There’s nothing worse than purchasing a brand new smartphone, only to notice a significant decline in battery life after a year or two. But how can you prevent this from happening? Many tips and tricks exist, but one may surprise you because it goes against common practices. According to Ritesh Chugh, an associate professor in Information and Communications Technology at CQUniversity Australia, if you want to prolong your battery’s lifespan, you should never charge your phone overnight. Chugh explains that most new-generation smartphones only take between 30 minutes and two hours to fully charge. Charging your phone overnight is unnecessary and actually accelerates battery aging.
Are you charging your phone incorrectly? There are numerous tips and tricks available for preventing battery degradation, but one suggestion may go against your instincts. Chugh advises against charging your phone overnight if you want to extend your battery’s lifespan. Lithium-ion batteries, which power modern smartphones, chemically degrade due to charging patterns, temperature fluctuations, and usage. Charging overnight means your battery receives a charge that is four times longer than necessary, as it remains plugged in for approximately six to eight hours. Unfortunately, this is not ideal for safety purposes, although most devices automatically stop charging when the battery reaches 100% to prevent overheating. The problem lies in the fact that apps continue to run in the background throughout the night, causing the battery to drop to 99% repeatedly. This triggers the phone to engage in a “trickle charge,” which can wear down the battery over time. Manufacturers have implemented features to regulate this issue. For instance, Apple iPhones can delay charging past 80%, while Samsung Galaxy phones have the option to cap the charge at 85%.
Another detrimental practice to lithium-ion batteries is letting your phone’s battery completely drain. Instead, experts recommend maintaining a charge level between 20-80%. Many new smartphones provide the option to optimize charging, reducing stress on the battery. For example, iPhones with iOS 13 and later versions can enable “Optimized Battery Charging” in the battery settings. This feature delays charging past 80% based on machine learning and your daily routine, thereby improving battery lifespan. Android devices have similar settings, although they vary among manufacturers. By accessing the battery settings, you can view your battery health and select options to automatically extend its longevity.
Dirt in the charging port can also harm battery life over time. Crumbs and dust can accumulate, causing overheating or problems with charging. To prevent this, it is recommended to clean your phone regularly. Use a toothpick and a slightly damp cloth to remove debris from the charging port gently. Make sure your device is turned off before cleaning. Shine a light on the port to identify the amount of dust present. Wipe around the area with a lint-free cloth, and use a toothpick to dislodge any debris within the port. Be cautious and gentle to avoid damage. As you remove debris, wipe it away with the cloth and continue cleaning with a clean toothpick.
It’s essential to note that charging your iPhone under your pillow is highly discouraged. Apple recently issued a warning for those who fall asleep while holding their device, connected to the charger. The tech giant advises only charging iPhones in well-ventilated areas, such as a flat tabletop, and avoiding charging on thick duvets. iPhones generate heat while charging, and if this heat cannot escape, it can potentially cause burns or even start fires. Keeping your phone under your pillow while charging is one of the worst habits for smartphone users to engage in.
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