Are you one of those who plug in your phone overnight, ensuring a fresh 100% battery for the day? While this routine might seem harmless, it turns out you could be doing more harm than good to your battery in the long run.

Experts warn that frequently charging your phone to 100% and leaving it plugged in can accelerate battery degradation. Chao-Yang Wang, director of the Electrochemical Engine Center at Penn State University, reveals that maintaining your battery at a high voltage for extended periods can lead to chemical aging.

Wang states that if you habitually charge your phone fully, you can expect your battery to deteriorate 10% to 15% faster over its lifespan compared to keeping it at around 90%. However, before you panic, it’s important to note that this decline is gradual. Wang reassures us that phone batteries are built to last longer than most phone features, so you may upgrade for other reasons long before battery issues arise.

So, Should You Ever Charge Your Phone to 100%?

Absolutely! While frequently charging it to the max isn't ideal, there are occasions when reaching a full charge is necessary. Wang advises that on days where you need extensive battery usage, such as for travel or important events, charging to 100% makes sense. On lazy days at home, aim for 85% or 90% to extend your battery’s lifespan.

Avoid Letting Your Battery Drop Too Low!

It's also crucial to avoid allowing your battery to hit 0%. Experts suggest recharging around the 20% mark to maintain battery health. Regular deep discharges can impair your battery's ability to hold a charge over time.

The Perfect Charging Range and Environmental Factors

For optimal longevity, keeping your charge between 20% and 80% is ideal. Wang emphasizes the importance of temperature as well; extreme heat or cold can be more damaging than reaching a full charge under normal circumstances. Be mindful of heating alerts on your phone, as they can indicate a problem.

Caution with Fast Chargers!

While fast chargers are alluring, they are best used sparingly. Datta warns that rapid charging generates heat, which can degrade the battery over time and even pose safety risks, as overheating has been linked to fires in devices. Slow and steady charging is the way to go.

Check Your Battery Health Regularly

Most smartphones provide settings to check battery health, or you could consult experts at tech stores like Apple or Samsung. If your battery health dips below 80%, it’s time to consider a replacement.

In summary, taking simple steps to manage your phone's battery can go a long way in maintaining its health throughout its lifespan – and most of these tips are easy to implement!