Many tech myths are out there, as if more bars on your phone mean better service. Enter * 3001 # 12345 # * into your dialer and press the call button to access “Field Mode” for details on local networks and cell towers. Tap or click to find out what the test results mean.
Some people turn off their computers every day to reduce wear and tear. This is the definitive guide to how often you should restart your computer and the correct way to do so.
What about your smartphone’s battery performance? It will decrease over time, but you don’t want to speed up the process. We will end the debate on whether overnight charging will do this.
What manufacturers say
Battery life is not just based on when it was assembled. There are many other factors, including extreme fluctuations in temperature and your charging habits. The lithium-ion batteries in our phones age chemically and maintain less charge over time. That’s why your old phone doesn’t stay charged for that long.
So, does charging overnight make a big difference?
Apple says that when your iPhone “remains fully charged for extended periods of time, battery health can be affected.”
Android phone manufacturers, including Samsung, say the same thing. “Do not leave your phone connected to the charger for long periods of time or overnight.” Huawei says: “Keeping the battery level as close to the middle (30% to 70%) as possible can effectively extend battery life.”
The official word is to keep the phone charged – but not fully charged.
Your battery will stop charging automatically when it is full, but in some cases, when it drops to 99%, it will need more energy to get back to 100. This constant cycle erodes battery life. Most phones come with built-in charging regulation options for that reason.
Big Tech tracking: Use this privacy-oriented map when you don’t want Google or Apple to track it.
Government emergency aid: See if you qualify for $ 50 off your broadband internet account.
Be a tightwad: 20 things you shouldn’t be paying because you can get them for free.
Use your phone’s built-in features
On iPhones running iOS 13 and later, optimized battery charging reduces the amount of time your phone is fully charged. Once enabled, your iPhone analyzes your charging habits and expects to finish charging 80% by the time you need it.
You can ignore this by tapping and holding the “Optimized battery charging” pop-up when the phone is connected.
It is enabled by default, but you can verify that it is enabled by going to settings > Drums > Battery health > Optimized battery charging.
Phone charger: This portable pack packs a punch
No matter what type of phone you have, make the most of its battery life features. Navigate to the Battery section in your settings and see what options are available. The less daily wear and tear, the longer the battery will last.
There is also technology to help. Choose this handy $ 12 automatic shutdown timer that allows you to set your phone to charge only for a certain period of time. They are also great for tablets and laptops. The flow of electricity will stop when you reach this limit.
Apps, such as AccuBattery for Android, can also help you keep an eye on battery health. It shows, in real time, when to charge and when to disconnect to maximize battery life.
More ways to keep your battery healthy
• There is no need to lower the battery to 0 before charging it. This means that you are consuming an entire charge cycle if it is 0 to 100%. Load it when it’s convenient for you and don’t worry too much about the percentages.
• Keep your phone as fresh as possible. Heat affects battery life in the long run, so putting it under your pillow is one of the worst things you can do. The same applies to leaving the phone in the sun or outdoors when it is cold.
• If you wake up during the night and see that your phone is fully charged, disconnect it. It won’t make a big difference, but it certainly won’t hurt.
Need help fixing a printer, slow PC or audio problems? Post your tech questions to get quick, concrete answers from me and other tech professionals. Visit my question and answer forum and get technical help now.
Learn about all the latest technologies at the Kim Komando Show, the largest weekend radio talk show in the country. Kim takes calls and gives advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit their website at Komando.com.
This article was originally published in USA TODAY: Cell phone battery life: should you charge your phone at night or not?