It’s super frustrating when your phone suddenly dies when you’re out, or when your laptop only works when it’s chained to an outlet. It feels like a tech betrayal, doesn’t it?
You’d think these issues are just a regular part of our digital lives, but much of the blame actually lies in our charging habits. Over time, these habits can damage the lithium-ion batteries powering our devices.
Now, if we treat them right, the batteries in our smartphones should be going strong for a good two to three years, as pointed out by Wired. But how can we ensure they stay healthy for as long as possible?
There’s a whole lot of advice out there, some of which is outdated or just plain wrong. Let’s clear the air and tackle the common, innocent mistakes we all make that might be shortening our battery’s life. Listen up, and let’s keep our gadgets going stronger, for longer!
1. Bringing Your Phone Along in Extreme Temperatures
Guess what? Batteries are just like us! They’re not fans of freezing their electrons off in the snow or melting in the blazing sun.
Apple says that freezing temps can give your battery a temporary chill, reducing its life. But the real danger is when things get too hot. Think 95 degrees Fahrenheit or above. That kind of heat can cause permanent battery damage.
Now, the dream scenario? Never exposing your phone to such wild weather. But let’s be real, that’s not always doable. Ever forgotten your device in the car? Yep, it can turn into an oven or freezer in there. So, if you’re out and about, try not to use or charge your device in these extreme conditions. Keep it cool (or warm), just like you’d want to be!
2. Running on Empty
Do you wait for the gas station’s “E” to even think about refueling? And are you doing the same with your phone? Well, it’s time for a little intervention.
Samsung points out that letting your battery hit rock bottom can actually cut its life short. Aim to keep it charged above 20% whenever possible. Let’s keep that energy up, for both your car and your phone!
3. Leaving it Plugged in for Long Periods
You know that feeling of satisfaction when your device shows a 100% charge? Well, turns out that keeping it fully charged for too long might not be the best for its health. Microsoft gives us the heads up.
Instead of letting it sit at full charge for ages, aim to keep your battery dancing between 20% and 80%. So, no need to rush to the charger after every short use. Give it a little wiggle room and keep that battery happy!
4. Never Charging
Alright, here’s the other side of the coin. Ever just… forget to plug your device in? Apple‘s got a word of caution for us:
Leaving a device completely drained for too long could send the battery into a deep slumber from which it might not wake up – meaning it won’t hold a charge anymore.
Got a laptop you only use once in a blue moon for travel? Give it some juice every now and then. I know, it’s a bit of a chore, but trust me, your future self will give you a high-five for it.
5. Running Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS
how your phone’s battery seems to vanish when you’re in an area with spotty reception? Here’s the scoop: Using Wi-Fi is easier on your battery than constantly searching for a weak data signal. But if you’re not browsing or streaming? Having Wi-Fi on is just unnecessary energy drain. And this goes for other background apps constantly seeking a connection.
The mantra? If you’re not using it, switch it off.
And a quick tech tidbit: When it comes to battery-saving, not all connections are created equal. If you’ve got to choose between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, especially for stuff like wireless headphones, Bluetooth might be the way to go. Research from IEEE, a big deal in the engineering world, tells us that Bluetooth can be about 30% more energy-efficient than Wi-Fi. Cool, right?
6. Using the Cheapest Knockoff Charger you can Buy
Ever been tempted by those budget-friendly chargers that aren’t from your device’s official brand? I get it, saving money feels good. But here’s the thing: sometimes, you get what you pay for.
Those off-brand chargers? They might not be built with the same quality standards as your device’s original charger. If they end up sending too much current to your battery, you could be looking at long-term damage. Think of it like overfeeding a pet – not the best idea.
I know, it sounds a bit extra to fuss over a charger, but trust me. If you’ve ever been bummed out by how fast your gadgets run out of juice, investing in a good charger might just be the ticket. Better safe than sorry, right? 🔌🔋
