Smartphones have become an inseparable part of most people’s lives. Owing to the constant reliance on them, individuals are always concerned about their phone’s battery percentage and keeping it charged throughout the day. However, in doing so, they often make inevitable mistakes that could prove costly, severely damaging the phone’s functioning and battery life. To ensure smartphones’ longevity and optimal performance, avoiding common charging mistakes, such as the following, is crucial.

Charging the phone to 100%
It is a common misconception that charging the phone 100% is the most effective way to use it. However, this practice can cause harm to one’s device in the long run. Smartphones, like many other electronic devices, have limited charge cycles. If one constantly charges the phone to full capacity, one will quickly use up all of these cycles. Once the charge cycles are depleted, the phone’s battery capacity will decrease, negatively impacting its overall functionality. To avoid this, it is recommended that one charges the smartphone only once a month and, at other times, only up to 80% for optimal battery lifespan. By following these guidelines, one can extend the phone’s battery’s life and ensure it continues functioning properly over time.

Letting the phone discharge completely
Letting a smartphone discharge completely, as in, letting the battery reach 0% and shut down, is an equally detrimental practice. This is again due to the smartphone’s limited number of charge cycles. Charging it after it reaches 0% and shuts down uses up a new charge cycle of the phone. Hence, to ensure a long battery life, it is also essential to not let it get discharged. Connecting the smartphone to a charger when it begins showing a low battery warning is advisable.

Using cheap chargers
It is imperative for one always to use the recommended phone chargers that their phone’s manufacturer provides. Branded chargers offer protection against overcharging and overheating, ensuring the phone’s safety. On the other hand, cheap, unbranded chargers do not have these safeguards to protect the phone from overheating. As a result, prolonged usage of such chargers can harm the phone’s functioning and longevity. Similarly, using substandard charging cables can also pose similar risks. It is, therefore, important to always use the recommended chargers and charging cables from trusted brands and phone manufacturers.

Leaving the phone on charging overnight
Many individuals habitually leave their smartphones on charging overnight to charge them fully by the morning. While this may seem practical, it can be dangerous. Leaving the phone on charging overnight can cause it to get overcharged and overheated, damaging it. It also wastes a lot of electricity and uses up the phone’s charging cycle.

Using the phone while it’s charging
It’s a common habit for many people to use their smartphone while it’s charging. However, this seemingly harmless practice can harm the phone’s battery, screen, and processor. Moreover, this may increase the phone’s temperature, further ruining its longevity. To ensure that the phone lasts as long as possible, it’s best to avoid using it while charging. One can also plan the charging schedule to ensure that the phone is charging while occupied with other activities and doesn’t require it. This way, one can maintain the health of the phone’s battery and other components and enjoy using it for longer without any issues.

Leaving the phone in its case when charging
Leaving the phone in its case during charging might offer protection, but it comes with a downside. The case can trap the heat generated during the charging process, which can heat the phone’s internal components. This is why leaving the smartphone’s cover on when charging can be damaging.

Using battery-saving apps from unknown sources
Many people install battery-saving apps from unknown sources to save over-usage of the phone’s battery. These apps may promise enhanced performance but can do more harm than good. Some apps may run intrusive ads, draining the battery even faster. Hence, if one wishes to use such apps to improve battery life, it is better to stick to apps from reputable sources.

Using cheap power banks
It is essential to know that opting for a cheap power bank to charge your smartphone may lead to potential hazards. These low-cost devices may not have the necessary protection mechanisms against overcharging and overheating, which could harm both the device and the user. Investing in high-quality accessories and only purchasing power banks from reputable brands and manufacturers is recommended to ensure the safety of your phone and yourself. This may come at a slightly higher cost but is a worthwhile investment in the long run.

Charging the phone before its charging drops below 20%
While it is not advisable to let a phone get discharged, it is also not okay to charge it too often, significantly before it drops below 20%. This is another practice that can also damage the phone’s battery life. Keeping the phone’s charging or battery percentage between 20% and 80% is advisable to ensure the battery’s longevity.

Leaving the charger in the socket
One may think leaving chargers plugged into the socket, even when not connected to a phone, is normal. However, doing so consumes and wastes electricity. Over time, this energy usage can contribute to increased utility bills. Hence, it is better always to unplug the charger when not in use.