Each night, millions of us plug in our phones before bed and let them charge to 100 percent. Although this is convenient, it may be reducing our phone batteries’ lifespan. Recent research suggests that for optimal battery health, it’s better to avoid charging your phone to full capacity every time.
Here’s the science behind it
Lithium-ion batteries, which power most smartphones, naturally degrade over time due to chemical aging. Charging your phone to 100 percent and keeping it there is like overstuffing a sponge. This accelerates wear and tear, shortening the battery’s life. Experts recommend keeping your charge between 20 and 80 percent to minimize stress on the battery and help extend its lifespan.
It’s important to note that you’re not necessarily at risk of a battery explosion. Modern phone manufacturers incorporate technology to enhance charging safety, including features like custom alerts at specific charge levels and the option to halt charging at 80%. Even without these extras, today’s smartphones use intelligent charging systems that stop charging once the battery reaches full capacity and only resume occasionally to maintain it at 100%.
Here’s how phone manufacturers are addressing charging safety
Adaptive Charging Technologies
- Google Pixel Phones
- Go to Settings > Battery > Adaptive Charging.
- Enable Adaptive Charging to let your phone learn your charging habits and fully charge only when necessary.
- Samsung Galaxy Phones
- Navigate to Settings > Battery > Battery Protection.
- Choose Adaptive or Maximum to cap charging at 80%.
- Set up custom alerts through Settings > Modes and Routines to manage charging notifications.
For other Android devices, various apps are available to manage charging levels and set alerts.
For iPhone Users
iOS includes Optimized Battery Charging, which learns your charging routine and delays charging beyond 80% until it’s needed. To enable this feature, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health.
By utilizing these smart charging practices, you can significantly extend your phone’s battery life, reducing the need for frequent replacements or new devices. Small adjustments in how you charge your phone—like using adaptive charging and setting charge limits—can lead to a healthier, longer-lasting battery.
