Have you ever been frustrated when your smartphone dies in the middle of the day or your laptop unexpectedly shuts down? This is a common problem and is usually caused by a deteriorating battery. While it’s normal for batteries to degrade over time, there are a few habits that can speed up this process. Understanding these pitfalls is essential to extending the life of your device. Let’s get started and discover the common mistakes that are silently draining your battery.
Some Common Mistakes That Cause Rapid Battery Deterioration
So, there are a few things that most of us do that can cause our batteries to deteriorate quickly. For example:
Do Not Expose Your Device to Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures are public enemy number one for lithium-ion batteries. They thrive in a comfortable range of 32 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Beyond these limits, you’re putting your battery at risk. Overheating can be particularly dangerous, as it can cause the battery to fail or, worse yet, explode.
Imagine leaving your phone in a scorching hot car. It’s a recipe for disaster. Your phone will likely shut down to protect itself, and you won’t be able to charge it until it cools down. This is because charging generates heat, and an already hot battery can be a fire hazard.
To keep your devices happy, avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures. Consider storing them in an insulated case or bag when you’re in a hot or cold environment. This will help maintain a more consistent temperature and preserve the health of your battery.
Leaving Bluetooth and Wi-Fi On All The Time Drains Your Battery
Although wireless connections such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS provide incredible convenience, they also come at a battery cost.
Wi-Fi is a double-edged sword. It's generally more energy efficient than cellular data, especially in areas with strong signals.
However, if you're in a weak Wi-Fi area, constantly searching for a connection can drain your battery faster, so use Wi-Fi when it's strong, but switch to cellular data when necessary.
Bluetooth and GPS are notorious battery hogs. While they don’t significantly impact long-term battery health, they can quickly drain your battery during active use. It’s a good practice to turn off Bluetooth when not in use and disable GPS when you don’t need location services.
Stop Overcharging Your Battery
You may have heard that leaving your device plugged in all the time is bad for the battery. While this may be true for older battery technologies, it’s less of a concern for modern lithium-ion batteries.
Most smartphones, tablets, and laptops now have smart charging features that prevent overcharging. Once your device is fully charged, the charging current is reduced to a trickle to maintain the battery level without damaging it.
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However, if you’re not sure if your device has this feature, it’s best to avoid leaving it plugged in all the time. Occasional overcharging won’t significantly harm your battery, but it’s a good habit to unplug your device once it’s fully charged.
Don't Let Your Battery Drop to 0% Too Often
Contrary to popular belief, letting your battery fully discharge before charging it is no longer beneficial for modern lithium-ion batteries. In fact, it can actually accelerate battery degradation.
The ideal point for charging is between 15% and 20% of the remaining battery. This helps maintain optimal battery health. However, repeatedly draining your battery to zero can shorten its lifespan.
Remember, technology is constantly evolving and what worked for older battery types may not work for today's devices.
Stop Leaving Your Device Plugged In All Day
Leaving your device plugged in all day, every day is a quick way to shorten its battery life. Think of a laptop that has to be plugged in all the time – defeats the purpose of portability, right?
While modern devices have improved battery management, it’s best to avoid keeping your battery at 100% for long periods of time. Aim to keep your battery charged between 20% and 80% for optimum longevity. This means avoiding overnight charging sessions and allowing your battery to drain a bit during the day.
Remember, a little battery care goes a long way. By following these tips, you can significantly extend the battery life of your device.
Do Not Allow Deep Discharge of Battery
Just as overcharging can damage your battery, so can leaving it completely discharged for long periods of time. This can put your battery into a state called “deep discharge,” which significantly reduces its capacity.
Even if you don’t use a device often, it’s important to give it a small charge every few months. This simple step can help prevent deep discharge and extend the life of your battery.
Use Good Chargers to Charge Your Device Battery
The charger you use can significantly impact your device’s battery health and charging speed. While it can be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a quality charger is essential.
Look for chargers that meet USB-C standards and offer Power Delivery (PD) compatibility. A higher-wattage charger is generally better, especially for laptops. Consider a 30W charger for smartphones, 60W or higher for laptops, and 15W to 60W for tablets.
Additionally, prioritize GaN-compatible chargers. This technology increases safety by protecting your devices from power surges and overcharging. Remember, a reliable charger is an investment in the longevity of your device.