Android smartphones keep getting better all the time, delivering features like larger displays, powerful AI features, faster 4G and 5G connectivity, and richer gaming experiences. But one thing may feel like it hasn’t advanced as quickly – how long your battery lasts on a single charge.
That’s especially the case after you’ve owned the phone for a couple of years. However, it is possible to extend the lifespan of your phone to enjoy years of reliable use. It simply requires following a few good habits.
TCL offers some suggestions about how you can keep your Android smartphone’s battery in good health.
- Use the official power adaptor
The best adaptor for your smartphone is the one provided by the company that made it. Other power adaptors and chargers can charge slowly or not at all. They may also damage your phone or battery, especially some of the cheaper offerings on the market.
- Keep it cool
Heat is one of the biggest killers of long-term battery health, stressing the battery and causing it to lose capacity far quicker. Avoid situations where your phone can overheat, like leaving it in your car on a hot day or next to a heater. Your battery drains much faster when it’s hot, which can cause damage.
- Hit the sweet spot for charging
Older batteries had a “memory effect,” where charging them before they were fully drained made them lose some of their maximum capacity over time. That is not the case with today’s batteries. With a modern Android smartphone, it is recommended to keep battery life between 20% and 80% when possible. This will be better for the health of your battery.
- Don’t plug your phone in overnight
Charging your phone overnight or leaving it plugged in after 100 % keeps the battery warm and may degrade its lifespan. Some smartphones may have battery protection or charging optimisation features to stop your phone from charging when the battery is full. But this feature might not be present in lower cost or older phones.
- Don’t overuse fast charging
Fast charging is helpful and convenient when you’re in a hurry. But if you’re not in a rush, normal charging is gentler on your battery. Fast charging increases the heat and stress, which can harm your battery’s health when overused.
- Keep charging ports clean
A good smartphone will be designed with durable ports, but keeping your port and cable clean will help ensure stable charging.
- Store with care if not using your phone
If you plan to store a phone for weeks or months, keep the battery at about 40-50% rather than full or empty.
- Update your software regularly
Android updates often include bug fixes and power-management improvements that can reduce unnecessary drain.
- Use apps to track battery life and usage
You can find a range of useful apps on the Google Play store that can help you track and manage your smartphone battery’s health. Some features you can find in these apps are utilities to monitor your battery’s health, performance, charging, and temperature as well as alerts for high temperatures or reaching 100% charge. Examples include:
