Your phone's battery is one of the first parts to show signs of aging, but it doesn't have to wear out that quickly. While there's no magic fix, small changes to how you charge, use, and store your device can make a big difference in slowing battery wear.
- Tips to keep your smartphone battery in the best condition
6. Bypass battery protection features
Charging your phone to 100% can be necessary when you're away from an outlet for most of the day. However, charging your phone to 100% every day—or worse, leaving it at 100% for long periods of time—can cause your battery to deteriorate faster over time. That's because lithium-ion batteries (the kind used in all smartphones) don't respond well to long periods of full charging.
Consistently high voltage can cause the ions in your battery to become unstable, reducing the overall lifespan of your battery. The good news is that both Android and iPhone have built-in features designed to help manage this. All you have to do is turn them on.
5. Regularly let the battery drain to 0%
Not only does leaving your phone at 100% increase battery drain, but regularly letting it drop to 0% is just as bad. While it may feel good to drain it before charging, doing this too often puts extra stress on your phone's battery and can shorten its lifespan over time.
Lithium-ion batteries work best when kept between 20% and 80% charged. Of course, occasionally letting your phone run out of juice won't damage it, especially if you don't have a charger nearby—but you shouldn't do it regularly. Instead, try to charge your battery before it drops below 20% to protect its long-term health.
4. Exposing your phone to extreme temperatures
Phone batteries cannot withstand extreme temperatures, whether it is extremely hot or extremely cold. Using your phone in these conditions for extended periods of time, such as on a hot summer day or a snowy afternoon taking photos and videos, can negatively affect the battery.
This doesn't mean you should avoid using your phone in extreme conditions. But you should definitely avoid leaving it on a hot car dashboard, near a heater, or outside in the cold for long periods of time when it's not needed.
3. Using unapproved chargers, cables or spare batteries
Most smartphone manufacturers no longer include chargers in the box, so you have to buy your own. While it may be tempting to buy the cheapest charger or cable online, using uncertified accessories can be risky.
Likewise, not all charging cables are created equal. Just because a cable fits your phone doesn't mean it will deliver the right amount of power. Some USB-C cables can support fast charging at speeds of up to 60W or more, while others can only max out at 2.5W. This incompatibility can cause your phone to charge slowly and even put stress on your battery due to an unstable power supply.
The same is true for power banks. If you are using a low-quality power bank or the wrong cable, you are putting your phone at risk.
2. Using the phone too much while charging
Using your phone while it's charging isn't necessarily a bad thing, as long as you're using a good, certified charger. Modern smartphones are also designed to intelligently manage the current to prevent battery damage during use.
Using your phone while it's charging isn't a good idea either if you're trying to charge it quickly. This is because your phone will automatically slow down its charging speed while you're using it.
1. Not updating your phone to the latest version
Updating your phone's software isn't just about adding new features. Both Android and iOS regularly release updates that include battery optimizations, performance improvements, and smarter background task management.
Skipping these updates can cause your phone to run less efficiently, which can cause your battery to drain faster. This can lead to more frequent charging and, over time, more full charge cycles. Since lithium-ion batteries naturally wear out with each cycle, this can add up.
The truth is, no phone battery lasts forever. But how you use and care for your battery can make a big difference in how long it lasts. Using the right charger, enabling battery protection features, and following a few smart habits can go a long way. And when your battery starts to get weak, your phone will often give you clear signs that it's time to replace it.