Struggling with battery life on your phone?
We’ve all experienced that dreaded moment: you’re watching a great video, engrossed in the content, when suddenly your phone dies with no warning. Well, it wasn’t truly without warning, was it? That little 5% battery warning should have been a signal to take action. However, don’t worry, you’re not alone! The good news is that there are plenty of ways to boost your phone’s battery life, ensuring your device lasts longer between charges. Here are some effective strategies to save power and keep your phone running throughout the day.
Simple Tips to Maximise Your Phone’s Battery Life
Keep Your Battery Charged
For some, it may seem counterintuitive, but modern lithium-ion batteries (like those used in smartphones) don’t need to be completely discharged before recharging. In fact, draining your battery completely can actually damage it over time. These batteries are designed to last around 300 to 500 recharge cycles, so keep your phone charged, and avoid letting it run down to 0%. This will help extend the overall lifespan of your battery.
Lower Brightness & Screen Timeout
The screen is by far the most power-hungry part of your phone. Adjusting your phone’s brightness can make a significant difference to battery life. Lowering brightness to a comfortable level will save power. Additionally, turn off automatic or adaptive brightness as it constantly adjusts your screen brightness and can quickly drain your battery. Another smart move is to reduce your screen timeout setting, which automatically dims the display after a few seconds of inactivity.
Use Wi-Fi Wisely
When your phone is connected to Wi-Fi, it uses less power than when using mobile data. However, if Wi-Fi is turned on but you aren’t connected to a network, your phone will use power searching for signals. This can be a huge drain when you’re on the move, especially in areas with multiple Wi-Fi networks. But when you’re stationary, Wi-Fi is a more energy-efficient option than 4G or 5G. So, keep Wi-Fi on when possible to save your battery.
Activate Power-Saving Modes
Many smartphones come with built-in power-saving modes that automatically adjust settings like screen brightness, background apps, and other features to reduce energy consumption. If you have a phone with an OLED screen, switching to dark mode can further reduce battery drain while looking cool and saving your eyes from strain.
Avoid Fast Charging
While fast charging is convenient, it can actually reduce your battery’s lifespan over time. When a phone is charged quickly, the battery undergoes less efficient chemical reactions. Slow charging is better for preserving battery health in the long run. If you can afford to take your time, opt for a slower, more efficient charging method.
Protect Your Phone from Extreme Temperatures
Just like you, your phone dislikes extreme temperatures. When exposed to cold weather below 32°F (0°C), the battery’s ability to hold a charge is reduced. Similarly, if left in hot environments (over 113°F or 45°C), the battery can overheat, causing long-term damage. Avoid leaving your phone in places like a hot car or freezing outdoors to maintain its battery performance.
Switch to Airplane Mode
If you don’t need network connectivity or are in an area with no signal, consider switching to airplane mode. While in this mode, your phone won’t waste energy searching for a signal. This simple trick can reduce power consumption by up to two-thirds, especially when your phone is idle or turned off for a while.
Cut Down on Video Streaming
Streaming videos and playing games are fun, but they are some of the biggest drains on your battery. The screen, wireless receiver, and processor all work overtime when streaming video, causing significant power consumption. If you’re trying to extend battery life, consider limiting video streaming or reducing screen brightness while watching.
Disable Power-Draining Apps
Some apps are notorious for draining your phone’s battery, and Facebook is a prime culprit. Between its location tracking, auto-playing videos, and constant background activity, the Facebook app can eat through your power quickly. Consider using a browser to access your social media instead of the app or limiting its permissions through your settings.
Store Your Phone at 50% Charge
If you’re not planning to use your phone for an extended period, avoid storing it at 100% charge. Keeping your phone fully charged for long periods can damage the battery. For devices that aren’t in use daily, charge them to 50% before storing them for best results.
Turn Off Location Tracking
Every app that uses location tracking is a potential power drain. Apps like Google Maps, and even some restaurant apps, can drain your battery by constantly requesting your location. Turn off location tracking when it’s not necessary by going into your phone’s settings, and disable it for apps that don’t need to know where you are.
Disable Automatic Updates Though it’s convenient to have your apps update automatically, it can eat into your battery life. Automatic updates use your phone’s resources in the background, draining power. You can disable this feature in the settings to conserve battery life and update your apps manually when needed.
