How to Charge Your Phones Properly for Long Battery Life
The battery is a crucial part of your cellphone. It's the heart of the device, and mishandling it can even lead to dangerous situations like explosions.
That's why the battery's capacity and health are top considerations when choosing a new phone. Many opt for phones with large batteries and those that support fast charging to ensure longevity.
However, a battery's life isn't just about its size or how quickly it can charge. The key to a durable battery lies in how you charge it. Even if you have a high-capacity battery, charging it improperly can reduce its effectiveness and lead to quicker wear and tear.
Knowing the right way to charge your phone is essential for maintaining both the battery's health and the overall performance of your phone. So, what's the best way to charge your phone? Here’s what you need to know.
1. Use the Original Charger

Always use the charger that came with your phone. It's designed specifically to charge your phone’s battery in the best way possible. People often overlook this, especially when they forget their charger and end up using someone else's.
Using a different charger isn’t the end of the world, but it could affect performance. Chargers vary in terms of the electric current they deliver; some provide more power than others. For example, some are rated at 2A and others at 1A, which can change how quickly your phone charges.
The safest route is always to stick with the original charger. Many off-brand chargers are of lower quality and can damage your battery. If you must borrow a charger, check its voltage and amperage to ensure it's compatible with your phone.
2. Don't Charge to 100%

A common misconception is that you need to charge your phone fully to 100% to maintain battery health. In reality, it's best to charge it only up to about 80%.
If you usually unplug your phone when it reaches 80% to 90%, don’t worry; this won’t harm your battery. Actually, charging your phone fully can sometimes shorten the battery’s lifespan.
3. Charge Before It Drains Completely

It's better to charge your phone before the battery is completely dead. Aim to plug it in when it has about 30% to 40% power left. Waiting until it hits 0% can degrade the battery over time.
Ideally, try not to let the battery drop below 20% before charging, as consistently going lower can negatively affect its longevity.
4. Turn Off Your Phone While Charging

One of the best ways to charge your phone is to turn it off. It's okay to charge it while it's on, but charging it while it's off can help prolong its life and ensure safety.
5. Reduce Screen Brightness

If you need to charge your phone while it's on, consider lowering the screen brightness first. High screen brightness is a major reason batteries drain quickly during use. Reducing brightness can help the charging process be more effective.
6. Use Power Banks Sparingly

Power banks are handy devices, especially when traveling or when there’s no access to a power outlet. They’re great for keeping your phone running when the battery’s low.
However, try not to rely on them too often. Frequent charging with a power bank can shorten your phone’s battery life. This is especially true if the power bank is of low quality. Use them only when necessary to avoid damaging your battery.
7. Avoid Charging Through PC/Laptop USB Ports

It's best to charge your phone directly from a power outlet. Charging through a computer's USB port is okay in a pinch, but it's not ideal.
USB ports on computers usually only supply about 0.5 A of current, while your phone typically needs 1.0 A or 2.0 A to charge efficiently. This means charging via a USB port can be quite slow. So, try to stick to using wall outlets for charging your phone whenever possible.
8. Remove the Phone Case While Charging

If your phone has a case, it’s a good idea to take it off while charging. Phones often heat up during charging, and the case can trap this heat, making it worse.
While modern phones are better at managing heat, removing the case can help keep your phone cool during charging. Think of the case as clothing; removing it helps the phone "breathe" better when it gets too hot, especially when connected to a power source.
9. Charge Your Phone in the Morning

Many people charge their phones overnight, hoping to wake up to a fully charged battery. While this used to be risky with older phones, which could suffer from overcharging, modern phones have built-in mechanisms that prevent damage from leaving them plugged in all night.
However, even though it's safe, the best time to charge your phone is in the morning before you start your day, not overnight. This habit ensures your phone is ready to go when you are and avoids prolonged charging.
10. Use the Original Battery

For older cell phones with removable batteries, always opt for the original battery if you need a replacement. Using non-original batteries can be risky; they might charge slower or even damage your phone. To avoid any issues and keep your phone running smoothly, stick with the original, genuine battery.
By following these 10 tips, you can help ensure your phone's battery stays healthy longer. Got any more tips? Feel free to share them in the comments below!