What’s Killing Your Phone Battery?

When you first start using a fresh battery, it seems like you can go for weeks without needing to plug your phone in. After a few months of use though, your battery doesn’t hold a charge like it used to. Suddenly, it seems you have to have your phone plugged in all the time.

Losing battery capacity is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to happen so fast. You can prolong the life of your phone battery and keep it able to hold a charge longer by following a few simple rules. You’re probably doing a few things that are killing your battery though without even knowing it. Here are three things you should be aware of if you want your battery to last longer than WebOS.

1. Charging to 100%

That’s right! Charging your phone battery to 100% can actually cause more strain on your battery. That kind of strain leads to fewer discharge cycles. It is recommended that you keep your phone battery at a charge between 40% and 80%. It will greatly prolong battery life.

Of course, this isn’t solid advice for those of us who absolutely need a 100% charge to start our day. But for those of you who constantly plug in your phone to keep that 100% charge, you might want to settle down a bit and put away the charger.

2. Using your phone while it’s plugged in

Heat is a natural enemy to batteries. The more heat your battery is exposed to, the shorter the life. Charging your battery alone causes heat to be produced. If you’re charging while using your phone, the processor, network hardware, GPS and screen all collaborate to make a hotter than hell nightmare for your phone battery.

It’s OK to occasionally use your phone while it’s plugged in to quickly check email or make a call, but it’s probably not the best idea to leave your phone plugged in while streaming videos or using the GPS in your car for prolonged periods of time.

3. Not letting your phone breathe

Did you buy the thickest case for your phone? Do you keep it in your pocket right up against your warm body? Once again, heat is the enemy!

Keep your phone in a cool place whenever you can. If you must use a case, purchase one that helps expel heat and is well ventilated. Carry your phone in your pocket when you have to, but take it out to let it breathe every once in awhile.

Generally, keeping your phone cool is the best way to not kill your phone battery. So be aware of what makes your phone warm and reap the benefits of a long lasting battery. If you want to get deep and technical about battery life, Battery University has some great articles to get your started.

May your battery live long and prosper.