, eventually, the need for a costly replacement. 

Fortunately, by following some simple charging practices, you can extend your battery’s health and get the most out of your device. In this article, we’ll cover the key dos and don’ts of smartphone charging.

Do: Charge Between 20% and 80%

While it might be convenient to let your phone reach 100% or wait until it drops to 0%, this charging habit can actually shorten your battery’s lifespan over time. Lithium-ion batteries, which power most smartphones, are designed to last longer when you keep them between 20% and 80%.

Charging to full capacity or letting it drain completely places additional strain on the battery, which leads to a phenomenon called “battery wear.” Essentially, this means the battery starts losing its ability to hold a full charge over time. By charging your phone more frequently in the 20-80% range, you reduce the wear and ensure it maintains its capacity for a longer period. This is especially important if you plan to keep your phone for several years.

Do: Use the Right Charger

Using the correct charger for your phone isn’t just about convenience; it’s also about protecting the health of your battery. Cheap or unapproved chargers may not regulate voltage and current properly, which can lead to overheating or overcharging. Over time, these issues can permanently damage your phone’s battery and reduce its ability to hold a charge.

Always use the charger that comes with your phone or buy an official replacement from the manufacturer. These chargers are designed to work specifically with your device and help ensure it charges safely and efficiently. If you need a third-party charger, make sure it’s from a trusted brand and supports the required voltage and power output for your phone.

Do: Keep Your Phone Cool While Charging

Heat is one of the biggest enemies of battery health. When you charge your phone, the battery naturally generates heat, which, in high amounts, can cause internal damage. To minimize this effect, it’s essential to keep your phone cool during the charging process.

Avoid charging your phone in direct sunlight or in places where it can overheat, like on a bed or under a pillow. If your phone gets too hot while charging, it can lead to degradation of the battery cells. For this reason, it’s also a good idea to remove your phone case during charging, as it can trap heat and cause the device to overheat more quickly.

Don’t: Use Your Phone While Charging

Using your phone while it’s charging is tempting, but it can negatively affect both the charging speed and the battery. Activities like playing games, streaming videos, or using power-hungry apps cause your phone to generate heat, which can prevent the battery from charging properly. Plus, this extra strain can make the battery work harder, which may shorten its lifespan over time.

It’s best to avoid heavy phone usage during charging, especially for resource-intensive tasks. If you only need to check messages or browse lightly, it’s fine. However, when you need a full charge, try to leave your phone alone until it reaches the desired level.

Don’t: Charge Your Phone in Extreme Conditions

Charging your phone in extreme temperatures can lead to serious battery issues. Both very hot and very cold environments can cause the battery to lose its efficiency. Charging your phone in direct sunlight or inside a car on a hot day can cause it to overheat, while extremely cold conditions can slow down the charging process or even damage the battery. For the health of your battery, it’s essential to charge your phone in a temperature-controlled environment, ideally between 32°F (0°C) and 95°F (35°C).

Conclusion

By following these detailed dos and don’ts, you can significantly improve your smartphone’s battery performance. With these habits, your phone’s battery will last longer, and you’ll enjoy a smoother, more reliable smartphone experience.

Other articles from totimes.ca – mtltimes.ca – otttimes.ca