We all know the panic that sets in when your device’s battery icon starts flashing red – that desperate scramble for a charger and the nearest power outlet. In today’s always-connected world, ensuring our devices last through the day is a constant challenge. But fear not, there are ways to extend the life of your devices and keep them going strong.
Firstly, let’s talk about batteries themselves. The lithium-ion batteries that power our phones, laptops, and tablets degrade over time, which is why you might notice your phone holding less charge as it gets older. This degradation is a natural process, but there are ways to slow it down. Avoid extreme temperatures, as heat is a battery’s worst enemy. Don’t leave your devices in a hot car or expose them to direct sunlight for prolonged periods. Similarly, very cold temperatures can also reduce battery capacity, so try to keep your devices at room temperature as much as possible.
Another factor that affects battery health is the way we charge our devices. While it might be tempting to leave your phone plugged in overnight, this isn’t ideal for battery health. Lithium-ion batteries prefer what’s known as ‘shallow charging’. This means frequent, small top-ups are better than letting your battery drain to zero and then charging it back to 100%. So, if you can, plug in for a little boost throughout the day rather than waiting for a full recharge.
However, there is such a thing as overdoing it when it comes to charging. Keeping your device constantly plugged in, even after it reaches 100%, can also contribute to degradation. Once your device hits full charge, unplug it and let it run on battery power for a while. This small change in habit can make a big difference in the long run.
To make your battery last longer between charges, it’s also important to understand how your device uses power. Bright screens, power-hungry apps, and constant connectivity all take a toll. Adjusting your settings can help here. Reduce screen brightness, set a shorter time-out duration, and turn off location services, Bluetooth, and WiFi when you don’t need them.
The apps you use can also make a big difference. Games and apps that use location services or run in the background can quickly drain your battery. Review which apps are using the most power in your device’s settings and consider deleting any that you don’t really need.
It’s not just your phone or laptop that you can extend the life of – the same principles apply to other battery-powered devices, like wireless headphones or fitness trackers. Again, keep them away from extreme temperatures, and charge them regularly, but not to 100% all the time. Many of these devices now come with portable charging cases, which are handy for on-the-go charging and can help you avoid a last-minute scramble.
Lastly, if you’re someone who likes to stay ahead of the curve and upgrade your devices regularly, consider passing on your old ones rather than keeping them as backups. By all means, keep them charged and stored safely, but the longer a battery sits idle, the more it degrades, so it’s better to find them a new home where they’ll be used and loved.