Modern smartphones are designed with integrated batteries, making them difficult to replace. Once the battery is damaged, the entire phone may become unusable. To extend your smartphone’s life, avoiding these common charging mistakes is essential.
5 common phone charging mistakes
1. Overcharging your phone
Many people plug in their phones before bedtime, assuming it’s harmless. While some smartphones feature protective functions that stop charging around 80 percent, others continue to charge even after reaching 100 percent. This generates excess heat, leading to battery swelling or, in extreme cases, explosions.
What you should do: Most modern smartphones come with fast-charging capabilities. If your battery is running low, a quick 30-minute charge is often enough to restore power. Instead of leaving your phone plugged in overnight, plug in your phone in the morning while brushing your teeth or having breakfast.
2. Letting the battery drain completely
While overcharging damages your battery, allowing it to drain completely can also harm it. Some people continue using their phones until the battery runs out and the device shuts down. However, doing this repeatedly weakens the battery’s capacity to hold a charge, shortening its lifespan.
What you should do: Lithium-ion batteries, which most smartphones use, can be charged at any time without harm. Once your phone drops below 20 percent and the low-battery warning appears, it’s best to charge it immediately.
3. Using your phone while charging
It’s tempting to continue using your phone while it’s charging, especially if the battery is low. However, this practice can be dangerous. When you continue to use your phone, the power bypasses the battery and goes directly to the device, creating heat and increasing the risk of battery explosions.
What you should do: Avoid using your phone while it’s charging. With fast-charging technology, most smartphones can reach full power in about 30 minutes. It’s safer to put the phone down and wait.
4. Using incompatible chargers
When you buy a new phone, the included charger is specifically designed to match its battery specifications. However, some people opt to purchase third-party fast chargers to save time. The problem is that an incompatible charger may deliver the wrong voltage, causing the battery to swell, charge inefficiently, or even display a false full charge.
What you should do: Stick to the original charger provided by the manufacturer. Using third-party or mismatched chargers can damage the battery and shorten your phone’s lifespan.
5. Leaving the charger plugged in
For convenience, many people leave their chargers plugged into power outlets indefinitely. While this might save a few seconds, it’s harmful in the long run. A constantly powered charger retains electricity, and when it connects to your phone, the sudden voltage surge can damage the charging port and battery.
What you should do: Unplug the charger when it’s not in use. This simple step can prevent electrical surges and reduce the risk of battery issues.
Conclusion
Proper charging habits can significantly extend your smartphone’s battery life and overall usability. By avoiding overcharging, preventing complete battery drain, and using the correct charger, you’ll keep your phone running efficiently for years to come. Protect your investment with these simple but effective tips.
Translated by Audrey Wang
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