TLDR;
The video discusses five common mistakes people make while charging their phones, which can lead to battery degradation and other issues. It covers optimal charging levels, using appropriate chargers, managing fast charging, and avoiding high temperatures during charging. The video also provides instructions on how to enable battery protection settings on different Android and iPhone models.
- Avoid charging your phone when the battery is below 20%.
- Keep your battery charge between 20% and 80% for optimal health.
- Use good quality chargers and power banks.
- Limit the use of fast charging to when it's really needed.
- Avoid charging your phone in hot environments.
Charging Below 20% is a No-Go [0:22]
Connecting your phone to the charger when the battery level is critically low, like below 20%, puts a strain on the battery. Ideally, you should plug in your phone when the charge is between 20% and 30%. Modern batteries are designed to handle frequent, short charging cycles well, so topping up from 50% to 70% is perfectly fine. However, letting the battery drain completely to 0% can be harmful and might even prevent the phone from turning on.
The 100% Charge Myth [1:18]
Charging your phone all the way to 100% isn't the best practice. The sweet spot for battery health is between 20% and 80%. Once you cross 80%, the voltage increases, which can accelerate battery wear. Many phones have built-in settings to manage charging and prevent it from reaching 100%. The video then shows how to enable these settings on different phones.
For one Android phone, you go to settings, then battery, and enable battery protection, where you can choose between basic, adaptive, and maximum modes. Basic stops charging at 100% until it drops to 95%, adaptive learns your charging habits, and maximum lets you set a limit like 90% or 95%. On another Android phone, the process is similar, with a smart charging feature. On iPhones, you can find "Optimized Battery Charging" in the battery health settings.
Cheap Chargers are Costly in the Long Run [4:27]
Using cheap chargers and power banks can damage your phone's battery. These often lack proper voltage and current control, leading to unstable voltage. This can cause the battery to overheat, and heat is a major enemy of battery health. While a single instance might not be too harmful, repeated use of these chargers can significantly reduce your battery's lifespan.
Fast Charging: Use With Caution [4:59]
Fast charging can quickly charge your phone, but it also generates more heat. While the fast charging function itself isn't inherently harmful, the increased heat can degrade the battery over time. It's best to use fast charging only when necessary and stick to regular charging for day-to-day use. The video demonstrates how to enable or disable fast charging on different Android phones through the battery settings. iPhones automatically use fast charging with a compatible charger.
Temperature Matters: Keep it Cool [6:14]
Avoid charging your phone in hot environments, such as under a pillow or in direct sunlight. The combination of fast charging and high temperatures is particularly damaging to the battery. Keeping your phone cool while charging is crucial for maintaining its long-term health.