Maximising Your iPhone's Battery Life: Best Charging Practices
In today's fast-paced world, our iPhones have become indispensable tools, serving as communication hubs, personal assistants, and entertainment centers. However, one common concern among iPhone users is battery life. With constant usage, it's crucial to optimise how we charge our devices to ensure they're always ready when needed. Here, we'll delve into the best practices for charging your iPhone to maximise its battery life and overall performance.
Understanding iPhone Battery Basics
Before diving into charging tips, it's essential to understand some basics about iPhone batteries. iPhones typically use lithium-ion batteries, which are common in many modern electronic devices. These batteries work best when kept between 20% and 80% charge, and charging them in extremes (fully depleting or fully charging) frequently can degrade battery health over time.
1. Use Official Apple Chargers and Cables
Apple recommends using genuine Apple chargers and cables for optimal performance and safety. While third-party accessories might seem convenient or cheaper, they may not deliver the intended power output, potentially affecting charging speed and battery health. Genuine Apple chargers and cables are designed specifically for iPhones, ensuring compatibility and efficient charging.
2. Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Temperature extremes can adversely affect battery life and performance. Avoid exposing your iPhone to extreme heat or cold while charging, as this can damage the battery and reduce its capacity over time. Optimal charging temperatures range between 32°F to 95°F (0°C to 35°C). If your iPhone feels excessively hot during charging, remove it from its case and let it cool down before continuing.
3. Charge in Short Bursts
Contrary to popular belief, charging your iPhone in short bursts throughout the day can be more beneficial than charging it to 100% in one go. Lithium-ion batteries prefer shallow discharge cycles, meaning it's better to top up your battery whenever convenient rather than waiting for it to drain completely. This practice helps maintain battery health by reducing stress on the battery cells.
4. Enable Optimised Battery Charging
iOS includes a feature called "Optimised Battery Charging," which learns your daily charging routine and waits to finish charging past 80% until you need to use your iPhone. This feature helps reduce battery aging caused by overcharging, as it minimises the time your iPhone spends at maximum charge capacity. To enable Optimised Battery Charging, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health and toggle the switch.
5. Remove Your iPhone from Charging at 100%
Leaving your iPhone plugged in after it reaches 100% charge can degrade battery health over time. Once your iPhone reaches full charge, unplug it from the charger to prevent overcharging. If you need to leave it plugged in overnight, consider using a smart plug or timer to automatically cut power to the charger once your iPhone is fully charged.
Maximising your iPhone's battery life involves adopting smart charging practices and being mindful of how you use and charge your device. By following these tips, you can prolong your iPhone's battery health, ensuring it remains reliable and ready to use whenever you need it. Remember to use genuine Apple chargers and cables, avoid extreme temperatures, charge in short bursts, enable Optimised Battery Charging, and unplug your iPhone once it reaches full charge. With these practices in place, you can enjoy longer battery life and better overall performance from your iPhone.
