We’ve all done it: connecting our phones to the charger before we go to bed to make sure we have a full charge for our next commute. But a new technical analysis from battery experts at Battery University shows that it may be better to avoid leaving a lithium-ion battery at a hundred percent for too long, as it could actually speed up the chemical degradation. This is a common habit that may be more convenient but could be the root cause of your phone’s afternoon battery woes.
Avoid the Overnight Charge
Leaving your phone connected to the charging dock while you sleep may cause “trickle charging”—the battery’s charge will fluctuate between 99 and 100%. This could eventually lead to chemical damage.
Keep the Sweet Spot
Most studies indicate that they are (ideally) between 20 and 80 percent most of the time. This may help increase the number of charge cycles your phone is capable of. Heat can destroy many electronic devices.
Use the Original Brick
Some after-market accessories may not have the same voltage regulators that manufacturers’ accessories use. An official charger may deliver a constant and safe charge to your device every time.
Remove the Bulky Case
Some thick cases can be like an oven during fast charging. The extra ventilation may help to keep the phone’s temperature lower.
Avoid Total Power Drain
Trying to wait until your phone’s battery is completely spent before you charge it is an old practice. Newer models could actually be damaged by regularly reaching 0% and may have a shorter lifespan.
Update Your Software
Software upgrades by the manufacturer might contain enhanced battery management. This could mean your phone is able to improve power usage and optimize charging rates according to your lifestyle.
Avoid Using Heavy Apps
Playing graphically demanding games and streaming video with your device running on the charger could produce a parasitic load. Maybe the battery loses the plot and overheats.
Limit Car Charger Use
Inexpensive car adapters might supply unstable power levels due to power fluctuations in the car. Limiting their use may mean that your costly phone’s delicate circuitry will be less likely to be damaged by power spikes.
Storage at Half Power
If you’re not going to use a device for a month or so, it’s recommended to store it at half power. Leaving it full or empty might cause a full discharge.
Monitor Battery Health Settings
The more recent phone models have a menu showing the ‘Battery Health’ and maximum capacity. This may provide a possible indicator of the effect of your particular usage patterns on the longevity of the device.
