6 tricks to charge your smartphone without ruining the battery

Smartphone battery life is one of the most important concerns for users: here are six tricks to protect battery health

The use of fast charging in smarthone batteries is an increasingly common practice among manufacturers. It happens in Samsung, Huawei and even Apple devices. Having a cell phone that doesn't need to be constantly plugged into an electrical outlet is increasingly important.

According to ComTech's study published on KantarWorldPlannel, battery life is the most important requirement for consumers, even compared to the quality of the photo compartment. However, now that quick recharges are so popular, so many questions arise: can this type of power supply ruin the device in the long run? What are the risks? Is there a possibility to recharge the smartphone without ruining its battery? To tell the truth, yes: there are several tricks that allow your device to work longer. These simple tricks and tips will allow you to make it survive for years and use it all day long without having to always hunt for an electrical outlet.

Why do you need to charge the battery up to 80%?

All cell phones, as well as electronic devices and electric cars, work thanks to lithium-ion battery (Li-Ion). Duration and longevity depend on its size: the larger the battery, the longer its autonomy. For this reason, companies like Apple and Samsung are sacrificing some components - such as the SIM slot - to make room for larger batteries.

But that's not all: when charging a Li-Ion battery, you should never reach 100%. That's why manufacturers recommend charging the smartphone up to 80%. Even though the device will discharge faster than if it is 100% charged, this will allow it to survive longer.

Using fast charging will not harm the battery

The power of an older generation charger is between 5 and 10 Watts. This capacity increases up to 5 times in newer power supplies. For example, the Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10 Plus have a 25 Watt charger. This type of power supply does not harm the devices, and the reasons are simple: as always you need to understand how they work.

Fast-charging batteries work in two stages. The first one lasts from 15 to 30 minutes and gives the battery a 70-80% charge, while the second one is longer and servers to recharge the missing part. During the first phase, the devices absorb most of the charge without consequence. Apple has claimed that its devices can reach 50% charge in half an hour. Using a fast-charging charger therefore allows you to have the desired autonomy in a short time, without damaging its efficiency.

It is not possible to overcharge the battery

The risk of overcharging the lithium-ion garlic battery is among the major concerns of users. In particular, the fear is related to the habit of keeping the phone plugged in even after it is 100% charged. In reality, the device is built so that when it reaches the maximum level, the charge will stop on its own.

Apple has devised a very special protection system called "Optimized Charging" that blocks the charge not at 100% but at 80% preventing it from entering the second phase. This allows you to improve the longevity of your smartphone.

Why should you never let your phone completely discharge?"

If you want your smartphone to survive as long as possible, make sure you never have a completely discharged battery. In the long run, its effectiveness might be reduced.

To avoid this, whenever the level is at its lowest, turn on the "Power Saver" settings and stop using the device. The best time to charge your phone is when the battery level is at 30%.

Avoid high temperatures

High temperatures reduce battery longevity. To protect your smartphone, keep it away from heat sources also because, in extreme cases, it could explode. If the device is exposed to - or reaches - a temperature of 30°C the battery will lose its effectiveness or be permanently compromised.

You can use cables other than the ones provided

How many times have you charged your phone using a friend's power adapter? The good news is that this won't damage your device. Unless you are dealing with counterfeit or damaged cables, there is no danger. The only downside is that your smartphone may charge more slowly. This happens, for example, with OnePlus phones that come with chargers with proprietary technology that allows the phone to charge quickly. If you use an alternative charger, even if it doesn't cause any damage, it charges more slowly.

In short, modern batteries are designed to last a long time and charge quickly, but most importantly they have protection systems that make them safer than in the past. Knowing and applying the tricks just described will allow you to keep your devices efficient for many years.